Millie’s Farms
A loan to Millie’s Farms, a woman-owned family farm in Big Prairie Township near Newaygo, put Northern Initiatives over the $100 million mark in loans made since its founding 30…
Buck’s Port Hope Diner
The 217 residents of Port Hope are grateful. “Thank you for investing in our town.” “You’ve changed my business by opening yours.” “You put Port Hope on the map.” Buck’s…
Americana Manufacturing
For Ben Logan, school was often a struggle. Dyslexia made traditional learning challenging, and he spent much of his time watching cartoons in a special education classroom or sneaking into…
2024 Gift Guide
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…
Cannas Capital
Cimone Casson just wanted Martin Luther King Jr. Day off. When she asked for it, at her high-powered beauty stylist job in Chicago, and was told no, she quit. “Well,…
Myconaut
While Joe Lane, left, and Ryan Iacovacci are growing mushrooms to feed people, they’re also working to save the planet. The owners of Myconaut were awarded a grant from the…
Chalets offer shopping and valuable experience
Leiko Bergers has always shared her energy and “retail can be a good exchange of energy,” she smiles. “I used to shop with my mom, finding little treasures, so this…
Working on Job Quality
Leandra Nisbet has looked and looked, but can’t find a practical way to provide healthcare for her small business, with two full-time employees. “Until you get to 50 employees, 25…
Tienda Mexicana El Cuñao
The workers who grow our food need food. Vanessa Muniz makes sure they get what they need – and it goes well beyond food. Her store, Tienda Mexicana El Cuñao,…
Hiawatha Log Homes
‘A TimberPro on Every 40’ Hiawatha Log Homes saves energy and customers benefit Joe Esbrook’s log home was built by his dad the year Joe was born. So no, he…
