Amy McKinley has run businesses before and even has a degree in business. But she knows enough about business to know she doesn’t know enough. When she was looking for…

Ted Linabury wrote his first business plan in high school. It was for custom rollercoasters rich people could build in their yards. The second one, in college, was for a…

  “Northern Initiatives saw the potential we saw and was the first lender who helped us ... You are the ones who made this happen.” – Javier Olvera, owner Javier…

The sweet smells of cinnamon and apples waft through a northside Battle Creek neighborhood that is traditionally one of the poorest in the state. A former grocery store has been…

Jessa Challa, CEO of Mallowfields, combines her passion for GIS with her passion for uplifting minority-owned businesses Jessa Challa is having a blast discovering places to eat, shop and hang…

“The help we’ve received from Northern Initiatives has been extremely beneficial.” – Andrew Brand, Bake Superior Bread Andrew Brand isn’t sure where his business would be without the technical assistance…

"We needed customized training to suit our business, and we were able to work with The Center – Northern Initiatives to create the appropriate content." - Jon Harry, VP of…

“I’m so happy to be working with Northern Initiatives as opposed to a big bank. There is such personal service. The relationship is so nice.” - Lisa Ballard, owner  …

“(Northern Initiatives) has been so much better than any other lending institution.” - Dave Moore, Little Black Rake Mary Moore just wanted to continue selling her favorite rake, but the…

“I want to make sure I’m dealing with people the right way. I want everyone to be successful and yet feel loved and wanted.” – Theresa Mosley, owner   When…