Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

Millie’s Farms

Newaygo, Michigan
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…
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Buck’s Port Hope Diner

Port Hope, Michigan
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…
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Americana Manufacturing

Lapeer, Michigan
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…
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2024 Gift Guide

All Over Michigan
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…
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Cannas Capital

Muskegon, Michigan
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…
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All Success Stories

Cannas Capital
Muskegon, Michigan
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…
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Myconaut
Marquette, Michigan
 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…
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Chalets offer shopping and valuable experience
Leiko Bergers, left, works with Northern Initiatives Business Coach Cailin Kelly Leiko Bergers has always shared her energy and “retail can…
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Working on Job Quality
West Michigan
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…
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Tienda Mexicana El Cuñao
St. Louis, MIchigan
The workers who grow our food need food. Vanessa Muniz makes sure they get what they need – and it goes well beyond food. Her…
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Hiawatha Log Homes
Wetmore, Michigan
‘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…
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Wormie’s
Alto, MIchigan
Luis Chen-Aguilera turns compost at Wormie's Luis Chen-Aguilera is turning Kent County’s food and yard waste into fertile soil, with the…
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Flowers Automotive Recyclers
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Ronald Flowers is using his business to save the planet, as well as create a family legacy. Ronald Flowers talks about…
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2023 Gift Guide
One of the best things about supporting small businesses is we know exactly where to shop - and now, so do you!   🧡Aaahhh🧡 Float…
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