Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

Suipi’s East End Eatery

Battle Creek, Michigan
Za Nei Thuai knows her gift is feeding people. “God gave me the talent to cook,” says the 49-year-old Burmese refugee known as Suipi (Swee-Pee).…
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Yummy Delights on the Lakeshore

Muskegon, Michigan
If you need another example of how business ownership builds generational wealth, there’s one happening in Muskegon. Mari Romero owns Yummy Delights by the Lakeshore,…
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Dabney & Co.

Kalamazoo, Michigan
For years, Daniel May has been a driving force behind community celebrations in Kalamazoo, including a Juneteenth bar crawl that left an indelible mark on…
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Four Leaf Brewing

Clare, Michigan
The whistle of trains mixes with the clop-clop of horses pulling buggies in downtown Clare. Outside of Four Leaf Brewing, it also mixes with the…
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RJ’s Printing

Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sean Hollins knows all too well the challenges of being a Black business owner – the search for funding, the wealth disparities, the lack of…
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All Success Stories

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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Beechwood Café
Roscommon, Michigan
“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.”…
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Little Black Rake
Gladwin, Michigan
“(Northern Initiatives) has been so much better than any other lending institution.” - Dave Moore, Little Black Rake Mary Moore just wanted to continue selling…
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Mosley School of Cosmetology
Grand Rapids, Michigan
“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.” –…
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The Only Cannoli
Muskegon, Michigan
“You have a dream and you think you know how to make that dream come true, but it’s so wonderful to have the resources available.…
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Five Pillars Farm
Eau Claire, Michigan
  Sherman Reed has always been a thorough researcher, so when his research pointed him to Northern Initiatives, he researched some more and surprised even…
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Tip’N The Mitten
Grayling, Michigan
A chance to give back to the community popped up during the summer of 2020 when another downtown business owner announced he was ready to…
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PM Power Group
White Pine, Michigan
“Northern Initiatives told us, 'It's an honor. We've got faith in you.' That means a lot.” Zach Halkola, COO, PM Power Group Zach Halkola remembers…
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Ragsdale Home Furnishings
Battle Creek, Michigan
"I started my business using credit cards to purchase inventory and equipment. At the time, I didn't know groups like Northern Initiatives were out there…
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