First Catch
Paul Smith really likes to fish and is more than ready to make a living at it. But sometimes, the winds of fortune blow strangely. In just one year: His boat sank The wheel flew off his food trailer (while he was driving!) His backup boat needs a new engine His own truck blew its […]
Paddock Counseling
Located in a CDFI target market and deeply rooted in its mission to serve vulnerable populations, Paddock Counseling exemplifies the kind of client Venture North is committed to supporting. When local banks declined to finance their much-needed expansion, founders Trina Paddock and her daughter Brenna Edwards turned to Venture North and found a partner ready […]
The Gallery Beauty Supply
When sisters Ameela and Armani Covington were growing up, they had one thing in common – a love for all things beauty. They dreamed of one day owning a beauty supply store that catered to African Americans, but after graduating from college, they didn’t have the capital. But a small business microloan from Michigan Women […]
Everbloom Montessori
The search for a new home for Everbloom Montessori included important criteria: In the City of Grand Rapids In a child care desert On a bus line It took more than a year, but they found it. The 14.263-square-foot building on Grand Rapids’ south side has “the shape, layout and size (that would) have been […]
Bare All Clothing
Bare All is the clothing line of the PEOPLE. Javon started by running a local printshop for a nonprofit social enterprise. With the support of his wife and friends, he ventured into creating his own clothing line. Bare All is a sought-after local brand and works with a variety of corporations and nonprofits to provide […]
F’n K Tacos
During the pandemic, Frank and Kaitlin moved back to Michigan to be closer to family. The couple’s taco restaurant represents a major career pivot for Frank, who spent about 30 years in the printing and packaging industry. Before that, Lamas grew up working in his parent’s restaurant in Pamona, California. Lamas’ parents are from Mexico […]
Niksi Home & Floral
The business, located at The Arts Marketplace at Studio Park at 121 Ionia Ave. SW, opened mid-February 2025 selling fresh bouquets for walk-in customers and provides floral services for weddings, funerals and other events. In addition to florals for pickup and delivery, Niksi Home & Floral will offer decor from live plants to candles, artwork, […]
CMP Acquisitions
Jane VanDusen worked for a company that specialized in custom metal design and fabrication. She loved the work and was good at it, so when her company was sold, she decided to open her own business in this specialized B2B service area. She opened Redford-based CMP Acquisitions in 2018. The business includes PMT Scientific, which […]
BrandHrt Evolution
For Ylondia Portis, starting BrandHrt Evolution in Ypsilanti was the culmination of decades of experience in market research. Throughout her career, she’s helped companies in the building and auto industries better understand their consumers. These connections helped her business flourish and demonstrated to Portis the opportunity for growth. Through Michigan Women Forward, Portis acquired a […]
Spikberg Quilting
After Mark Spikberg lost his job in the auto industry, he took a quilting class at his church to keep busy. He never dreamed a hobby he grew to love would lead him to start a microbusiness. But as more people saw his quilts, the orders started pouring in. Now, thanks to a loan from […]