Earlier this month, NLEA co-hosted a Regional Small Business Outlook Event at Gypsy Distillery with our friends from the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce and the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce. Attendees had the chance to hear from local business leaders representing diverse sectors across Northern Michigan. 

Panelists expressed a generally positive outlook for their sector but acknowledged ongoing constraints related to attraction, training, and retaining talent which are connected to regional housing challenges. These sentiments were reflected in Michigan Business Network’s presentation of the Michigan Future Business Index. The survey revealed that acquiring talent was the third largest challenge following inflation in the top spot. 

NLEA would like to thank Huntington National Bank for their generous support as the Premier Event Sponsor, Gypsy Distillery for providing an incredible space, and to all the speakers, panelists, and attendees for contributing to a great discussion.

NLEA recently joined the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance (NMCA) to strengthen Northern Michigan's voice in statewide policy impacting economic development here in our region. Through NMCA, NLEA is working alongside other economic development organizations and Chambers of Commerce across the Northern Lower and Upper Peninsula to collectively educate policymakers on the implications of existing and proposed policies for Northern Michigan’s economic vitality.  

A top concern of many private, public, and nonprofit employers across Northern Michigan is the uncertainty surrounding new paid sick leave requirements and a phasing out of the tipped credit that are set to go into effect February 21, 2025. NLEA has heard concerns from Northern Michigan employers regarding the unclear language, and how they see requirements increasing costs, adding burdensome reporting, and increasing liability; lowering the quality of generous PTO policies; and possibly disrupting production and services across sectors. NMCA is actively raising awareness about these concerns. Two bills were introduced to modify requirements, HB 6056 and 6057, with few session days remaining in 2024 for lawmakers to act. 

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 announced the latest funding opportunities available through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. 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. Performance-based grants for public space place-based infrastructure projects and façade program implementation is open now through January 30, 2025. Contact us to see how we can help you!

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) MI Neighborhood Program (MIN) is currently 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 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. Deadlines of December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025 are coming up fast, so act now! USDA's website.

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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