Common Ground Media | Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth
Common Ground Media connected with Michigan CDFI Coalition members for their Block by Block series to discuss the role they play in closing gaps between traditional lending and CDFI support. Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the […]
Press Release | Michigan CDFI Coalition Members Awarded $310 Million in New Markets Tax Credits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Michigan CDFI Coalition Members Awarded $310 Million in New Markets Tax Credits Allocations will drive job creation, affordable housing, and access to health care in rural and underserved communities across Michigan LANSING, MI – January 21, 2026 – Members of the Michigan CDFI Coalition have been awarded a combined […]
Advocacy Tour | The Gallery Beauty Supply
Our advocacy tours provide a firsthand look at the impact CDFI dollars have across Michigan. Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming several state legislators to see how CDFI lending supports small businesses and strengthens local economies. A highlight of these visits was Rep. Linting’s tour of The Gallery Beauty Supply in Southgate, a thriving […]
Advocacy Tour | GLOV Enterprises
Rep. Jenkins-Arno recently toured GLOV Enterprises in Tecumseh, an injection molding company with cradle-to-grave design engineering capabilities serving the industrial, consumer, and automotive markets. Supported by a loan from Northern Initiatives, GLOV Enterprises demonstrates how CDFI lending can help small and mid-sized businesses expand operations, innovate, and remain industry-leaders. During the visit, Rep. Jenkins-Arno had […]
Advocacy Tour | Tasty Twist
Rep. Wortz recently visited Tasty Twist in Coldwater, a unique ice cream retail restaurant supported by Northern Initiatives. Tasty Twist offers premium treats and eats, featuring a rotating selection of flavors, specialty treats, and a full menu of light food items. CDFI lending is more than just financing, it’s a driver of community impact, as […]
Advocacy Tour | Precision Hardwoods
In line with our advocacy tour, Congressman Jack Bergman, joined Stacy Esbrook from coalition member, Michigan Community Capital on a tour of Precision Hardwoods in Onaway, Michigan. Business owner Mike Sturgill had the chance to showcase his new facility and discuss the impact of New Markets Tax Credits, which made it possible to finance equipment […]
Crain’s Grand Rapids | Michigan Boosts Community Lenders with $5M Amid Federal Pullback
Crain’s Grand Rapids Business recently spoke with a Michigan CDFI Coalition member on the impact of state funding for Michigan CDFIs. Michigan is providing $5 million in new funding to community lenders that support small businesses and housing projects as the current administration attempts to gut federal support for the organizations.
The Kresge Foundation | Financing Opportunity: Q&A with Harold Pettigrew on the Future of the CDFI Sector
As the community finance field enters a new era—shaped by economic uncertainty, shifting capital flows, and growing calls for accountability—how can CDFIs prepare for what’s ahead? The Kresge Foundation spoke with Harold Pettigrew, the president and CEO of the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) to help answer that question. This article is part of a series […]
The Kresge Foundation | The Next Chapter for CDFIs: State and Local Innovation
State-level coalitions are demonstrating how CDFI partnerships with state and local governments, philanthropy, and new allies can reduce reliance on federal funding and expand community impact. This article is part of a series highlighting the impact of CDFIs and how the sector is adapting to the current environment.
Crain’s Grand Rapids | West Michigan Community Lenders Face Funding Battle After Trump Order
Crain’s Grand Rapids Business recently spoke with Michigan CDFI Coalition members on the importance of federal funding. President Trump’s executive order targeting a pot of money used to make loans to small businesses will require community lenders to step up and prove their effectiveness to retain the funding.