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 […]
L.A. Gymnastics
Lindsay Arsnoe, owner of L.A. Gymnastics, needed a loan to purchase a new space for her popular Kalkaska kids’ gymnastics studio after challenges with COVID and changes in her previous lease agreement forced her to move locations. Venture North capital allowed her to move to a bigger, more ideal location and purchase additional equipment for […]
Brinks Family Creamery
Brinks Family Creamery is a multi-generational business that has been successful in their niche of local dairy products for years. To remain competitive in today’s market, they needed capital so that they could purchase a separator and new walk-in cooler – equipment essential to expanding their product line. With their Venture North loan and a […]
Edmonds Trucking
Jerry Edmonds loves the freedom and the rush of trucking. “It’s hurry-up, but organized and structured,” he said. His family – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles – have all worked in trucking so it’s in his blood. Almost literally. Jerry started his own trucking company and bought his first truck – with help from Northern Initiatives […]
Crummy’s Sweets and Treats
In the heart of Detroit’s Westside, a bakery known as Crummy’s Sweets and Treats is redefining the joy of desserts. The story of this charming bakery begins with Charlita Knox, whose affection for baking traces back to her childhood, spent in the warmth of her grandmother’s kitchen. The nickname ‘Crummy’, lovingly given by her grandmother, now adorns […]
Miss Eva’s Detroit
In the heart of Grandmont Rosedale, Miss Eva’s Detroit is more than a business—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and the power of generational wealth. Owned by Jay Williams, this Harlem Renaissance-inspired speakeasy honors the past while creating new opportunities for connection and economic legacy. With every detail, Miss Eva’s continues the tradition of Black excellence in […]