Start Up

Looking For Startup Assistance?

Designing a scalable and buildable business model is easier said than done. Researching your competition and ensuring you have sufficient capital are both vital to becoming a successful startup in the Northeast Region. Our resource network can help you engage with early adopters and inform you on current market trends. Taking your business to the next level is easier with the level of support our Entrepreneurial Network provides.


Relevant Resources

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Inspiration Alcona Inc

Inspiration Alcona (IA) is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to improving the economy of Alcona County through arts, culture and local food events and efforts. We draw across Michigan for the annual Alcona Arts Retreat in September, the Lost Lake Writers Retreat in October and the Alcona Small Farm Confernce in February. We also hold many more events for local citizens.

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Michigan Works Region 7b Economic Development Assistance

We are uniquely positioned to help businesses take full advantage of all that Michigan has to offer. Through a broad-based coalition of partners in finance, economic development, education and consulting, we offer confidential, free of charge information and support to assist you in meeting the personnel and operational needs of your business cost-effectively and efficiently. This assistance is offered to both large/small businesses and startups in all industry sectors. We are well versed in solving company needs.

Michigan Works! Region 7B Logo

Michigan Works! Region 7B

We are uniquely positioned to help businesses take full advantage of all that Michigan has to offer. Through a broad-based coalition of partners in finance, economic development, education and consulting, we offer confidential, free of charge information and support to assist you in meeting the personnel and operational needs of your business cost-effectively and efficiently. This assistance is offered to both large/small businesses and startups in all industry sectors. We are well versed in solving company needs.

Region 7B Michigan Works! has provided high-quality business development services for 30+ years. We carefully listen to our customer’s wishes, understand their vision and do everything we can to exceed our customers’ expectations. No matter how big or small the needs are, we go above and beyond to make the process enjoyable. Every organization is unique, including its employee needs, capabilities, and objectives. As a provider, we do not offer the same services to all; every engagement is custom designed to meet the organization’s specific requirements and goals.

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North Central Michigan College

North Central Michigan College is a public, two-year community college with its main campus located in Petoskey and additional locations in Gaylord and Cheboygan. NCMC offers 24 associate degree programs and 39 certificates. North Central students have the assurance of transfer agreements between colleges and universities, and high school students enrolled in our Early College program have the opportunity to graduate with their high school diploma and an associate degree in five years (one year after their high school graduation). Our University Center partners (Lake Superior State University, Spring Arbor University and Central Michigan University) offer bachelor's degrees on our Petoskey campus. NCMC's Fall 2018 enrollment was 2,341 students, and since it was founded in 1958, the college has awarded 11,000 degrees and certificates. North Central employs 100 full-time faculty and staff and 134 part-time staff and adjunct faculty. The college's annual operating budget for 2019-2020 is $16.1 million, with revenues from three main sources: Emmet County property taxes, tuition and fees, and state appropriations. Our Corporate and Community Education division provides community and continuing education, workforce development, safety training, Lean learning, professional development programs and customized corporate training. A Residence Hall provides on-campus living to as many as 100 students per semester. Other campus amenities include the Harris Gardens, a sculpture garden featuring 26 works of art from internationally-renowned artists, our 195-acre Natural Area, and the Student and Community Resource Center, which features three official NCAA-size basketball courts, a community walking track and circuit/cardio fitness rooms. Our meeting rooms and campus facilities are available for community events including trade shows, lectures, sports camps, board meetings and weddings. North Central’s core philosophy is to improve the quality of life for its students and communities it serves. We are proud of our 60-year history and excited about the future. Working together, we can make the greater Petoskey region even more attractive to investment, and our economy stronger, more diverse, and resilient.

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Northeast Michigan Council of Governments

Cities, townships and counties in rural areas often cannot afford the staff to do grant writing, comprehensive land use, zoning, transportation planning, digital mapping, economic & community development, integrated environmental planning, & the coordination of other services. The Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) was established in 1968 as a multi-county organization to pool resources for the assistance of local governments in the region. NEMCOG is governed by a policy board that includes elected officials, business leaders and citizen representatives from throughout the eight-county region. Services are supported by local government appropriations, special services contracts and state and federal grants.

NEMCOG is a catalyst for strategic planning and, in this role, has assisted local governments obtain millions of dollars in federal and state grants for vital local projects and services. In addition to planning, NEMCOG also sponsors many other programs, including Community Correction and Watershed Projects.

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Northern Initiatives

Northern Initiatives is a Community Development Financial Institution. We’re in business to provide loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and enable the communities of Michigan and neighboring Wisconsin to thrive.

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Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

The NLEA is a regional economic development organization serving Cheboygan County (NE MI) as well as Antrim and Charlevoix Counties (NW MI). We have a full-time professional staff as well as a vast array of partner organizations all working towards helping companies create and retain jobs.

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Northland Area Federal Credit Union

Northland would like to emphasize the positive impact of our strong commitment and significant loyalty to the Oscoda community. We will continue to provide ongoing support and significant investment in the Oscoda market.

In addition to this, we will announce plans to construct a new, modern, efficient, and carefully-appointed Oscoda branch office in the future. The new Oscoda office will provide many attributes specifically designed with your needs in mind, including convenience, ease of use, efficiency, and high-quality service.

The excellent service you have come to expect will continue in a professionally-designed environment suitable for the long-term needs of the Oscoda community. Northland continues to invest in its legacy county and the information below gives a snapshot for some of the recent activity and investments that Northland has made and continues to make in the Oscoda area.

Roscommon County Economic Development Corporation Logo

Roscommon County Economic Development Corporation

Providing economic development services is a key priority for Roscommon County. Services are provided through a partnership with Roscommon County, Northern Transformation, and Michigan Works Region 7B. This partnership is an effective way to provide workforce and economic development assistance to new and existing businesses within Roscommon County.

The Roscommon County Economic Development Corporation has several sub-committees that focus on workforce and business development, countywide marketing, and community development projects.

Small Business Development Center Northeast Michigan  Logo

Small Business Development Center Northeast Michigan

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training, and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. With our Lead Center at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids and 11 regional offices throughout the state, we provide entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to no-cost counseling and training throughout Michigan.

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