Regional Business Outlook | | |
The Regional Business Outlook, co-hosted by the NLEA and Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, will feature a panel discussion with business leaders representing diverse northern Michigan industries to share their outlook on both opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Attendees will also be the first to learn the current regional business climate, labor force, and development news through a presentation of the fall edition of the NLEA’s Economic Pulse Report. Following the panel discussion, stick around for hors d'oeuvres and networking with leaders from across the region.
Read the Spring 2025 Economic Pulse Report here!
Thank you to our committed sponsor: Huntington National Bank, ITC Holdings Corp., and Networks Northwest.
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Education and Policy
NLEA President and CEO Payton Heins, Invited to Join the Economic Development Leaders for Michigan
The NLEA is thrilled to join Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), a statewide coalition of regional economic development organizations working to accelerate Michigan’s economy through collaboration and policy advocacy. NLEA President and CEO, Payton Heins, was appointed to the coalition in October, amplifying Northern Michigan’s voice in shaping statewide economic development strategies. EDLM represents regions covering over 79% of Michigan’s population and 84% of its GDP, focusing on business growth, community development, and talent initiatives. This partnership will help ensure that the needs of northern Michigan communities are prioritized in statewide economic planning and investment efforts.
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Infrastructure and Development
NLEA Hosts Development Spotlight: East Jordan
NLEA recently hosted Development Spotlight in East Jordan — an event designed to celebrate ongoing investment across the community. Community leaders, developers, and industry experts came together to learn about planning and infrastructure initiatives shaping East Jordan’s future, and available sites for priority development.
NLEA staff presented insights on funding opportunities and regional demographic trends, while East Jordan leaders shared updates on recent downtown investments and opportunity for future housing and industrial growth within East Jordan Air Industrial Park. Representatives from Manthei Construction also discussed available resources to support development projects across northern Michigan.
Attendees concluded the event with guided tours of local housing, mixed-use, and industrial sites, gaining a firsthand look at investment plans and opportunities aligned with East Jordan’s development priorities.
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Education and Policy
NLEA Provides Economic Updates at East Jordan State of the Community
NLEA President and CEO, Payton Heins, spoke at the East Jordan State of the Community earlier this month, an event hosted by the East Jordan Chamber of Commerce. She shared insights on business and labor trends shaping northern Michigan’s economy and highlighted how NLEA services support regional growth, including recent projects in East Jordan.
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| 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)
| | Free Entrepreneur Bootcamp in Petoskey! | | |
During this free four-part Startup Bootcamp hosted by 20Fathoms in partnership with CO.STARTERS, the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, and Northcoast.Work, you'll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea, venture, or small business.
This free four-part bootcamp is designed to give you concrete tools and help you focus on very practical steps to move more quickly toward your dream of owning and running your own successful business. It takes place on November 10, 12, 17, and 19, from 5 to 8 pm at Northcoast.Work (417 Howard St., Petoskey).
| | IndigiPitch Business Pitch Competition Coming to Petoskey! | | |
20Fathoms is hosting a pitch competition for Native American entrepreneurs to showcase their work, meet supportive individuals, and compete for $7,500 in cash prizes. IndigiPitch is an energizing pitch competition that will showcase Michigan’s vibrant Native American entrepreneurship and startup community. This event is free and open to the public but will exclusively feature Native American entrepreneurs as pitch presenters and expo vendors.
This event is on Friday, December 5 from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Odawa Casino in Petoskey.
| | 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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