Announcements for grants, opportunities and other business news will be listed below, and deleted when the announcement is expired:

 

FREE MARKETING WORKSHOP IN MANCELONA 
Venture North is excited to announce the launch of their brand new 2-part DEMYSTIFYING MARKETING Workshop in Mancelona coming up February 15 and February 20, 2024.  The workshop was designed by Venture North’s Marketing Consultant, Kristina Schnepf, after having successfully working with many of our small business clients to develop relevant and relatable marketing strategies that they can actually implement.  There is no cost to attend this workshop but pre-registration is required at www.venturenorthfunding.org/events. Please note that space is limited to the first 10 businesses to register.  This workshop will be held at the Village of Mancelona Offices on Thursday, Feb. 15, AND Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 8:00-10:00 AM.  See Flyer Here and registration information.

 

BIG BOOST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
10/19/2023 - Northwest Michigan small businesses and the communities where they are located just received a big dose of philanthropic support!  The Walters Family Foundation has provided a grant of $100,000 to Venture North Funding and Development to support the "economic engine" of northwest Michigan.  Find out how these funds will help small businesses with a priority on those in areas that lack capital to help them grow.

 

MINI GRANTS, BUSINESS CONSULTING, AFFORDABLE LOANS:
7/14/23 - Venture North Funding and The Antrim Foundation are collaborating to help small businesses in the county/region, but their main focus right now is Mancelona, for many reasons. Mancelona is benefiting from economic development and growth. We are on a postive, forward roll! In addition to flexible and affordable loans, bridge or gap funding and mini-grants, Venture North offers free consulting services to help us be successful. New and existing businesses can apply. There are several resources available to answer your business questions and Venture North can also help connect us to additional partner resources as our needs call for it.  Annie Olds is coordinating a Lender Ready workshop for anyone interested in applying or learning more. Reach This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 231-735-4767, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 313-410-5951, The Antrim Foundation, for more information.

ONGOING:

Michigan Small Business Grants -  Although the federal government does not publically provide grants for starting and expanding a business, in Michigan, some small business grants are given to business owners to start and grow their ventures, and grant recipients do not have to pay back the funding from government. Therefore, it makes sense to look into small business grants as one of your sources to fund your business.  To apply for business grants in Michigan, contact Michigan financial aid agencies

Thinking of starting your dream business, or growing your existing? Michigan Small Business Development Center can assist from writing a business plan to the moment you turn on the "open" sign.  Their team of business consultants provide no-cost services, in-person and on-line training, business plan consultation, market research and more.