Northern Initiatives

We’re excited to see you in Ironwood! RSVP now! (Did you see the part about dinner?)

Western U.P. small businesses, startups, and employers, we hope to see you NEXT WEEK for the Gogebic Business Forum! 🚨

This FREE event features representatives from the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce, Northern Initiatives, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Invest UP, Michigan SBDC, Gogebic Community College, WUPPDR, City of Ironwood, Michigan - Government, and U.P. Michigan Works! who are ready to chat with you about your business development and growth needs. This event connects employers with workforce solutions, training partners, and regional leaders to help grow their talent, strengthen/grow their business, and shape the future of the local economy.

A free dinner will be provided to attendees! Sign up here:
https://bit.ly/43gjw1u

Mitts 2 Pits Catering LLC is at it again, making hearts sing!

"When one of Marshall's favorite Fourth of July traditions was in danger, the Battle Creek catering team stepped up to save the day. With no vendor lined up for the annual chicken dinner just days before the beloved Circle Concert, Mitts 2 Pits Catering accepted the challenge. Some wondered if they could handle a crowd that size.

"By the end of the evening, they were still serving meals — and the people couldn't stop raving about the food.

"Sometimes the best food stories aren't about restaurants — they're about neighbors coming together to keep a hometown tradition alive." ❤️

Read all about how Mitts 2 Pits Rocks Marshall's Fourth of July Concert with Epic Performance! https://bit.ly/3TvXFRK

Rural communities often have a lack of access to capital due to larger banks being present, recent bank mergers, and community banks going away. That's where CDFIs can fill the gap. Schools, housing, cherries — we help when banks can't.

Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth – Common Ground Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the gap by providing crucial capital, workshops, and referrals to rural communities — funding affordable housing, high-quality education, and community d...