Venture North Funding & Development

10/22/2026

We love our clients and community partners and are thrilled when we see them being recognized for their talents and hard work!

Congratulations to all of those chosen for the Traverse City Record-Eagle's Influential Women of Northern Michigan, but a special "We see you!" to Grocer's Daughter Chocolate's Jody Hayden and Rotary Charities of Traverse City's Freya Bradford. Thank you for all you do!

Full edition: https://record-eagle-cnhi.newsmemory.com/?special=Influential%20Women

10/22/2026

Inspired by a Swedish word for serenity and a father’s enduring legacy of love, Lugn Esthetics is more than a place to unwind — it’s a business built around gratitude, connection and well-being. In our latest client story, meet owner Madison Malmstrom, who has created a peaceful, welcoming space in downtown Traverse City dedicated to skincare, relaxation and whole-body wellness. Discover the inspiration behind Lügn’s unique name, Madison’s thoughtful approach to caring for both clients and her team, and her vision for growing a business rooted in calm, connection and community.

Click the link below to read how we helped support Lügn’s growth and how this special business is bringing a little more serenity to Northern Michigan:

NW Michigan entrepreneur Madison Malmstrom creates unique Traverse City spa designed to restore radiance and peace

10/21/2026

How great is this?! Love seeing northern Michigan small business owners get a little national light shone on them! You can congratulate Leisa and her team when you stop in to celebrate their amazing 60 Year Anniversary this week: October 22 - 25th!
Food, fun and prizes -- come out and support this great Northern Michigan business!
For more info:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/62602b170e91866e463a8fdb/t/6ad8dfeff6e3677bf63e7b07/1792597999484/Benjamin+Twiggs+-+60+Years+NR.pdf

Leisa Eckerle Hankins, a fifth generation fruit farmer, marks Michigan cherry store Benjamin Twiggs’ 60th anniversary as she shares how the store supports farmers.

10/19/2026

There's still plenty of room (you can even join virtually!) in this 20Fathoms-Venture North collaborative event! This Wednesday morning, get solid advice on how to plan for funding your business -- your future self will thank you!

Join Chris Wendel of Venture North for a Breakfast Lab session on what lenders really look for, and how to position your business to get funded.

10/13/2026

Wondering what lenders look for when considering your business for funding? Join Venture North’s own Chris Wendel for a 20Fathoms Breakfast Lab to learn how to strengthen your business’s position for funding, explore available financing options, and better prepare for your next step!

+ October 22 | 9–10:30 a.m.
+ Free to attend in person or virtually!

Learn more and register:

Join Chris Wendel of Venture North for a Breakfast Lab session on what lenders really look for, and how to position your business to get funded.

10/09/2026

When Nick Olson launched Hearth Sauna, he wanted to create a place where people could relax, recharge and connect through the timeless tradition of Nordic sauna. Today, that vision is thriving, with a growing following in Traverse City and a new location in Elk Rapids!

Venture North was proud to support Nick’s entrepreneurial journey with a loan in 2024, and we love seeing how Hearth Sauna continues to grow. From expanding locations to planning custom-built saunas, Nick is finding new ways to bring wellness and connection to our region.

Join us in celebrating Nick and Hearth Sauna! Read his story on our website today: https://www.venturenorthfunding.org/customer-stories-news/customer-stories-testimonials/hearth-sauna-expansion

10/09/2026

“I had to learn to stand up for what my business deserved and to stand firm in my decisions [in dealing with vendors and in contract negotiations].” Wise words from small business owner extraordinaire and Venture North client, Courtney Lorenz, owner of Cultured Kombucha Co.!

10/08/2026

There’s a new face out in the field at Venture North!

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Rekasi to the Venture North team as our newest Small Business Lender & Coach!

Jennifer brings more than two decades of banking and lending experience, as well as a deep commitment to helping communities and small businesses thrive. And she’s already out and about, meeting entrepreneurs, building relationships and learning more about the businesses that make northern Michigan special.

In her new role, Jennifer will be focused on helping small business owners in Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties access the financing, resources and support they need to move their businesses forward.

Whether you're thinking about starting a business, looking to grow, or simply want to talk through your options, Jennifer would love to meet you!

Welcome to Venture North, Jennifer! We’re so glad you’re here.

Know a small business owner in these communities who could use some support? Help us spread the word! www.venturenorthfunding.org

10/04/2026

We’re so happy to see Jim Bardenhagen, co-head of Venture North client MI Farm Co-op, recognized in Traverse City Ticker’s 7Over70 — celebrating seven Northern Michigan leaders who are still making a difference in our communities and economy.

And Jim certainly isn’t slowing down! From growing up on his family’s centennial farm in Suttons Bay, to a career with MSU Extension, to serving as president of the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation and MI Farm Cooperative, Jim has spent decades helping farmers, businesses and communities thrive.

At Venture North, we know that entrepreneurship has no age limit. Experience, persistence and a willingness to keep moving forward can be some of an entrepreneur’s greatest assets and we’re lucky to work alongside people like Jim who embody that spirit.

Congratulations, Jim, and thank you for all you continue to do for Northern Michigan!

Read the full 7Over70 feature from The Ticker: https://www.traverseticker.com/news/traverse-citys-7over70-are-not-slowing-down/

Is 70 the new 50? Our latest 7Over70 class makes a case. From farmers to philanthropists to entrepreneurs, these seven locals are shaping the region’s economy and community. Meet TCBN’s first 7Over70 class since 2019. Jim Bardenhagen How It All Began: Bardenhagen grew up on his family’s centen...