Supporting entrepreneurs

Northern Initiatives provides money and know-how to small business owners throughout Michigan.  We support business startups, business expansions and greater empowerment for everyone living in under-invested communities. Access to capital is only part of the equation though.  Northern Initiatives provides coaching, resources and tools to help our customers achieve their goals.

30 Years of Stories ... and We're Just Getting Started

Northern Initiatives small business customers span the state; there’s no doubt one in your community, maybe even in your block. We love telling their stories – and having them help us tell ours. Watch the video!

Supporting Businesses that Support Communities

Business Lending

Need a Small Business Loan, But Can’t Get Bank Financing? We Can Help

Our lending team looks at character and cash flow. We can help your business get off the ground or continue growing with loans from $1,000 to $500,000. We even have interest-free loans for UPPCO small business customers working on energy efficiency projects.

Business Support

Resources and Coaching to Help Your Business Succeed

Starting a business takes more than just money, it takes know-how. Our team is focused on providing both so your business soars. We have tools, templates, videos and individual coaching to ensure you have what you need to succeed.

$100M

Given in small
business loans

100%

Of our loan customers receive additional business support

7,000

Total jobs created and retained by our small business loans

67%

Of our 2022 customers were startups

Our Impact

Our impact is measured through the success of our businesses and their employees. We have been able to give loans to hundreds of businesses and helped businesses create thousands of jobs, but our real success is when we see businesses across our region thrive. You can help us support that vision with a gift or ongoing partnership.

Featured Success Stories

Red Hen Food and Goods

Nisula, Michigan
In tiny Nisula, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Alison Kirksey and her neighbors were driving 45 minutes for basic groceries and supplies. With a successful food…
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Grayson Accounting Services

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Tevyn Grayson is in the business of helping businesses. He thrives on bringing people together and he especially loves bringing them together with a purpose.…
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Store in a Box

Muskegon, Michigan
Being awarded a Business Equity Initiative grant gave Tay McBride one of the most important lessons ever: How to pivot. The BEI Fund, at the…
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Storm hits hard and communities come together

When a devastating ice storm hit northern Lower Michigan at the end of March, people said the falling trees sounded like gunshots. Entire forests were…
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Mitts 2 Pits

Battle Creek, Michigan
Benny Young grew up cooking. He cooked at the church where his dad was the pastor and he cooked at home for his family of…
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