Earlier this month, NLEA hosted the first ever event in our Catalyst Conversations series in Indian River. The event included a panel of businesses representing northern Michigan's outdoor recreation industry: Jeff Thompson, Co-Founder and Engineer at Shaggy's Copper County Skis; Captain Jennifer Dowker, Owner and Operator at Nautical North Family Adventures; and Bob Murdock, Owner at Howe Marine. Panelists called attention to some of the most significant barriers to growing their business, including a limited workforce, lack of housing, and difficulties competing in a global market. Brad Garmon, Executive Director for the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, was also included in the panel where he spoke from both the statewide perspective as well as his experience working with industry leaders nationwide.

The Catalyst Conversations event series aims to provide solution-focused conversations on pressing regional economic development topics. Future 2025 events will take place in Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. Further information and registration will be available soon!

Registration is live for the 2025 Economic Symposium! The annual event, taking place on May 9^th at Boyne Mountain, will focus on how communities and employers can best plan for the future. This event brings together 300 leaders from across the region and state to tackle complex economic development challenges, make strategic connections, and celebrate the many successes of our communities and businesses in Northern Michigan.

This year's theme, "Future Forward", will dive into demographic trends, infrastructure and development, business succession planning, and more. Keynote speakers, breakout session panels, and more information will be available soon.

To register for this year's Economic Symposium, click the button below.

Are you looking to take your company to the next level? Look no further! We are closing in on our "Building a Valuable Company" events taking place in Petoskey and Elk Rapids.

Here's what you'll get:

• Insights from business professionals
• A tailored Value Builders Assessment
• A copy of "Built to Sell by John Warrilow
• Access to a panel of industry experts in legal, financial, staffing, and consulting.
• An opportunity to network
• A lunch to fuel your learning and networking.

Dates:

• March 18^th - Petoskey | 9:45am to 12:45pm
• April 15^th - Elk Rapids | 9:45am to 12:45pm

Michigan's Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) announced the recipients of $1.3M in Rural Readiness Grant Program Funding. This competitive statewide grant program is designed to help rural communities build capacity, drive economic development, and improve quality of life for residents.

NLEA is proud to be one of seventeen organizations selected for funding. The ORP grant will help facilitate implementation of NLEA's strategic plan goal focused on advancing critical infrastructure and transformational development projects across the region. We look forward to partnering with the ORP on this important work throughout 2025 and early 2026.

For more information, read the full press release here.

Earlier this month, we released our comprehensive three-year strategic plan. This plan was guided by insights from more than 250 community and business leaders and focuses on driving economic resiliency and prosperity across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. Implementation of the plan has already begun, and will continue to guide the organization's structure, services, and development from 2025-2027. To view the full plan, click the link below.

Funding Opportunities

The NLEA has a team of economic and community development professionals with experience in grant writing and packaging services. For more information, contact Jessica Lovay, Community Development and Grants Specialist, to see how we can help you!

Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program is still taking applications. Performance-based RAP grants are currently available for real estate redevelopment projects and can be applied for on a rolling basis as funds are available. More details on MEDC's website.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Program, announced in late January, will offer direct support to employers willing to invest in housing for local workers. Employers that contribute matching funds may qualify for resources through the Fund to help develop new housing options. Rental housing must remain affordable for at least 10 years and for-sale housing must remain affordable for five years, ensuring long-term impact. MSHDA began accepting applications on February 24^th, 2025. More details can be found on MSHDA's website.

MSHDA's MI Neighborhood Program (MIN) remains open. The MIN program provides funding to support the creation of new rental and for-sale housing units. Grant awards can range in size from $25,000 up to $2M depending on the eligible project and applicant experience. Eligible applicants include 501c3’s, local units of government, and for-profit developers. To learn more about the program and apply, visit MSHDA's website.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grant funding for energy waste reduction projects and renewable energy waste reduction projects and renewable energy projects for farms, agribusinesses, businesses that provide assistance and services to agribusinesses, and rural businesses and nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted on a first come, first served basis until April 25^th, 2025. More details here: EGLE's website.

Great Lakes Energy (GLE) offers two loan programs to support economic development in rural Michigan: the Revolving Loan Fund and the Zero Interest Loan Program. Applicants can receive up to $2 million in total loans but must secure 50% of their funding from a traditional financial institution. For the Zero Interest Loan, GLE reviews a pre-application and, if approved, submits a full application to the USDA for ultimate approval. Applicants are required to work with the NLEA to assist with their application. Loan decisions are based on job creation potential and credit worthiness. Residential projects are not eligible. For more information, contact us!

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is still open! REAP provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Grants can range from $1,500 to $1,000,000. The deadline of March 31^st, 2025 is coming up fast, so act now! To learn more about the program and apply, visit USDA's website.

20Fathoms Offers Start-Up Coaching in

Elk Rapids and Petoskey

20Fathoms drop-in startup coaching is now available in Elk Rapids and Petoskey. No RSVP required. Entrepreneurs are invited to stop in, bring their questions, and connect with a startup coach who can provide guidance on a range of topics including business planning, funding strategy, sales, operations, HR, and more. Specialty coaching about access to capital and for Indigenous entrepreneurs is also available by appointment.

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.

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