Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

A | M Floral and Gifts

Newaygo, Michigan
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.…
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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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All Success Stories

Tap 21
Manistique, Michigan
"Northern Initiatives has provided marketing strategies and is helping me build a website. All of that will enhance my business.” - Tiffany Gault, owner   …
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Jacquart Fabric Products
Ironwood, Michigan
"I am a significantly different person and businessman because of my relationship with Northern Initiatives. They have always been there for me, and have been…
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Polished Nail Boutique
Traverse City, Michigan
"From an early age, I heard my father and grandfather talk about how important it was to 'be their own boss.' They each created good…
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Advanced Blending Solutions
Wallace, Michigan
  "Through their support, Northern Initiatives has become part of the ABS team. We are building and growing a world class manufacturing center in the…
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Four Leaf Brewing Company
Clare, Michigan
"[My NI business coach] was my sounding board and mentor rolled into one. Whenever I asked if I was crazy for taking this on, he…
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LifeFit BrainFit
Kingsford, Michigan
"I’ve gotten so much more than a loan. Northern Initiatives really works with businesses and they know what creates success!" - Debbie Flannery, owner of…
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Superior Stoves & Fireplaces
Marquette, Michigan
"I had no business management experience when we started the company. I learned as we went, but after working with Northern Initiatives, I realized there…
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1668 Winery
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
“Northern Initiatives helped pinpoint our deficiencies and provided coaching and advice that resulted in changes for the better." - Ray Bauer, owner of 1668 Winery…
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Paddle Hard Brewing
Grayling, Michigan
“Their new loan helped us move from a one-barrel system to a 10-barrel system. We hope this increased capacity will help us keep up with…
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