What is the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance?
Behind many of Northern Michigan’s business expansions, new childcare openings, infrastructure improvements, and workforce initiatives is an organization many people may not realize is helping make it all happen: the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA).
As the economic development organization serving Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties, the NLEA works alongside businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and state and federal partners to remove barriers to growth and create opportunities for long-term economic success.
Simply put, our job is to help Northern Michigan thrive.
Helping Businesses Grow
A manufacturer may want to expand its facility but lack access to the water and sewer infrastructure needed to build outside city limits. Another company may see Northern Michigan as the ideal place to invest, but encounter financing gaps that make expansion difficult.
The NLEA helps overcome these challenges by bringing together local governments, utility providers, state and federal partners, and funding organizations to identify solutions. Whether that’s securing grants, connecting businesses with low-interest financing, or helping communities plan infrastructure improvements, the goal is the same: helping businesses invest, grow, and create year-round, family-sustaining jobs.
Just as importantly, these solutions begin with listening. Each year, the NLEA visits more than 150 businesses across the region to better understand the challenges they’re facing, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure our work reflects the real needs of Northern Michigan employers.
Strengthening the Workforce
Economic development isn’t only about supporting businesses—it’s also about ensuring people have the opportunity to participate in the workforce.
Childcare remains one of the most significant barriers facing working families and employers alike. Through partnerships and financing assistance, the NLEA helped secure a zero-percent USDA loan that supported the opening of Little Roots Childcare Center in Petoskey. The new center added dozens of licensed childcare openings, allowing more parents to return to work while helping local employers address ongoing staffing shortages.
The NLEA also works directly with employers to strengthen talent attraction and retention. From regional employer events focused on innovative staffing solutions to publishing data that helps businesses better understand workforce trends, the organization helps employers navigate one of today’s most pressing economic challenges.
In 2026, the NLEA also launched a regional talent attraction marketing campaign featuring local professionals sharing why they chose to build their careers in Northern Michigan—highlighting the region’s career opportunities alongside its exceptional quality of life.
Providing Data That Drives Decisions
Good decisions require good information.
The NLEA regularly gathers economic data directly from businesses across the region and shares those findings through reports, educational programming, and community events. These insights help business leaders, local governments, developers, and community organizations better understand regional trends, identify emerging challenges, and pursue funding opportunities that strengthen the local economy.
Whether discussing housing, workforce availability, infrastructure, or business expansion, these conversations help communities make informed decisions that position Northern Michigan for long-term success.
Building a Stronger Northern Michigan
Economic development looks different in every community. Sometimes it’s helping a manufacturer expand. Sometimes it’s supporting a new childcare center. Sometimes it’s bringing partners together to solve an infrastructure challenge before it becomes a barrier to growth.
While each project is unique, they all share a common purpose: creating opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities to thrive.
That’s what economic development looks like in Northern Michigan. And it’s the work the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance is proud to lead every day.
To learn more, stay up to date on the NLEA by signing up for our monthly newsletter and check out our events page for upcoming opportunities to get involved.
