Northern Initiatives - Battle Creek

09/04/2026

Wonderful news for two of our Upper Peninsula businesses! Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development - MDARD announced its 2026 grants supporting Michigan's food, agriculture and forestry economy — and First Catch LLC and Peace Pie Company are winners! Both are expanding their facilities and production to get more of Michigan's wonderful foods into Michigan bellies — and we are all grateful.

https://ow.ly/JbeS50ZHsos

09/02/2026

Our friends at Kall Morris Inc continue to soar! They've just landed a contract with Space Force to continue cleaning up space. SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s innovation arm, selected 11 companies for a new round of public-private funding agreements aimed at moving space technologies from prototypes toward operational use. KMI's $34 million contract will fully fund the launch of their first spacecraft and demonstrate their capabilities in a commercial-ready way. We are so proud to be in KMI's orbit! 🚀🪐💫

SpaceWERX selects 11 firms to scale technologies for military space SpaceWERX selects 11 firms to scale technologies for military space

08/31/2026

Huzzah! The Michigan Renaissance Festival is happening! It's every weekend through Oct. 4 on Dixie Highway in Holly and it is time travel at its finest.

08/28/2026

We got to hang out with State Representative Betsy Coffia and get a sneak peek at Two Brothers dog park in Traverse City! It is going to be spectacular. Dani and Eric Engel have put so much thought into every single feature — and it shows. The dogs are the panel of experts, obviously, and get the deciding vote on everything.

08/26/2026

Who's dreaming of fall? COPPER PEAK is an autumn dream — and the Adventure Ride is open every Sunday! Book it! https://ow.ly/wQ4050ZFklF

08/24/2026

We're headed to the Manistee County Community Foundation Annual Meeting this week so we can update them on all the great impacts their money has had. From HVAC services to property development to employee ownership, this foundation is helping build a sturdy foundation throughout the region.

08/21/2026

The UP State Fair continues this weekend at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba and there is so much fun to be had. Saturday is Ag Day and there's always the beautiful Skerbeck Family Carnival! Schedule and more here: https://www.upstatefair.net/

08/19/2026

We're proud members of the Grand Rapids Chamber and love going to things like Thursday's Business Exchange Luncheon. It's a great way to meet entrepreneurs and also all the people supporting them. See you there!

08/17/2026

Reading through the businesses that have inhabited 78 Calhoun Street in Battle Creek is like attending a class reunion. Ciao Bella Chocolat, Mitts 2 Pits Catering LLC, Umami Ramen, Soul Good LLC, not to mention the stunning Color the Creek mural on the side of the beloved building. John Hart and Small Business Battle Creek are true entrepreneur supporters. Dreams welcome here!

78 Calhoun Street has become a launching pad for Battle Creek food entrepreneurs, providing an affordable space where startup restaurants can grow before moving on to larger, permanent locations.

08/14/2026

It's Pasty Fest weekend in Calumet! There are beautiful, delicious pasties (ketchup, gravy), truck-pulling, parades, and pasty-eating contests! How many can you eat?