Resources for Businesses
Northern Shores Community Development, Inc. (NSCD) – www.nscdi.org – 231.347.6753
This is a nonprofit, Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), serving Michigan residents. LTBB was directly involved in the startup of this company, and their programs include: small business loans & micro loans, artisan loans, energy efficient appliance loans, and FARM loans.
Other services offered: business startup assistance; business counseling; technical assistance; training; and business incubation.
Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) – www.northernlakes.net – 231.582.6482
This is a public/private nonprofit organization, focusing on helping businesses and their local communities. Their service area is specific to businesses located within Charlevoix, Antrim, and Cheboygan counties, but they have many resources available on their website that are able to be viewed by the public.
Services offered: connecting individuals with resources for business startup; business growth, attraction, and retention; and community development.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – www.michiganbusiness.org – 888.522.0103
This organization has several resources for businesses – whether that be for startups, expansions, assistance for current operations, relocation options, finding strategic partners, etc. They also have a page dedicated solely to resources for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: www.michiganbusiness.org/covid19/. Another page within the MEDC website is their Tribal Partners page: www.michiganbusiness.org/about-medc/tribal-partners/. This talks about MEDC’s Tribal Business Development Strategy, highlights grant and funding opportunities, and has links to many other resources for Native Americans.