Displaying items by tag: Northern Initiatives

Michigan’s craft beverage industry is facing a challenge with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic that is unlike any other in its history. 

The state plans to provide up to $2 million to a Marquette-based small business lender to increase activity across the state.

Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in consumer spending, but researchers and state officials say ongoing work is needed to understand how the industry can be used as an economic development tool.

A $500,000 grant from Wells Fargo Bank will enable Northern Initiatives to put a larger focus on diversifying its lending.

GRAND RAPIDS — When  realized it needed to add vehicles to its fleet to grow the business, founder Rich Flowers ran into some roadblocks familiar to many African American and minority entrepreneurs. 

A pair of initiatives across Southwest Michigan have a similar goal: supporting entrepreneurs starting small businesses in their respective cities and urban cores.