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…

The Community Development Block Grant Revolving Loan Fund is one of the best ways communities can invest in themselves. We call it the Community Business Loan Fund, just to make…

Kellee VanValkenburg, owner of Cereal City Candle Co., is featured in this SW Michigan Second Wave article. Kellee went through our Business Planning Cohort in Battle Creek in 2022. Not…

Because summertime is the best time to make improvements, we're making a push for our UPPCO Energy Loans. This commercial is airing in the U.P. The interest-free loans will help…

This CNET article is a great explanation of the work CDFIs do, and how they are different from banks. “CDFIs don’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk of…

Tastefull Vegan owner Kalene McElveen took second place in the Michigan Good Food Fund pitch contest at the Making it in Michigan event. Food businesses from across the state applied…

As part of a new partnership with Issue Media, we're getting the word out about our work to a statewide audience. This article, in SW Michigan Second Wave and Rapid…

Joy Leger, who went through Northern Initiatives' Business Planning course in Battle Creek, is launching her rollerskating business, Good Vibez. A multi-week small business course at Northern Initiatives last fall…