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.…
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…
First woman-owned non-dairy frozen dessert shop in the state opens in Wyoming Park
Kalene McElveen is doing more than bringing delicious desserts to Wyoming Park. She's helping revitalize a neighborhood with her Tastefull Vegan frozen dessert shop. According to a story in Rapid…
Kalamazoo’s RJ’s Printing legacy grows with new chapter and new owner
Imagine being perfectly suited to take over a well-established, highly respected small business but you must first get over two big hurdles: arrange financing worth roughly a half-million dollars and…
Four Leaf Brewing rolls out the ‘Full Barrel’
Amy Shindorf and the crew at Four Leaf Brewing know how to do things in style. Check out the coverage of their Tap Trailer Beer Christening in the Mount Pleasant…
State budget includes $19M for CDFIs
Mark Sanchez of Crain's Grand Rapids Business covered the state budget allocation for Michigan CDFIs in this story. Lawmakers allocated the funding in a budget for the state’s 2024 fiscal…
Paddles and Pedals Success Story
The MEDC and Northern Initiatives get a lot of credit from Paddles & Pedals in this article, but their success is definitely tied to their passion. Patrick and Margie Boyd…
