WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced that Northern Initiatives in Marquette will receive a $781,711 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help small businesses in northern Michigan expand operations and hire new workers.  The funding is provided by HHS’ Urban and Rural Community Economic Development program.

“I am pleased that important grant funding is coming to Northern Initiatives to support small businesses as we continue to recover from the recession,” said Stupak.  “This investment will help small businesses enhance services and create much needed jobs that are so vital to local economies in northern Michigan.” 

Northern Initiatives’ Community Economic Development Project will focus on putting working capital in the hands of small businesses in the Upper Peninsula to expand operations and hire new employees.  The grant funding announced today will allow Northern Initiatives to distribute up to 15 low-cost loans for small businesses that will create at least 60 new jobs in the Upper Peninsula.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Urban and Rural Community Economic Development program aims to create projects that provide employment and business ownership opportunities for low-income people through business, physical, or commercial development.

Northern Initiatives is a private, nonprofit community development corporation that provides rural entrepreneurs with access to capital, information and markets. Northern Initiatives loan fund, business consulting and sector development services support rural entrepreneurs, from startups to established businesses.

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