Support these wonderful small businesses this giving season
This year, skip the big box stores and discover unique, thoughtfully crafted gifts from small businesses across Michigan. Northern Initiatives’ customers are the most creative and hardest working entrepreneurs around who pour heart and soul into their small businesses.Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, supporting these small businesses keeps Michigan’s local economy strong—and brings you closer to the people and places that make our state extraordinary.
Blossom Bird Collectibles
Your favorite bubble tea shop is also your favorite shop for kawaii, weird, and fun collectible toys often created by artists from around the world.
Blossom Bird Bubble Tea, Marquette, Michigan
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Delicious Allergen-Free Granola
Don’t be fooled by the name – Tiger Nut Granola is nut-free and a superfood! When Kalene McElveen of Tastefull Vegan discovered Spera Foods’ granola, she quickly became an advocate and partner, and now it’s available to order, along with her frozen treats.
Tastefull Vegan, Wyoming, Mich.
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Your Chickens Want This
This is a Kritter Krib, built by Ben Logan, owner of Americana Manufacturing, and it’s in his backyard. But it could be yours, too! This the dream coop; there are other models available for more modest chickens.
Kritter Kribs, Lapeer, Michigan
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Gifting Shouldn’t Stink
Looking for a gift that doesn’t smell like every other gift? The Aroma Labs creates branded scent boxes tailored to your budget that’ll have your people saying, “Wow, this really doesn’t smell like a fruit basket.” Choose unique scents, add a personal touch, and make it memorable—because gifting shouldn’t stink!
The Aroma Labs, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Chicago
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Gorgeous Bags that Save the Planet
Public Thread takes sustainability seriously, sourcing textiles from manufacturers and turning them into gorgeous upcycled bags, while keeping textiles out of landfills the whole time.
Public Thread, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Support Michigan Entrepreneurs
Give a gift to Northern Initiatives and help entrepreneurs around the state! Your donation helps us offer cohorts, administer grants to small businesses, and provide capital – among many other things. Donate to your favorite mission lender!
Northern Initiatives, Michigan
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New Life
Want to give your furniture fresh life? Or maybe have something completely different? Refound Glory in Mount Pleasant is here for you! They can repurpose furniture into something new – think an old piano is now a wine and cocktail bar. Really!
Refound Glory, Mount Pleasant
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Oh man, this coffee!
Irma Boyd brings more than a taste of her native Finland to the Keweenaw – she brings it to all of us. This cardamon coffee starts the day off right, but be like a real Scandinavian and drink it all day long!
Nisu Bakery and Cafe, Hancock, Michigan
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More Than Flowers
Amy McKinley is all about the flowers, but her stores also include charming gifts for any occasion. New baby? Flowers + toys. Graduation? Flowers + decorations. Thank-yous? Flowers + sweet bowls. Browse and be inspired!
A | M Floral and Gifts, Newaygo and Fremont, Michigan
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Chew on this View
On the shores of what used to be an inhabitable lake, there’s co-op housing, a preschool, a teaching kitchen, and some of the best food around. Nobo is open 6 days a week, with coffee from Higher Grounds, food from Juicy Oistre, and craft cocktails. And oh, what a view.
Nobo Riverside Food and Drink
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Thrifting for Good
Jean Kowalski, owner of Ana’s Treasures in West Branch and Standish, isn’t in business to make money. Proceeds from Ana’s Treasures two shops go to help foster families with financial hardships that come from taking in foster children.
Ana’s Treasures, West Branch and Standish, Michigan
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Get in My Belly
Mitts 2 Pits is new to the Battle Creek restaurant scene, but the Jacksons certainly aren’t new to making delicious food. And now they have a storefront in downtown Battle Creek, so make sure to stop in for some BBQ and much more.
Mitts 2 Pits, Battle Creek, Michigan
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Close to Heaven in the Keweenaw
Stay at the Brockway Inn in Copper Harbor and enjoy the night skies, Lake Superior, and a charming independently owned motel.
Brockway Inn, Copper Harbor
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One Day or Day One?
Charity Christine knew she had a good idea, and everybody else agreed. After winning Start Garden’s Demo Day in 2023, she opened her (first) location, with suites for personal care businesses to rent, beginning with one-day rentals and going all the way to forever. It’s so popular, she’s already opened a second location and it’s almost full too!
Charity Christine Suites, Grand Rapids
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Yes, please
