Venture North Funding & Development

10/13/2026

Wondering what lenders look for when considering your business for funding? Join Venture North’s own Chris Wendel for a 20Fathoms Breakfast Lab to learn how to strengthen your business’s position for funding, explore available financing options, and better prepare for your next step!

+ October 22 | 9–10:30 a.m.
+ Free to attend in person or virtually!

Learn more and register:

Join Chris Wendel of Venture North for a Breakfast Lab session on what lenders really look for, and how to position your business to get funded.

10/09/2026

When Nick Olson launched Hearth Sauna, he wanted to create a place where people could relax, recharge and connect through the timeless tradition of Nordic sauna. Today, that vision is thriving, with a growing following in Traverse City and a new location in Elk Rapids!

Venture North was proud to support Nick’s entrepreneurial journey with a loan in 2024, and we love seeing how Hearth Sauna continues to grow. From expanding locations to planning custom-built saunas, Nick is finding new ways to bring wellness and connection to our region.

Join us in celebrating Nick and Hearth Sauna! Read his story on our website today: https://www.venturenorthfunding.org/customer-stories-news/customer-stories-testimonials/hearth-sauna-expansion

10/09/2026

“I had to learn to stand up for what my business deserved and to stand firm in my decisions [in dealing with vendors and in contract negotiations].” Wise words from small business owner extraordinaire and Venture North client, Courtney Lorenz, owner of Cultured Kombucha Co.!

10/08/2026

There’s a new face out in the field at Venture North!

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Rekasi to the Venture North team as our newest Small Business Lender & Coach!

Jennifer brings more than two decades of banking and lending experience, as well as a deep commitment to helping communities and small businesses thrive. And she’s already out and about, meeting entrepreneurs, building relationships and learning more about the businesses that make northern Michigan special.

In her new role, Jennifer will be focused on helping small business owners in Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego counties access the financing, resources and support they need to move their businesses forward.

Whether you're thinking about starting a business, looking to grow, or simply want to talk through your options, Jennifer would love to meet you!

Welcome to Venture North, Jennifer! We’re so glad you’re here.

Know a small business owner in these communities who could use some support? Help us spread the word! www.venturenorthfunding.org

10/04/2026

We’re so happy to see Jim Bardenhagen, co-head of Venture North client MI Farm Co-op, recognized in Traverse City Ticker’s 7Over70 — celebrating seven Northern Michigan leaders who are still making a difference in our communities and economy.

And Jim certainly isn’t slowing down! From growing up on his family’s centennial farm in Suttons Bay, to a career with MSU Extension, to serving as president of the Leelanau Peninsula Economic Foundation and MI Farm Cooperative, Jim has spent decades helping farmers, businesses and communities thrive.

At Venture North, we know that entrepreneurship has no age limit. Experience, persistence and a willingness to keep moving forward can be some of an entrepreneur’s greatest assets and we’re lucky to work alongside people like Jim who embody that spirit.

Congratulations, Jim, and thank you for all you continue to do for Northern Michigan!

Read the full 7Over70 feature from The Ticker: https://www.traverseticker.com/news/traverse-citys-7over70-are-not-slowing-down/

Is 70 the new 50? Our latest 7Over70 class makes a case. From farmers to philanthropists to entrepreneurs, these seven locals are shaping the region’s economy and community. Meet TCBN’s first 7Over70 class since 2019. Jim Bardenhagen How It All Began: Bardenhagen grew up on his family’s centen...

10/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out and attended the Navigate North Business Summit hosted by the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - Annie enjoyed presenting and meeting folks!

If you were unable to get a question answered, or had some come up post-event, please get in touch! We hope you'll also keep an eye out for future VN workshops on everything from marketing to researching capital for small business growth.
www.venturenorthfunding.org

10/02/2026

Congratulations to VN client and magnificent Manistee small business Coastal Woods Vision on their wonderful new space! Stop by and see for yourself!

09/22/2026

Big news at Venture North — and great news for our clients!

We’re thrilled to announce that Betsy Evans has stepped into a new role as our Operations & Portfolio Coordinator!

Betsy has been part of the Venture North family for the past four years, working with clients on lending and technical assistance. Now, we’re lucky to have her skills, experience, resourcefulness and meticulous follow-through even more closely woven into our day-to-day work.

For our clients, that means another knowledgeable, dedicated person helping keep things moving smoothly behind the scenes.

We’re delighted to have you in this new role, Betsy! Congratulations!