Grand Rapids, MI, Nonprofit Lender Named SBA Microlender of the Year

Photo Caption: Chuck Hurst, Northern Initiatives Vice President of Lending, accepts the SBA Microlender of the Year Award from Laketa Henderson, SBA District Director.

Northern Initiatives named SBA Microlender of the Year. Michigan nonprofit lender has been making SBA Microloans since 1994.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender serving communities across Michigan, has been named Michigan SBA Microlender of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Association.

For more than three decades,

Northern Initiatives has used SBA programs to help underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses access capital. According to the SBA, Northern Initiatives has issued 615 SBA microloans totaling $13,025,410 since 1994. In 2025, the year for which the organization is being honored, Northern Initiatives made 22 SBA microloans totaling$580,245.

The SBA microloan program provides loans of up to $50,000, with the average loan around$13,000. Across Michigan, the SBA delivered $1.3 billion in financing in 2025.

The seed for Charity Christine Suites in Grand Rapids was planted early in Charity’s career.

“I had my own suite but couldn’t bring my newborn,” said Christine. “I wanted a place where mothers could work. Now my focus is to help other entrepreneurs and help them grow their business. So, I would say it’s full circle how the whole story has come about.”

Christine owned her first business by the time she was 21.

Charity Christine Suites offers flexible lease options for the suites, which have a minimalist, modern design. A microloan from Northern Initiatives helped her start helping other entrepreneurs.

“We can see the impact of these loans in every city – sometimes on each block,” said Elissa Sangalli, president of Northern Initiatives. “More than 99.5% of Michigan businesses are small businesses, and they employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. We are honored to support their success”

Since its founding, Northern Initiatives has loaned more than $120 million to Michigan entrepreneurs.

About Northern Initiatives:

Northern Initiatives provides capital and hands-on support to entrepreneurs who can’t access traditional financing – helping businesses grow and communities thrive. Learn more at northerninitiatives.org.