Success Stories

Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses

Featured Success Stories

Aspidistra Naturals

Battle Creek, Michigan
Lori Olsen is delighted with one benefit of owning a business – the jump in her confidence. “I’m doing things I never thought I’d do,”…
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Smith Truck Body

Rosebush, Michigan
Curtis Smith is sure of one thing: There will always be garbage. Smith has worked nearly a decade in waste hauling and recycling. He opened…
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Blossom Bird Bubble Tea

Marquette, Michigan
Kaila and Daniel Ball, newly married during the pandemic, had dreams of something fresh, away from metro Detroit. “We had plans to move to Oregon,”…
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PM School

Escanaba, Michigan
Mary Doyen and Peg Lippens have made some pretty savvy decisions for a couple of new business owners. “We had students who were completing school…
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Sleepy Dog Books

Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Riley and Jennifer Justis had always dreamed of owning a bookstore. The pandemic gave them more time to dream. And plan. And make it happen.…
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All Success Stories

Right Away Restoration & Cleaning, LLC
Alpena, Michigan
  "[Northern Initiatives has] really been there for moral support as well, and that's valuable." - Juli Sauve, owner of Right Away Restoration & Cleaning, LLC…
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Busy Boys Home Solutions
Marquette, Michigan
  “I don’t think there’s one aspect of our business Northern Initiatives hasn’t helped us with.” – Barrett Kaib, Co-Owner of Busy Boys Home Solutions…
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Terroir Wood Studio
Boyne City, Michigan
  “Northern Initiatives met with me in my studio, provided me with the funding to expand my customer reach, and helped with web page development,…
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51st State Brewing Company
Kingsford, Michigan
  “Money is obviously a big part of starting a business, so we really appreciated Northern Initiatives’ help in that area. They also provided training…
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Ruff Life Pet Outfitters
Petoskey, Michigan
"We’re thankful for Northern Initiatives’ support in the form of working capital, but more for their guidance. They’ve helped us advance our understanding of inventory…
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Flowers by Evelyn
Gaylord, Michigan
  "I have been so blessed by Northern Initiatives. I went from literally working at a flower shop one day to owning it the next.”…
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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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