Kris Spaulding joins CDFI GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., Feb. 6, 2025 – Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender serving Michigan, has hired a Climate Justice and Environmental Resilience Director to create and…

Opportunity Finance Network, the leading organization for mission lenders nationwide, is featuring Flowers Automotive Recycling on its website. Ronald Flowers is building both a family legacy and a sustainable future…

Lataja Cosse started Divine Minds, Early Learning Academy in her home in 2020. The $5,000 grant from the BEI Fund is helping her buy outdoor play equipment. Click here to…

MLive has a great story about the BEI grants. Help us spread the word! MUSKEGON, MI – The Business Equity Initiative’s next round of grants for women business owners is…

Northern Initiatives offering free monthly ZingTrain courses Northern Initiatives is offering a series of free, monthly online workshops to strengthen leadership skills in managers and business owners. Hosted in partnership…

Northern Initiatives celebrated its 30th Anniversary, plus $100 million in loans, with a bunch of our friends, donors, funders, staff, board, and customers. If you missed it in real time,…

Stories in Issue Media publications highlight Northern Initiatives' work with rural entrepreneurs. "Location is vital to rural entrepreneurs. They are the most creative entrepreneurs out there,” Lanctot said. “They’re not…

U.P. residents can write a business plan; everyone can learn about business loans Two learning opportunities are available from Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender working throughout Michigan. Applying for a…

Small businesses throughout Michigan will get financing, technical assistance MARQUETTE, MICH.  – Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender, has been awarded $250,000 to help entrepreneurs throughout Michigan become more climate resilient.…

The Candied Yam, Grand Rapids The Candied Yam in Grand Rapids and Slap Shot Sandwiches in Negaunee have been in the news. The Candied Yam and owner  Jessica Tyson were…