Municipal Finance in Michigan Municipal League
An article in Review, a monthly publication from the Michigan Municipal League, highlights the new Michigan CDFI Coalition. (Article starts on Page 31 or download a PDF here) Michigan CDFIs…
Suipi’s East End Eatery serving up award-winning fare in Battle Creek
Fun story about Suipi's East End Eatery in Battle Creek, owned by "Suipi, 49, who seems to have a permanent big smile [and] is a model of perseverance." In 2013…
Michigan SBDC catches up with First Catch
The Michigan SBDC loves First Catch LLC as much as we do. Check out this story: Paul Smith’s love of fishing turned into a source of income to support himself…
(From left) Ron Grzywinski, Maria Barksdale, and Mary Houghton accept the 2023 Ned Gramlich Award for responsible finance.
Northern Initiatives Board Members Receive Industry’s Highest Award
Founders of Shorebank Corp. Inspired a National CDFI Movement WASHINGTON, D.C. – Northern Initiatives board members Mary Houghton and Ron Gryzwinski received the CDFI industry’s highest honor at this year’s…
Battle Creek Food Prize
The Battle Creek Food Prize is back and we couldn't be happier! Food Prize is a food event and pitch competition held with 12 finalists at Kellogg Arena Oct. 7.…
Northern Initiatives Awarded Grant to Get Entrepreneurs Capital-Ready
Michigan’s largest CDFI will connect small business owners with resources throughout the state MARQUETTE, MICH., Oct. 10, 2023 – Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender working throughout Michigan, has been awarded…
Community foundations, nonprofit lenders blending strengths
Through our partnership with Issue Media, this story is in several publications around the state. Community foundations have found a satisfying way to invest in their communities. They’re investing in…
Nisu Bakery serving up a slice of Finnish culture
Great story in the Mining Gazette about Nisu Bakery and Cafe in Hancock. HANCOCK — “Nisu” is a traditional sweet bread made with cardamom. It’s also the name of a…
Patricia Bejarano Bredehoft, and her sons who own Cafe Rica, Jackson, left, and Tristan
BC’s Café Rica and GR’s Natural Maya inspired by native culture, supported by Northern Initiatives
This story is part of a series in Second Wave SW Michigan that uplifts equitable small businesses and its ecosystem in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Grand Rapids. On an afternoon in…
Northern Initiatives, Start Garden awarded $3 million
Grant will help underserved entrepreneurs throughout Michigan Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender, and Start Garden, a business incubator, have been awarded $3 million from the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency…
