Register for the next Catalyst Conversation!

Join us for a session exploring solutions to the growing challenges of a shrinking working-age population and increasing staff shortages in northern Michigan. Learn practical strategies to ensure your organization attracts and retains the talent needed to succeed. Hear real-world examples from employers, including Abe Manthei of the Manthei Group, Ryan Schultz of Mr. Chain, and Rena Dam of Global Detroit, who have successfully built new talent pipelines and workforce resources. Light refreshments will be provided. To sponsor this event or future ones, please contact Sam Bailey at sam@thenlea.com. More speakers will be announced soon!

NLEA Out 'N' About

This month, our team has been busy meeting with stakeholders across northern Michigan. The NLEA is proud to serve as a source of economic knowledge and expertise for leaders across the region. If you're interested in having the NLEA present to your business, unit of government, or other organization, please contact Sam Bailey at sam@thenlea.com.

Highlighting the Economic Impact of Outdoor Recreation

Sam Bailey, Strategic Initiatives Manager, recently addressed a summit hosted by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance in Gaylord as part of their MI Trails 2050 initiative. During his presentation, Sam discussed the economic impact of the outdoor recreation industry, the role of outdoor recreation and amenities in talent attraction and retention and gave an example economic impact analysis of local trails. To learn more about these economic impacts, contact Sam at sam@thenlea.com.

Advancing Workforce Housing and Infrastructure Solutions

Jessica Lovay, Sr. Program Manager for Community Investment, recently spoke at Housing Tools 201 in Petoskey -- a hands-on session focused on using infrastructure, incentives, and partnerships to support housing development. During her presentation, Jessica discussed available state and federal funding opportunities and shared how local governments can collaborate across boundaries using tools like Public Act 425 (Interlocal Government Agreements). To learn more about these programs, contact Jessica at jess@thenlea.com.

Spotlighting NLEA's Support for Small Businesses

Dave Kronberg, Director of Business Growth, joined the July SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Tip of the Mitt board meeting to share NLEA's most recent support to small businesses across northern Michigan and opportunities to collaborate. To learn more about SCORE Tip of the Mitt and the work Dave does, contact him at dave@thenlea.com.

We Can Help You Fund Your Next Project!

Grants and Incentives Assistance

The NLEA has a team of economic and community development professionals with experience in grant writing services and incentive assistance to support your next development project. Contact Jessica Lovay to see how we can help you!

Low-Interest Business Loan Assistance

We can help you explore your financing options through our partnerships with Great Lakes Energy (GLE) and Venture North. Reach out to Dave Kronberg to learn more about these programs and how you may qualify.

Great Lakes Energy Loan Programs

• 0% GLE USDA Loan (up to $1M)
• GLE Revolving Loan Fund (up to $250,000)

Venture North Loan Programs

• New Business Micro Loan (up to $50,000)
• Existing Small Business Loan (up to $350,000)

Congratulations to Recent Small Business Support Hub Grant Recipients

We’re excited to share that several small businesses in our area are the newest recipients of grants awarded by 20Fathoms and Venture North as part of the Small Business Support Hub, a regional partnership of organizations, including the NLEA. Each business was awarded $4,500 in grants that will fund business growth assets. Congratulations to these businesses: 

• Back to Free Farms (Mancelona)  
• Remedies in Rhythm (Alanson) 
• Bonnieview Farms (Alanson) 
• Shrimply the Best Boil (Charlevoix) 
• Virginia’s Sweetgrass (Pellston) 

Startup Coaching Available in the NLEA Region

NLEA's Small Business Support Hub partner, 20Fathoms, is offering free startup coaching in Elk Rapids and Petoskey. Entrepreneurs are invited to stop in and connect with a startup coach who can provide help with troubleshooting, opportunity and gap analysis, resources, connections, and getting clear about strategic priorities. Specialty coaching about access to capital and for Indigenous entrepreneurs is also available by appointment. Coaching is free! View the calendar for availability.

Learn More About NLEA Services

The NLEA is a nonprofit economic development organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties and has been helping businesses and communities succeed and grow since 1984. Whether you are a community looking for assistance with property redevelopment and grant management or a business looking for assistance to secure funding for new equipment or expansion, the NLEA is here to help you. Learn more about these and additional services below.

Meet Dave!

As your local resource, we're here to help your business succeed and grow -- with support for funding, site selection, local incentives, development, and data to back your project. Learn more below.

Meet Jessica!

We support communities in retaining and attracting year-round, family sustaining jobs through economic development training, local incentives, and infrastructure funding. Learn more below.

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231.582.6482

info@thenlea.com

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