Venture North Funding & Development

We’re excited to share our 2024 Annual Report, reflecting on a year full of success, growth and resilience: our own but, more importantly, of the small businesses we’ve been privileged to serve. As ever, we know the numbers are only as interesting as the stories and milestones behind them, so we were sure to include links to these in the report as well. As we begin to make our way through 2025, we’re committed to continuing our support of local businesses, helping them thrive, and creating more opportunities for success and prosperity for entrepreneurs who need it most in the coming year. Take a moment to explore the report and let us know how we can work together to drive even more positive change in the year ahead: https://lnkd.in/dfACxJDY

As we wrap up the first month of the new year, we're looking back at the client stories of last year that seemed to draw the most interest from our wonderful and varied community. These 5 very different client stories range from seasoned business owners looking to expand to start-ups interested in taking advantage of cutting-edge innovation. One thing is certain: they all showcase entrepreneurs who worked hard to turn their business dreams into reality. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, there's something here for everyone. If you missed them the first time, now’s your chance to catch up and get some fresh inspiration! https://lnkd.in/gk7sDsiz

We were so excited to have Nora Balgoyen, our funder/friend from ITC, join us for a visit to one of our favorite clients, Northern Elderberry! It was such a special opportunity for Nora to see firsthand where the contributions from ITC are making a real impact. At the heart of everything we do is the desire to connect the "why" with the "how" — to bring together the vision of empowering small businesses with the practical support that helps them grow and thrive. Seeing the amazing work happening at Northern Elderberry truly underscores the power of partnership and why these connections matter so much. We're constantly inspired by the incredible clients we work with, and this visit reminded us of how lucky we are to partner with organizations who share our commitment to equity in small business funding and creating healthy, thriving small business communities here in Northwest Michigan. #smallbusinesssupport #AffordableLoans #AffordableLending #EquityInBusiness #NWMI

We’re thrilled to announce that Bill Byrne, VP of Financial Planning and Analysis at Hagerty, has stepped into the role of Secretary/Treasurer on the Venture North Funding and Development Board for 2025! A true asset to both Hagerty and the northern Michigan business community, Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience will continue to make a huge impact on Venture North’s mission to support small businesses. Thank you and congrats, Bill! Your dedication is truly inspiring! #VentureNorth #Leadership #SmallBusinessSupport #TraverseCity #Nonprofitlending #CDFI

Have you ever wondered how you can foster and benefit from energy efficiency and renewable energy growth? Learn from fellow business leaders and USDA professionals how your small business or farm can access federal funding aimed at helping rural America finance a clean energy transition. Register today!

This Week Only: Apply for Small Business Grants in Northwest Michigan! In partnership with Venture North, 20Fathoms is offering $72,000 in small business grants — but the deadline to apply is this week! ? 20 Fathoms is awarding 16 grants of up to $4,500 each to innovative startups in Northwest Michigan, and we want to help your business grow! Eligibility: Your business must be based in one of these counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, or Wexford. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented entrepreneurs — women, BIPOC, Native Americans, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. Deadline to apply: January 18, 2025 (This Friday!) Apply NOW: 20Fathoms.org/apply Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to grow your business! Funding made possible through partnership with 20Fathoms, Michigan SBDC, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Traverse Connect, and Venture North. #VentureNorth #SmallBusinessGrants #NorthwestMichigan

From a basement hobby to a thriving business! The latest issue of Northern Lights shares how two northwest Michigan small businesses are turning their passions into success stories—thanks in part to support from Venture North. We provide low-interest financing, no-cost consulting, and additional supports to small businesses that often struggle to access traditional funding. It’s part of our mission to help underserved entrepreneurs in rural areas build and grow their businesses. Check out how we're making a difference for local business owners ?? https://lnkd.in/gTDNYFpC

Small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs: take note of this fantastic (and FREE) opportunity to get top-notch advice - no appointment needed! Spread the word!

Thank you, Michigan CDFI Coalition, for the always-wonderful opportunity to meet with other CDFIs: share notes, gain inspiration and make plans to continue our missions in 2025.

We're trying! And we're grateful for the hard work of others - like 20Fathoms - doing the same.