Antrim County Economic Development Corporation

04/02/2026

"The six fastest-growing counties over the last five years — Lake, Montmorency, Keweenaw, Oscoda, Crawford and Antrim — all were Up North."

Antrim County saw a population increase of 5.29%.

Michigan’s population grew between 2020 and 2025, new Census estimates show, but some parts of the state are doing better than others.

02/11/2026

Join the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance on February 18th in Elk Rapids for their first Catalyst Conversations event of 2026! This is a great opportunity for folks to hear directly from business leaders in a key regional industry about what is impacting their ability to do business AND for local ag leaders to connect with each other and resource providers.

For more information on the event or to register, please visit the NLEA's website.

From weather to global trade changes, 2025 was an eventful year in Michigan’s agricultural sector. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are over

02/10/2026

Northern Michigan Start Up Week is coming up in Traverse City in April! For more information or to register for the event, click the link below.

Northern Michigan Startup Week celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups in Traverse City every May.

01/30/2026

For more information or to register, head over to the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance website.

Join the NLEA for Catalyst Conversations: Ag Industry Updates on February 18th. The region’s agricultural sector is a critical economic driver with over 1,200 farms in the NLEA region generating more than $78.9 million in agricultural products according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Event attendees will hear from a panel of industry experts and local business owners who will discuss the events and trends shaping the regional agricultural sector.

Patrick McGuire, Owner of Royal Farms, Inc., will discuss his experiences as a first generation farmer, how their business model has evolved over the years, and his unique perspective as a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Interested in learning more? Visit https://thenlea.com/calendar/catalyst-conversations-ag-industry-updates/. Registration is open through February 16th.

Thank you to our committed sponsors:
Networks Northwest and the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.



Antrim County Economic Development Corporation

01/26/2026

Join the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance on February 18!

From unpredictable weather to shifting global trade, 2025 was a big year for Michigan’s agricultural sector. 🌾📈

According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, more than 1,200 farms in the NLEA region generate over $78.9M in agricultural products — and there’s a lot to unpack.

That’s why our next Catalyst Conversations event will dive into the regional agriculture landscape right from the epicenter: Antrim County, where over half of our region’s agricultural value is produced.

Join a panel of industry experts and local business owners as they break down the events and trends shaping agriculture in Northern Michigan.

👉 Join us on Feb. 18th from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. Register here: https://thenlea.com/calendar/catalyst-conversations-ag-industry-updates/

Thank you to our commited sponsors: Networks Northwest and Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce



Bellaire Chamber of Commerce
Mancelona Chamber of Commerce
Central Lake Chamber of Commerce
Antrim County Economic Development Corporation

12/19/2025

The Michigan Small Business Development Center is hosting a free webinar for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time or may have one they want to improve. The 1-hour webinar is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. Registration is required to attend.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to...

12/03/2025

For more information on the event, or to register, please visit NLEA's website (www.thenlea.com)

📣 Early Bird Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Economic Symposium!

Snag early tickets for Friday, May 15th at Boyne Mountain Resort to hear dynamic discussions on all things “Made, Grown, and Built in Northern Michigan!” Join us for this opportunity to learn about and celebrate the industries and community efforts shaping our region’s economic future.

✨ Early bird pricing is available for a limited time — secure your spot while discounted rates last!

Register here: https://thenlea.com/calendar/2026-economic-symposium/

Interested in elevating your company’s visibility at the event? Sponsorship opportunities and table reservations are now open. Contact Sam Bailey at [email protected] to learn more.

10/16/2025

To register, click the QR code on the flyer!

Join Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC’s Project IMPACC Community Update on October 28 at Shanty Creek Resorts to hear the latest on expanding broadband infrastructure across Charlevoix, Antrim, and Otsego counties through the IMPACC Project — connecting more unserved and underserved communities and businesses in the region.

NLEA President & CEO, Payton Heins, will be in attendance — we hope to see you there! To register, visit https://pfn-project-impacc-update-oct28-shantycreek.eventbrite.com

📅 Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Cedar River Village, Shanty Creek Resorts

Antrim County Economic Development Corporation

10/09/2025

Traverse Connect will host the 2025 edition of its annual economic summit on Monday, November 3, and registration for the event is now officially up and running. The summit runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm, with programming focused on “economic forecasting and business development uniquely tailored to b...

09/22/2025

Got a business idea or startup in the works? Join like-minded entrepreneurs and experts Thursday mornings for Breakfast Lab: a free, in-person workshop series designed to help you refine your business model, build traction, and craft an investor-ready pitch deck. These sessions are hosted by 20Fathoms. Come for the sessions most relevant to you, or join them all!

Whether you’re just starting out with an idea or ready to start up, Breakfast Lab at 20Fathoms in Traverse City takes your business model to the next level.

09/15/2025

Venture North's Access to Capital workshop, put on in partnership with Huntington National Bank, is a great way to familiarize yourself with the many funding options and the best way to get started. This October 9th event is free to attend, but registration is required.

Venture North and Huntington Bank are partnering to share the best, smartest ways to fund your Northwest Michigan small business.