Northern Initiatives

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How it Works

Northern Initiatives is a community development financial institution (CDFI), a private financial institution that provides loans and business services to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community organizations that might not qualify for loans from traditional banks for a variety of reasons. Many times, lending is focused on communities often underserved and considered low-income. CDFIs are certified by the Community Development Financial Institution Fund (CDFI Fund) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which provides funds to CDFIs through a variety of programs.*

Business Services	Loan Programs
Capital to expand and launch businesses	Microloans: $50,000 or less
Market expansion guidance	Microloans: $50,000 or less
Counseling for financial and operational aspects of businesses	Small Business Administration Loans (SBA): Less than $250,000
Online marketing services	Other small business loans: $50,000–$500,000
eCommerce solutions	USDA Business and Industry Loans
Training	CDC/504 Loan: Equipment and real estate
Process support for manufacturers	CDC/504 Loan: Equipment and real estate

Funding Focuses On

Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community organizations that enable the people and communities to thrive.

Funding Limit

Loans range from $1,000–$500,000 with varying terms.

Qualifications

Varies by programs and regions.

Financing Geographic Area

Michigan and Northeast Wisconsin

* Community Development Financial Institution Fund . (2011, October 11) . Overview of What We Do . Retrieved from cdfifund.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Last updated 2/20/25

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