Venture North Funding & Development

07/10/2026

Fresh dough. Big dreams. Strong community.

Elberta Pizza Co. is proving that small businesses can make a big impact. From earning local accolades to expanding into catering and community events, Bryan and Desiree Fast are building something truly special in Benzie County.

Their inspiring story is featured on our website where you'll also see stories of other northwest Michiganders realizing their small business dreams. We hope you'll take a few minutes to read it and celebrate another incredible Northwest Michigan entrepreneur!

07/09/2026

What does a $50,000 grant mean for northwest Michigan?

It means more entrepreneurs will have access to affordable financing when traditional lending isn't an option.

It means more business owners can receive no-cost technical assistance to help navigate growth, cash flow and long-term success.

And ultimately, it means stronger local businesses and stronger communities.

We're honored to receive continued support from the DTE Energy Foundation as we work to expand opportunity throughout northwest Michigan.

Together, we're helping small businesses thrive.

Read more:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62602b170e91866e463a8fdb/t/6a4ff6828a6db009f4bd179b/1783625347056/DTE-Energy-Foundation-Grant-NR-2026.pdf

06/09/2026

Exciting things -- and such admirable milestones - for a wonderful business we've been lucky to work with. Stop by and say hi when you're in the area!

06/09/2026

“As a CDFI, we’re really there to help when a bank says, ‘no’ or ‘you’re not ready yet." Laura Galbraith, Venture North president.

Thank you to journalist Sarah Sphon for helping shine some light on the important role CDFIs can play in small business and community development in northwest Michigan and beyond!

When big bank mergers and disappearing local branches leave rural towns with limited financial options, who steps in to keep the local economy moving?

Enter Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

Far more than just traditional lenders, organizations like Venture North and Michigan Community Capital are bridging the gap across Northern Michigan by providing resources where traditional banks see too much risk. Instead of just focusing on strict collateral requirements, they are fueling regional progress exactly where it counts:

🔹 Supporting Small Businesses: Offering flexible, low-interest loans paired with free business coaching, marketing strategy, and financial forecasting.

🔹 Funding Affordable Housing: Helping local developers navigate complex tax incentives, grants, and Brownfield plans to make housing projects financially feasible.

🔹 Strengthening Local Talent: Collaborating with schools to align educational pathways with the real-world skills regional employers actively need.

By providing capital with plenty of technical support and zero judgment, CDFIs are ensuring that rural entrepreneurs and smaller villages have the tools they need to thrive.

Read the full deep dive on how these institutions are quietly powering Northern Michigan at the link in our comments. 👇

05/28/2026

Growing businesses = stronger, safer, healthier communities.

Our newest Northern Lights story highlights two incredible Venture North clients making an impact in northern Michigan:
WarBird Protection Group is expanding manufacturing operations in Kalkaska — with plans to create more than 100 jobs.�
Jessica Horness and Traverse Well Being is building a community-centered space for mental health and healing in Traverse City.

We’re proud to support entrepreneurs who are investing in both their businesses and their communities.

Read the full story on our website today: https://www.venturenorthfunding.org/northern-lights-may-2026

05/27/2026

At Venture North, we love celebrating businesses that are building more than strong customer bases...they’re building strong teams, healthy workplaces, and thoughtful plans for long-term sustainability, too.

Golden Swan Management, a growing Northwest Michigan vacation rental company, recently expanded into a new headquarters and in-house laundry facility. The move helps streamline operations and reduce costs while positioning the company for continued growth.

Just as important? Owner Katy Bertodatto remains deeply committed to fostering a people-first culture that benefits employees, guests, and the broader Northwest Michigan community alike.

We’re proud to share more about Golden Swan’s story, expansion, and continued impact in the Client News section of our website. Read more at the link below!

Northern Michigan Property Management Team Supports Team, Clients, Communities with Venture North Funding

05/06/2026

Northern Michigan Flood Relief Fund

The Paul Bunyan Chapter of the Michigan Credit Union League credit unions joined together to create the Northern Michigan Flood Relief Fund: a coalition-backed micro-grant program designed to provide direct financial relief ($500 grants) to CU members in need. Applications due by 5:00 p.m. this Friday, May 8th.

bank, banking, credit union, members, membership, traverse city, mobile banking, online banking, online bill pay, loans, lending, student accounts, savings, checking, debit card, credit card, mortgages, home equity, auto loans, boat loans, line of credit, newsletter

04/30/2026

Local businesses don’t just grow — they bolster industries and strengthen entire communities.

Our latest client story highlights beloved Benjamin Twiggs - The Original Cherry Store’s relocation/expansion in downtown Traverse City and their continued family-driven commitment to supporting Michigan cherry growers.

This is what investing in small business looks like.

Read more (and see how you can support these investments): https://www.venturenorthfunding.org/customer-stories-news/customer-stories-testimonials/benjamin-twiggs

04/21/2026

Happening THIS Wednesday!

If you’re starting a business — or thinking about it — this free workshop is for you:
Bootstrapped to Bankable�
April 22, 4–7 PM�
Traverse City

Join Venture North, Huntington Bank, and partners during Northern Michigan Startup Week for a hands-on session all about building strong banking relationships and finding the right funding for your business.

* Learn what lenders look for
* Explore financing options (including CDFIs!)
* Walk away with practical next steps
* Plus—light food & great conversation.

Spots are still open, but not for long! Save your spot today:
https://www.venturenorthfunding.org/events/bootstrapped

04/13/2026

An exciting in-person event designed to explore opportunities and resources tailored for rural entrepreneurs! This Friday - FREE!

Are you an entrepreneur seeking capital for your small business? Then don't miss this event on April 17! Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sba-northern-lower-peninsula-rural-capital-quest-tickets-1985374187640