Independents Week is back! Celebrate our local, independent businesses with Local First the week of June 28th to July 4th.  

Each year, people across the country and the globe celebrate holidays that hold special significance. Some are religious, some commemorate lost lives, some celebrate historical dates of significance.

Many of these major holidays and days of observance impact our economy in one way or another, with businesses closing to give staff the day off, or ramping up to sell merchandise. Few of these holidays, however, have as close a tie to our economic history and our country’s people as Juneteenth.

Thank you for joining Local First for the second of four Rebuilding our Local Economy webinar events! Each quarter, the Local First team brings new resources and technical support to you by tapping the expertise of our membership community.

Did you miss out on the first round of the Payroll Protection Program? Northern Initiatives can help!

Thank you for joining Local First for the first of four Rebuilding our Local Economy webinar events! Each quarter, the Local First team will bring new resources and technical support to you by tapping the expertise of our membership community.

There are many reasons why small businesses need to keep current on future trends, and the following are just a few to consider:

Coffee Hour is back in partnership with Bloom Credit Union!

Whew, we're so glad to have 2020 in our rearview! But if we learned anything from last year, it's the value of community and our need to connect. While Local First could not hold our in-person events (like bringing hundreds of people together to sample bites from dozens of local food businesses, enjoying live music and beautiful art, and networking together at a local business), we were and are able to keep our members connected and the conversation flowing. 

Winter is coming and, with it, local food businesses are bracing for impact. As we cozy up and stay safe at home, our beloved restaurants and shops are navigating the need to pivot, yet again. “There's an upcoming season of hustling hard, reinventing, celebrating small joys, and unfortunately, suffering some substantial losses,” says Lauren Bloom of Blom Meadworks. 

With court rulings impacting safety protocols for small businesses and changing reports on how Michigan businesses are expected to operate, it's fair to say, 2020 has been a year full of change and confusion.

Here is what we know for sure: starting November 18th, Michigan will Pause to Save Lives.