Upcoming Events

Finding Funding for Your Business

The best revenue is earned revenue but sometimes a business requires financial services to navigate new opportunities for growth, expansion, and fluctuations in seasonal markets. Join NLEA and Venture North for a training and networking workshop designed to navigate the landscape of financing opportunities for small businesses. This will include: 

• Introduction to NLEA’s services and Venture North’s programs 
• Identifying and locating property for your business venture  
• Tax abatement opportunities for commercial and industrial development 
• Funding and financing 
• Traditional financing 
• Alternative Low-interest loans 
• Business grant opportunities 
• Other partner organizations that can support your business enterprise  

Join us on Wednesday, January 28^th from 12:30 – 2:30 PM at the Cheboygan Area Public Library. 

Catalyst Conversations: Ag Industry Updates

From weather to global trade changes, 2025 was an eventful year in Michigan’s agricultural sector. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are over 1,200 farms in the NLEA region generating more than $78.9 million in agricultural products. This Catalyst Conversations event, part of a larger series, will dive into the regional agriculture industry landscape. And we’re hosting it in the regional epicenter of the industry, Antrim County, where over half of our region’s total agricultural value is generated. A panel of industry experts and local business owners will discuss the events and trends shaping the regional agricultural sector. 

Join us on Wednesday, February 18^th from 10 AM – 12 PM at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. 

Thank you to our committed sponsor: Networks Northwest 

2026 Economic Symposium

In case you missed it – our early bird registration has opened for the 2026 Economic Symposium taking place on Friday, May 15^th at Boyne Mountain Resort! The 2026 event, themed “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan,” will shine a spotlight on the industries that fuel our economy and shape our communities.  

There are still select sponsorship opportunities available! Contact Sam Bailey to learn more.  

Thank you to our committed sponsors: Consumers Energy, Enbridge, Great Lakes Energy, Networks Northwest, and Baker College. 

We are hiring! The NLEA is seeking a dynamic leader to drive engagement, fundraising, and regional impact!

Are you a relationship-builder and experienced fundraiser who’s passionate about growing strong communities and businesses? We’re hiring a Director of Fund Development & Engagement to lead donor relations, fundraising strategy, and engagement activities. If you or someone you know is looking to join a collaborative, mission-driven team in this key leadership role, be sure to visit our Careers Page to learn more! 

NLEA in Action

Education and Policy

NLEA Weighs in on State Policy Impacting Business Growth and Economic Development 

As state leaders consider several policy changes in Lansing this month, the NLEA is staying engaged to elevate the concerns we’ve heard from our partners and share our direct experience using these economic development tools in northern Michigan. Some of the key policy areas we’re weighing in on right now:

• Creating an income tax withholding incentive for existing and new small businesses creating jobs in Michigan.  
• Protecting existing business development funding that has supported the growth of businesses right here in our region.  
• Strengthening Transformational Brownfield program tools and making them more accessible to brownfield redevelopment projects in our communities. 
• Protecting existing commercial rehabilitation and development incentive tools that our communities have implemented to attract new business, redevelop properties, and expand existing business in our commercial areas across the region.  

As partners and members of Economic Development Leaders for Michigan, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, and the Petoskey Regional/Charlevoix Area Chamber Government Relations Committee, NLEA is working hard with our partners to educate state leaders on the importance of these tools for northern Michigan businesses and communities. 

Education and Policy

NLEA Leads Economic Development Training for Leadership Charlevoix County 2025-26 Class 

NLEA’s Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sam Bailey, presented to this year’s Leadership Charlevoix County cohort for Economy Day, covering the basics of economic development, NLEA’s role in promoting regional prosperity, and economic trends that are shaping the region. The NLEA is proud to partner with local Chamber leadership programs in Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties to support the professional development of public and private sector leaders across our region. 

Talent Retention and Attraction

NLEA Releases Regional Talent Solutions Report Providing Insights into Talent Retention and Attraction Strategies 

Missed our recently released report? The Regional Talent Solutions Report highlights innovative workforce strategies shared by local employers, capturing practical, community-driven approaches that help businesses overcome staffing constraints and support long-term growth. 

Talent Retention and Attraction

NLEA Joins Workforce Development Partners at the Industrial Arts Institute’s Workforce Open House  

NLEA attended the Industrial Arts Institute’s Workforce Open House with regional leaders in workforce development – North Central Michigan College and COPESD – to experience the next wave of skilled talent in action. Strategic Initiatives Manager, Sam Bailey, had the chance to explore the hands-on skills students are developing, the industry certifications they’re earning, and how these programs are helping fuel the workforce needs of northern Michigan’s employers. 

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)

DTE Programs & Savings Opportunities for Businesses

Small & Medium Business Energy Efficiency Program

DTE offers businesses a free on-site energy assessment, complimentary installation of select efficiency products (such as aerators and smart thermostats), and access to rebates for upgrades ranging from HVAC and boilers to smart controls. These no-cost and low-cost services help businesses reduce energy use and save long-term. Learn more here.

Business Energy Financing Through Michigan Saves

DTE has partnered with Michigan Saves to provide special financing — including rates as low as 0% APR — for business energy upgrades up to $250,000. Businesses can use the financing for electric or gas projects such as lighting, refrigeration, heating, and cooling equipment, with quick approval and contractor support throughout the process. Learn more here.

Energy Efficiency Program for Business – Rebates & Support

DTE’s Energy Efficiency Program helps businesses cut energy use and lower operating costs by completing eligible natural gas upgrades and earning rebates. Energy Advisors offer free assessments, project guidance, and access to both prescriptive and custom rebates for equipment upgrades, renovations, and proven energy-saving improvements. Learn more here.

Rebates for Previously Completed Projects

Businesses that completed eligible energy efficiency projects after January 1, 2023 but did not previously receive rebates may now qualify for 2025 incentives and bonus offers. Prescriptive and custom projects may be eligible if they meet 2025 program requirements, though maintenance-focused measures such as boiler, chiller, or process tune-ups do not qualify. Learn more here.

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.

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.