The NLEA is excited to announce that the Annual Economic Symposium will return to Boyne Mountain Resort on May 9^th, 2025!

This event brings together 300 leaders from across the region and state to tackle complex challenges, make strategic connections, and celebrate the many successes of our communities and businesses in Northern Michigan.

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact Sam Bailey.

The NLEA is hiring a Director of Business Growth. We are seeking an impact-driven leader with exceptional relationship-building skills, creative and tenacious problem-solving ability, and a deep understanding of economic development incentives and tools to oversee the organization’s business retention and growth strategies. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, hybrid work arrangement, flexible schedule, and opportunity to make a lasting impact in our Northern Michigan communities.

For the full job description, visit our website. Please direct all direct questions to careers@northernlakes.net

The NLEA is launching Catalyst Conversations, a new event series beginning in 2025! With events hosted across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties, this four-event series will bring together local leaders to hear from experts and discuss pressing regional economic development topics.

Save the date - February 11^th - for the first event in the series. Hosted in Cheboygan County, this event will focus on what's happening in the outdoor recreation industry. Stay tuned for more details and registration!

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, contact Sam Bailey.

NLEA staff will have limited availability from December 23^th until January 2^nd, with the office fully closed on December 24^th, 25^th, 31^st, and January 1^st.

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 are open now through January 30^th, 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 31st, 2024 and March 31^st, 2025 are coming up fast, so act now! To learn more about the program and apply, visit USDA's website.

In early January, Round 2 of the Small Business Support Grant program is expected to be released. Designed for innovative startups and small businesses headquartered in the Northwest Michigan 10 county region of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford, these grants are highly competitive. It's anticipated the program will award 16 small business support grants at an average of $4500/each. Application details and guidelines are expected in early January of 2025, with an anticipated application window of January 12^th-18^th. Please visit www.northernlakes.net and 20fathoms.org for updates beginning January 6^th, 2025. This grant funding was made possible through a new partnership between 20Fathoms, Michigan SBDC, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Traverse Connect, and Venture North. In addition to the small business grants, entrepreneurs also have access to business consultations and coaching, educational programming, and support from professional service providers. These services are no-cost thanks to support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

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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