Northern Initiatives

Sarah Snider walks the walk at Poetess and Stranger, selling goods from companies owned by women, those in the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and other marginalized groups and creating "a unique kind of economy of mutual reverence." And she wants to make sure our needs are fulfilled. She hopes that her retail products, free offerings, and events help people answer the following questions for themselves: Who are we when our needs are met? When we are fed? Clothed? When we have an opportunity to learn? “I think each of us is astonished to discover that there are so many times when our needs are just not met. And this isn’t necessarily about poverty, either. [It’s about] how we feel when our needs are met and we don’t have to return the favor.” Learn more about this amazing business owner and her presence in Petoskey in Northern Express: https://ow.ly/Ov1450Rxcko

If all Vanessa Muniz did was sell groceries, she'd make tons of people very happy. But the owner of Tienda Mexicana El Cuñao in St. Louis, Mich., goes beyond. She helps feed the people who grow our food, but she also provides vital economic and societal links. Read her success story: https://ow.ly/2r3N50RtH63 #NotAllSuperheroesWearCapes #SomeWearScarves

Women in Entrepreneurship is May 16 in Marquette and it's free and you really want to be there! It's a whole day of celebrating and empowering female businesspeople, with lots of learning and networking, thanks to Innovate Marquette SmartZone. Three sessions, all fascinating. Register now: https://ow.ly/ELFP50RqIRu

Are you going to the inaugural Agritourism Summit in Traverse City Wednesday? It actually gets underway this evening, with tours to some pretty spectacular farms. Our own Chris Wendel will be talking about food and farming financing you might not have thought about, or even known about. Come and learn from the best. https://ow.ly/x3r650RsNLp

It's one thing to say small businesses uplift communities, but it's another thing to see it in action. 👋 Clare! 👋 Four Leaf Brewing! One of the reasons Clare's downtown is so fun? "This creative mindset is shared by many of Clare’s entrepreneurial business owners and is likely why they all work so well together." https://ow.ly/rpHY50Rj57v

The Cinco de Mayo celebrations have already started! Celebrate with food, music, and lots more City of Battle Creek, Michigan's Festival Market Square, 3-8 p.m. Saturday. The City of Grand Rapids celebrates from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at Rosa Parks Circle. There's probably a celebration near you!

Please join us at the Goei Center this afternoon to learn about lending, technical assistance, and other resources. But really, we want to learn about you and your business. Look for Northern Initiatives come talk to us, and get some sweet pens, too!

Join us in celebrating the driving force behind Michigan's business landscape! It's important to support small businesses not just this week, but every week! Many MI CDFI Coalition members provide small and micro business loans and collectively lend statewide. Which Michigan Small Business are you supporting this week? Let us know in the comments! #SmallBusinessWeek #MichiganBusiness #MICDFI

#Muskegon women, have you applied yet? Deadline is May 10. Grants of $1,000-$5,000 can be used for rent/lease, utilities, equipment, marketing, inventory/supplies, furniture/fixtures, licenses/permits, etc. APPLY NOW: https://buff.ly/3W3h5gm

West Michigan entrepreneurs, this is a GREAT event and a great way to celebrate #SmallBusinessWeek. Come see us at the Goei Center, Thursday, all afternoon! We can't wait to hear about your business and figure out ways to make it even more successful.