Northern Initiatives

Northern Initiatives We provide loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and enable the communities of Michigan to thrive.
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Northern Initiatives provides loans to small business owners and entrepreneurs that might not qualify for loans from traditional banks for a variety of reasons. Northern Initiatives wants every small business owner to have the knowledge and confidence to grow their business. That's why every one of our loans comes with complimentary access to a suite of practical trainings and tools on topics that

matter most - money, marketing, and management. Money and know-how, every business owner needs both! Northern Initiatives is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Look at this! Mitts 2 Pits Catering LLC has a brand-new location, right in the thick of things on Michigan Ave. in Battl...
06/01/2026

Look at this! Mitts 2 Pits Catering LLC has a brand-new location, right in the thick of things on Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek! The ribbon-cutting is at 10 a.m., and the food is already cooking! Celebrate these wonderful chef-entrepreneurs at their bright new shop!

Happy Graduation Day to our Business Plan Cohort in Battle Creek. That means it's Pitch Night, too, so good luck everyon...
05/28/2026

Happy Graduation Day to our Business Plan Cohort in Battle Creek. That means it's Pitch Night, too, so good luck everyone! You've got this. We're already taking applications for the cohort that starts in August, so if you're a Battle Creek entrepreneur, check it out! https://northerninitiatives.org/getconnected/

EXCITING news! Three of our beloved customers won American Express Main Street America grants! Congratulations Sleepy Do...
05/26/2026

EXCITING news! Three of our beloved customers won American Express Main Street America grants! Congratulations Sleepy Dog Books in Mount Pleasant, J.bird Provisions in Charlevoix, and Common Threads Workshop Deva by Cammy in Manistee!

Remember the Small Business Saturday giving pledge? That's where the money comes from, plus a huge infusion from American Express because they know the power of small businesses! These three have wonderful, community-minded plans for responsible growth - and now they have the capital. We are so excited to see what happens next.

We had a great time hanging out at Grayson Accounting Service for a morning of Kalamazoo networking. It is so fascinatin...
05/22/2026

We had a great time hanging out at Grayson Accounting Service for a morning of Kalamazoo networking. It is so fascinating to listen to entrepreneurs talk amongst themselves - solving problems, introducing ideas, encouraging each other. Thanks for showing up and congrats to Ted on winning that sweet Northern Initiatives water bottle! Conger Insurance Agency Brewery Outré

Nicole Hart's journey to entrepreneurship started rather terrifyingly, with a life-threatening health condition. She fou...
05/20/2026

Nicole Hart's journey to entrepreneurship started rather terrifyingly, with a life-threatening health condition. She found healing - and passion and purposed - in broccoli microgreens. “God told me, ‘I gave you the tools to heal, and now it’s time to share those with others,” she told Second Wave Media She got a nudge to sell her microgreens, which led to Sprout, the Michigan SBDC, the MSU Product Center - and Northern Initiatives! Hart graduated from our Business Plan Cohort and there's no stopping her now. Read the story here: https://ow.ly/5GWu50YZuFo

We were honored to host Northern Initiatives’ very first Partner Appreciation Luncheon – a celebration of the partners a...
05/18/2026

We were honored to host Northern Initiatives’ very first Partner Appreciation Luncheon – a celebration of the partners and supporters who help make opportunity possible.

As a CDFI, our mission goes beyond lending. Together, we’re expanding access to capital, supporting entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing, and helping build stronger, more resilient communities across Michigan.

This gathering brought that impact to life.

From hearing directly from inspiring Northern Initiatives clients like Everbloom Montessori, The Candied Yam, and Urban Apparel, to reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved together, the afternoon was a powerful reminder that your support is creating real change — fueling businesses, generating jobs, and opening doors for people and communities to thrive.

A highlight of the day was capturing this moment with our leadership team and the incredible clients whose stories exemplify what’s possible when access meets opportunity.

Thank you for being part of this work and for helping us level the playing field for small business owners across our region.

We are LOVING our classroom in our new Battle Creek home! There's wonderful technology, space to spread out, and a kitch...
05/15/2026

We are LOVING our classroom in our new Battle Creek home! There's wonderful technology, space to spread out, and a kitchen right nearby! Last week we had Evelyn Saye of Saye and Associates, LLC working with our Business Planning Cohort, explaining balance sheets, profits and liabilities, taxes, and all that other really fun stuff! We're already taking applications for our August cohort; these classes are hugely popular!

Hello PDX! We're at the Inclusiv Annual Conference, talking to people who are passionate about financial empowerment. Lo...
05/13/2026

Hello PDX! We're at the Inclusiv Annual Conference, talking to people who are passionate about financial empowerment. Look for this sweet booth, say hi to Chris, and learn about all the wonderful resources in Initiate that are empowering entrepreneurs all over the country!

Address

101 W. Washington Street , Suite 9
Marquette, MI
49855

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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