Childcare is not a family issue, but a workforce issue. Members of the MI CDFI Coalition showcase how investing in quality, affordable childcare and early childhood education positively impacts the…

A panel of judges selected Northern Initiatives’ solution for its readiness, well-developed pilot plan, and broad applicability across the industry Washington, D.C.—Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) announced Northern Initiatives as the winner of…

MUSKEGON — The Business Equity Initiative Fund, at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, has awarded $40,000 in grants to women business owners. The fund has been established to support…

From the White Lake Beacon: MUSKEGON — Women entrepreneurs in Muskegon County can now apply for grants designed to help their businesses grow and thrive. The Business Equity Initiative (BEI)…

Happy Holidays 2025! We've asked our customers to share some of their best holiday gift ideas. We'll be adding to it all season! Great Lakes Tinned Fish introduced its Smoked…

Creating jobs is only part of the story — ensuring those jobs are good is what drives thriving communities. In “Integrating a Job Quality Practice in Community Development Financial Institutions…

After we sent a press release about the cuts to the Minority Business Development Agency and the funds we were using to provide integral assistance to Michigan entrepreneurs, several news…

News Release For Immediate Release April 28, 2025 Socially and economically disadvantaged Michigan-based entrepreneurs and small businesses to be hurt by federal cuts Nearly $2 million cut from Northern Initiatives…

Gene and Patty Hansen first opened Traverse City Guitar Co. “basically in a closet” and needed some money to stock the (tiny) shelves. It was shortly after Gene finished 20…

This story in Rural Innovation gives a good glimpse into the roots of Northern Initiatives. We dove into the history to celebrate our 30th anniversary and it was fascinating. Our…