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We’re excited to introduce the newest member of the NLEA team — Wes Sovis! Wes will serve as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the NLEA, dedicated to fostering strong donor relationships that help expand the organization’s impact. He plays a crucial role in driving stakeholder engagement by leading a robust communications and marketing presence.
Wes brings an impressive background in development, communications, and donor engagement. A northern Michigan native and active community member, Wes is passionate about building relationships that drive positive results for businesses and communities across Northern Michigan.
We’re thrilled to have him on board! Please join us in welcoming Wes!
To stay informed on emerging investment opportunities and the growth shaping our region, connect with Wes on LinkedIn.
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2026 Economic Symposium
Join us on Friday, May 15th, 2026 at Boyne Mountain Resort from 8 AM – 2 PM for this year’s theme, “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” as we spotlight the industries fueling our regional economy.
This year's keynote speaker will be announced soon - stay tuned for more details!
There are still select sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Wes Sovis to learn more.
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, Consumers Energy, Enbridge, Great Lakes Energy, Networks Northwest, Baker College, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, ITC Holdings, Kilwins, Cunningham-Limp, and Munson Healthcare.
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Save the Date!
Save the date for Friday, June 5, and join us for Development Spotlight: Petoskey!
This event will shine a light on growth, investment, and development momentum in Petoskey and the surrounding area. Building on the strong engagement and collaborative energy from our 2025 Spotlight in East Jordan — which brought together local leaders, developers, business owners, and community partners — we’re excited to continue the conversation by highlighting current projects, emerging opportunities, and the vision shaping Petoskey’s future.
Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, Consumers Energy and Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity.
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Education and Policy
NLEA Hosted the First Catalyst Conversations Event of 2026, Focused on Agriculture in Northern Michigan
The first Catalyst Conversations event of 2026 brought regional leaders together to discuss the evolving agricultural landscape in Northern Michigan. Panelists — Greg Shooks, Owner of Cellar 1914 and Shooks Farm; Patrick McGuire, Owner of Royal Farms; Jaime Luke, Assistant Professor in Michigan State University’s Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics; and Ted Sherman, Operations Manager at Burnette Foods — shared valuable insight into how they are adapting their farms and businesses in response to shifting weather patterns, workforce challenges, and evolving policies. Their experiences highlighted both the resilience and innovation driving our region’s agricultural sector. Conversations like these are critical in shaping how agriculture continues to strengthen Northern Michigan’s economy and support long-term regional growth.
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsors, Networks Northwest and the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
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Education and Policy
NLEA Hosted Finding Funding Resources for Your Business in Cheboygan
The NLEA hosted a small business training and networking workshop in Cheboygan, bringing together local entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore financing opportunities that support business growth and long-term sustainability. In partnership with Venture North, the session focused on helping business owners navigate funding options beyond earned revenue, particularly during periods of expansion or seasonal fluctuations. Attendees learned about available financing tools, low-interest loans and grant programs, property identification strategies, and development incentive opportunities, while also connecting with regional partners and fellow entrepreneurs. The workshop aimed to reduce barriers to accessing capital and ensure business owners have the resources, knowledge, and support needed to make informed financial decisions to grow their business and strengthen our region's economy.
We are grateful for the generous support of our sponsor, Awakon Federal Credit Union.
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Business Growth
Small Business Support Hub Awards Local Businesses for Growth Plans
Alongside our partners 20Fathoms and Venture North as part of the Northwest Michigan Small Business Support Hub, NLEA recently supported the review and award of more than $48,000 in grant funding to small businesses in the region.
Over one hundred applications were submitted by entrepreneurs from across Northwest Michigan. Among the most recent recipients are Chavez Kitchen and Townline Ciderworks, two businesses in the NLEA region recognized for their strong growth potential and positive economic impact.
Their selection reflects the grant program’s focus on strengthening revenue, expanding opportunity, and fostering long-term economic vitality throughout the region.
| | 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
- Express Loan ($5 - $25,000)
- New Business Micro Loan (up to $50,000)
- Existing Small Business Loan (up to $350,000)
| | New Michigan Research and Development Tax Credit | | Michigan’s Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit is a new incentive designed to support businesses that invest in innovation and product development. Businesses that conduct qualifying R&D activities—such as research intended to discover technological information, experimentation to develop or improve a product, process, or system, or testing focused on improving functionality, performance, reliability, or quality—in Michigan may be able to reduce their tax liability by claiming this credit. Companies of various sizes that are actively developing, improving, or testing products, processes, or technologies may be eligible for the credit. | | 20Fathoms Launches CO.STARTERS Core and Startup Coaching | | |
Entrepreneurship is an exciting journey, but the path isn’t always clear. CO.STARTERS Core is a 10-week program that walks you through a proven process to get your business unstuck and off the ground. This cohort will also benefit from two additional weeks focused on customer discovery! The program runs March 17-June 9, 2026; a short application is required to participate. Apply by March 6.
20Fathoms drop-in startup coaching is available in Traverse City, as well as virtually. No RSVP required for in-person coaching but pre-registration is recommended to help minimize wait times. 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. Cost: free. View the calendar. Specialty coaching about access to capital and for Indigenous entrepreneurs is also available by appointment.
| | Cheboygan County Businesses Receive Small Business Direct Grants | | Several Cheboygan County businesses are among the 51 recipients of the Target Huron Small Business Support Hub’s Small Businesses Direct Grants. NLEA was proud to partner to help connect businesses with up to $5,000 in reimbursement funding to help established businesses invest in equipment, marketing, inventory, technology, and specialized services to support growth and long-term success. Cheboygan County awardees include MT Jewell LLC, The Dipper, Life Balance Acupuncture and Herbs, Scrolls Unlimited, Inc., Stema Welding LLC, Creation Station, Mulligan's, Link Industries, The Mitt Deli & Spirits, Smiths Meat Processing, Loft Events on Main, and Linda Margaret’s Retirement Community. These investments will strengthen local operations while contributing to continued economic development across the region. | | 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.
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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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