Success Stories
Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses
Featured Success Stories
Brewery Outré
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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,…
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Supermercado Mexico
Grand Rapids, Michigan
“Northern Initiatives saw the potential we saw and was the first lender who helped us ... You are the ones who made this happen.”…
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Snackwerks
Battle Creek, Michigan
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…
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Bake Superior Bread
Ironwood, Michigan
“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…
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Systems Control
Iron Mountain, Michigan
"We needed customized training to suit our business, and we were able to work with The Center – Northern Initiatives to create the appropriate content."…
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Lake Effect Associates, LLC
Traverse City, Michigan
"I needed a lending partner that understood my business model and could finance it. Because I had worked with Northern Initiatives on the tourism…
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Huron Mountain Bakery
Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan
"[Northern Initiatives’ Profit Mastery Course] was an amazing class and I’d take it again if I had the time.” - John Scheidt, owner of Huron…
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Roz’s Diner
Rosebush, Michigan
“Northern Initiatives took a chance on us. I think they recognized that no matter what, we’d make it happen.” - Chris Bair, owner Roz’s Diner,…
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Newaygo Brewing Company
Newaygo, Michigan
“Due in large measure to Northern Initiatives’ business services and early financial support, we experienced almost spontaneous success. From the moment of our soft launch,…
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Rialto Theater
Grayling, Michigan
Not only has it operated continuously for a century, the Rialto has always been owned by the Stancil family. It is probably the oldest family-run…
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Upper Peninsula Audiology
Houghton, Michigan
Since the first day, the clinic has been busy. In fact, Dr. Collard decided to postpone planning a grand opening reception until spring of 2016…
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Rare Bird Brewpub
Traverse City, Michigan
As they prepare to celebrate their first year anniversary, Rare Bird is on pace for at least 20% net growth in 2015 delighting everyone involved…
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South Arm Retreats (former known as East Jordan Motel)
East Jordan, Michigan
Although the vibe is more casual than the Ritz-Carleton, the note on the door with a phone number to “call when you arrive or if…
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Marquette Food Co-op
Marquette, Michigan
As a result of careful planning, industry experience, exceptional staff, an investment in state-of-the-art technology, and financial partnerships, the Marquette Food Cooperative is poised for…
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