We’re very excited to welcome Dave Kronberg to the NLEA team! Dave will serve as the organization’s new Director of Business Growth, leading our work helping businesses succeed and grow across NLEA’s four-county region. 

Dave is a native of Northern Michigan, having grown up in Petoskey and lived with his family in Marquette and Cheboygan. Dave has made his career working with large and small businesses throughout the region as consultant, employee, and founder and understands the challenges faced by rural enterprise. Prior to joining the NLEA, he most recently served as the Regional Ecosystem Director with 20Fathoms, an incubator for entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, tech professionals, and other innovators. Dave brings extensive executive experience as an economic developer, designer, high-tech entrepreneur, and community leader. 

Please join us in welcoming Dave to the NLEA team! 

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance’s annual Economic Symposium is returning to Boyne Mountain Resort on Friday, May 9^th! This year’s event will bring together over 300 Northern Lower Michigan business and community leaders alongside state and federal officials to answer the question: how can businesses and communities in our region best position themselves for the future?

Through engaging panels and breakout sessions, we will tackle our region’s top obstacles and opportunities to build a more resilient economic future. Registration will be open through April 24^th or until we reach capacity so don’t delay! Register today to take advantage of the Early Bird which closes on April 1^st!

On March 18^th, NLEA co-hosted Building a Valuable Company with Michigan Small Business Development Center, 20Fathoms, and Honor Bank. This event delivered practical strategies, personalized insights, and expert advice to business owners looking to enhance their business’ value.

We will be hosting another training session on April 15^th in Elk Rapids. Don’t miss this great opportunity, register below!

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's (MEDC) Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program is still taking applications. 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. More details on MEDC's website.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s (MSHDA) Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Program, announced in late January, will offer direct support to employers willing to invest in housing for local workers. Employers that contribute matching funds may qualify for resources through the Fund to help develop new housing options. Rental housing must remain affordable for at least 10 years and for-sale housing must remain affordable for five years, ensuring long-term impact. MSHDA began accepting applications on February 24^th, 2025. More details can be found on MSHDA's website.

MSHDA's MI Neighborhood Program (MIN) remains 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 Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is offering grant funding for energy waste reduction projects and renewable energy waste reduction projects and renewable energy projects for farms, agribusinesses, businesses that provide assistance and services to agribusinesses, and rural businesses and nonprofit organizations. Applications are being accepted on a first come, first served basis until April 25^th, 2025. More details here: EGLE's website.

Great Lakes Energy (GLE) offers two loan programs to support economic development in rural Michigan: the Revolving Loan Fund and the Zero Interest Loan Program. Applicants can receive up to $2 million in total loans but must secure 50% of their funding from a traditional financial institution. For the Zero Interest Loan, GLE reviews a pre-application and, if approved, submits a full application to the USDA for ultimate approval. Applicants are required to work with the NLEA to assist with their application. Loan decisions are based on job creation potential and credit worthiness. Residential projects are not eligible. For more information, contact us!

The Consumers Energy Foundation and the Rural Partners of Michigan (RPM) are offering grant opportunities in the sixth annual "Put Your Town on the Map!" Pitch Competition. This competition will take place on June 9^th at RPM's Small Town and Rural Development Conference at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, MI. Rural municipalities of less than 10,000 residents can apply. Candidates must be a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, or municipality. Details can be found here. Submit your pitch by March 28^th, 2025 to be considered!

20Fathoms Offers Start-Up Coaching in

Elk Rapids and Petoskey

20Fathoms drop-in startup coaching is now available in Elk Rapids and Petoskey. No RSVP required. Entrepreneurs are invited to stop in, bring their questions, and connect with a startup coach who can provide guidance on a range of topics including business planning, funding strategy, sales, operations, HR, and more. Specialty coaching about access to capital and for Indigenous entrepreneurs is also available by appointment.

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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