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Media Releases
March 7, 2007 | March 4, 2007 | Sept 22, 2006 | Sept 1, 2006 | August 12, 2006 | August 1, 2006 | July 12, 2006 | Nov. 11, 2004 | April 16, 2004 | Jan. 16, 2004 | Dec. 2003
Advocate to area entrepreneurs: `It's a lifestyle' Nearly all of the new jobs generated in Michigan in the next several years will come from small businesses. And because companies with fewer than 500 employees already employ 52 percent of the state's work force, Michigan needs to work harder to support and encourage that sector. So says Chris Holman, small-business advocate for the state of Michigan
and keynote speaker Tuesday night at the 10-year anniversary celebration
of the Northside Economic Potential Group. ``The auto industry has been a rude awakening for some of us, and now we're scrambling to get to tomorrow's culture,'' he said. ``Small business, for the most part, is taking up the slack.'' Would-be entrepreneurs, nevertheless, need to be realistic and talk to other small-business owners before jumping into business, he said. ``It's not a profession, and it's not an industry. It's a lifestyle,'' he said. ``I've kind of danced in the fire, and when I speak to small-business people I know what they go through.'' The 58-year-old Lansing resident is owner and publisher of the 20-year-old Greater Lansing Business Monthly magazine. He also founded Lansing marketing and consulting firm H & H Inc., Lansing TV and radio production company Renaissance Productions and the Hartland-based Majestic Golf Course. Previously chairman of the Small Business Association of Michigan, he was appointed to his current post early last year by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He said his role involves traveling the state to coordinate support programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs and helping them find solutions. He also helps them resolve problems with state government agencies via the Michigan Economic Development Corp.'s ombudsman's office. ``It's a passion for me to get out there and help small businesses,'' he said. ``They really are going to be the solution to our economic future.'' The NEPG announced at the event that it will become the new partner for the area's Small Business Technology Development Center, which previously partnered with Kalamazoo College's Stryker Center. The NEPG offers business training and assistance with business financing, and it promotes community revitalization and development. Its goal is to create 6,000 jobs in southwestern Michigan during the next 10 years. The anniversary event was held at Western Michigan University's Bernhard Center. It included a silent-auction fund-raiser for the NEPG's microenterprise-education programs and a graduation ceremony for several recent students of its New Ventures Training program for entrepreneurs.
Sunday, March 04, 2007 Northside business group celebrates 10-year anniversary A one-time volunteer group focused on cultivating nontraditional, small-business entrepreneurs will celebrate a decade of success and a new partnership at a special fundraising event Tuesday. Ten years, $3 million in new commercial development and four full-time staff later, the Northside Economic Potential Group will announce it is becoming the new partner for the area's Small Business Technology Development Center. The center was previously hosted by Kalamazoo College's Stryker Center. Tuesday's Northside Economic Potential Group event will feature keynoter
Chris Holman, Michigan's small-business advocate, who was appointed by
Gov. Jennifer Granholm. And there will be a graduation ceremony for students of its New Ventures Training program. Northside Economic Potential Group officials said the new affiliation with the Small Business Administration's Technology Development Center will bolster the organization's goal of creating 6,000 jobs in 10 years and promoting economic development across Southwest Michigan. The Kalamazoo-based organization offers business training and development classes in Three Rivers, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, assistance arranging business financing, and community revitalization through commercial development and neighborhood growth planning.
September 22, 2006 Other cities ask for Northside business training progam The success of a training program for would-be entrepreneurs in Kalamazoo's Northside neighborhood has prompted officials in Battle Creek and Three Rivers to sign on. The New Ventures Training Program, which provides training in finance and commercial development among other business topics, was started in 1997 and has an 83 percent success rate, said Eric S. Trevan, chief executive officer of the Northside Economic Potential Group, which administers the program. Classes will begin Tuesday in Kalamazoo at NEPG's offices, 526 N. Burdick St. The classes are scheduled for 6:15 to 9 p.m. Classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Battle Creek at the Habitat for Humanity offices, 551 W. Michigan Ave. Classes are scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Three Rivers at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Building, 57 N. Main St.
September 1, 2006 NEPG EXPANDS SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRNEURAL TRAINING TO BATTLE CREEK AND THREE RIVERS KALAMAZOO, MI — The Northside Economic Potential Group will begin
recruiting students to enroll in their highly successful New Ventures
Training Program. New Ventures is the longest serving, and most successful
business start-up training in Southwest Michigan. This program began in
1997 and has a 83% success rate. Classes will begin on September 26 (Kalamazoo),
September 27th (Battle Creek) and September 28th (Three Rivers).Until
this year; NEPG only offered the class in the Kalamazoo area. Now, due
to higher demand and growth of the organization, NEPG, in partnership
with local organizations, is also offering this program in Battle Creek
and Three Rivers. Locations: Battle Creek Three Rivers The Northside Economic Potential Group began as in 1997 as a grass-roots effort. Now as a leading Economic Development Agency, NEPG is one of the seven (7) SBA Intermediary Lenders in Michigan, Licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth as a licensed state proprietary school and oversee three (3) developments to total approximately $3,000,000. Over the next 10 years, NEPG will create 6,000 jobs, invest $12,000,000 into communities and loan approximately $3,000,000 throughout Southwest Michigan.
August 12, 2006 ENTREPENEURIAL CLASSES AIM TO CREATE MORE INFORMED
BUSINESS OWNERS THREE RIVERS — Anthony Carter, a 15-year resident
of Three Rivers, had been in the drywall business for 20 years and had
owned his own business — T and T Total Technique Drywall Hanging
and Finishing — for five years, when he decided he wanted a change.
“I didn’t plan on doing drywall forever, so I wanted to take
the opportunity while I had it,” he said. In February, he enrolled
in a session of entrepreneurial classes in In August he opened a barbershop and beauty parlor, Diamond Cuts, in Kalamazoo. The classes taught Carter the importance of business promotion, professionalism, and how to write a business plan from start to finish. “It gave me more structure,” he said. “It put me in areas I wasn’t focusing on, like marketing,” he said. On Sept. 28, Kalamazoo-based NEPG and the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority are bringing the New Ventures Training Program to Three Rivers in an effort to educate current and potential business owners on the fundamentals of running a business. “It literally steps you through the process of how to create a business,” Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Director Renee Hradsky said. “That’s why most people fail, because they just don’t know.” The program started in Kalamazoo in 1997 with seven people. So far, 126 people have graduated and started businesses with an 83 percent success rate, according to NEPG Executive Director Eric Trevan. The New Ventures Training Program’s expansion is a result of a yearlong strategic planning session by NEPG. At the same time of NEPG’s strategic planning, the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority approached the company about economic expansion to its neighbors to the south. As a result of the planning, NEPG decided to expand its borders to include the cities of Battle Creek and Three Rivers. “We wanted to work with a rural community and we wanted to work with another urban community,” Trevan said. Three Rivers’ classes will cost $255 at startup, which includes a $10 non-refundable admission fee, a $45 materials fee and $200 for tuition; each person who graduates with a finished business plan receives the $200 tuition fee back. Classes will be limited to 15 to 20 people each. The first 12-week session will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday nights and participants must complete four required one-on-one consulting hours with a business consultant. Classes will be held at a downtown location to be finalized. After the initial 12-week session, the program will continue for at least four more sessions. Enrolling in entrepreneurial classes not only sharpened Carter’s business skills to improve his drywall business, they helped him get his new business off the ground. “I’m a pretty determined guy… I can say they played a pretty big part in it,” he said. For more information contact Renee Hradsky at (269) 273-1238,
LaShonda Bracey at (269) 342-5655, or visit www.nepg.org.
August 1, 2006 NEPG LICENSED AS STATE PROPRIETARY SCHOOL THROUGH STATE OF MICHIGAN KALAMAZOO, MI - On August 1, 2006, the Northside Economic Potential Group, a regional economic development agency, was certified through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth as a Licensed State Proprietary School. This specifically refers to the successful Self Employment Initiative (SEI) entrepreneurial training program that began November 2005. Through a grant from the City of Kalamazoo for $25,000, NEPG leveraged their own funds for their match and begin this workforce development effort. Now, through this licensure, the SEI training program will be able to be offered in conjunction with MI Works as well as other Workforce Development Training programs. The SEI is an intensive training for those who want to start their own business. The class is open to everyone, but NEPG is able to offer financial aid for 100% of costs if an individual is low income. This 10-week class helps take a business idea and put it into a business plan designed to detail operations, marketing and financial strategies. By students creating their own business, they are creating jobs. To date, NEPG has had 11 graduates with many success stories. This program is located in Kalamazoo, but will soon be offered throughout southwest MI. “We are thrilled that the State of Michigan would certify NEPG’s training program to be included with the approximately 300 institutes throughout this state. It is an honor and we will continue to perform to create new businesses, jobs and economic activity throughout the region,” states Chief Executive Officer, Eric S Trevan. Trevan feels that this program will dovetail with NEPG’s other services, the Small Business Administration $3.5 million dollar loan fund managed by NEPG and NEPG’s three (3) current developments in Kalamazoo and Three Rivers. “We (NEPG) as a young organization are very proud what we have accomplished here on the Northside of Kalamazoo…now we are pleased to continue our successes on the Northside as well as throughout the region,” says Rev. Johnny L Thompkins, President of the Board of Directors. The Northside Economic Potential Group is a regional economic development agency that provides start-up business training, loans up to $35,000 and has three (3) commercial developments with below market rents throughout southwest Michigan. They were founded as a grass roots effort in 1997, are headquartered in Kalamazoo with efforts currently in Kalamazoo, Three Rivers and Battle Creek ongoing. July 12, 2006 Three Rivers, MI - The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) on Friday 14th, 2006 at 10:00am will hold a joint press conference with the City of Three Rivers and their Downtown Development Authority to announce a project in partnership with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MHSDA). This event will take place at 111 South Main Street in Three Rivers. Through this project, MHSDA will grant the City of Three Rivers $310,000 to rehabilitate a 25,500 square foot building in Historic Downtown Three Rivers. With these funds an additional $900,000 will be leveraged through other properties, grants, investors and financing to create jobs in downtown Three Rivers. The property will then be turned over to NEPG to rehabilitate the building, train residents to start their own businesses and assist in financing their ventures. This is the largest financially leveraged project MHSDA is funding with this grant program in Michigan. With these funds, NEPG will begin its expansion throughout Southwest Michigan to open doors to entrepreneurs and create economic environments that are supportive to sustainable growth in communities. Chief Executive Officer, Eric S Trevan states, “We are excited that the City’s DDA sought partnership with NEPG to help create jobs within our core communities. We appreciate this opportunity and as we expand throughout Southwest Michigan, we hope to add this to our other economic development successes. With the support from the State of Michigan reinvesting in our communities, we will be able to carry out our mission to build on our greatest comparative advantage, small business.” NEPG will recruit an anchor tenant and then lease the remaining spaces to new businesses founded by residents of the area. The Northside Economic Potential Group is a true Regional Economic Development Agency that looks to create jobs through the creation of new businesses. Beginning in 1997, NEPG focuses on Business Training/Consulting, loans through their $3.5 million dollar loan fund and neighborhood economic revitalization through commercial development in downtowns and urban neighborhoods. Their goal is to help families create jobs and improve communities as a catalyst for economic growth. Over the next ten years, NEPG will create 6000 jobs, invest $12 million dollars and help 13 local communities create supportive environments for entrepreneurs.
November 11, 2004 Contact: Kathy Borgais, kborgais@ameritech.net or at The Owen Group, 269.383.0515 OR Lewis Edwards, 269.377.7101 HEAVY HITTERS OPENS FOR BUSINESS IN NEPG’S NORTH POINT COMMUNITY RETAIL PARKKALAMAZOO - On November 1, 2004, Heavy Hitters, a hip-hop clothing store, opened for business at 766 North Westnedge Avenue, located in the new NorthPoint Community Retail Park. Practically selling out on its first day open, Heavy Hitters offers coats, shirts, pants and shoes at costs 50 percent below their competitors costs. Edwards employs two individuals. "This goes way beyond building businesses," says Heavy Hitters owner, Lewis Edwards. "Young children in the Northside Neighborhood can see that there is hope for them, as well as adults." Many children from the neighborhood visit Edwards and he enjoys spending time with them on such things as arranging basketball games. Edwards feels "blessed to get in here" and learned about the space available in the NorthPoint Community Retail Park because he is taking a New Ventures training class for entrepreneurs offered by the Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG). NEPG is conducting a $1.1 million fund raising campaign to build the Park for graduates of their training classes, as well as other business owners. The 10,500 square foot building is not only convenient for residents of the neighborhood who would otherwise have to travel outside of their neighborhood for many goods and services, but it also offers business people who work downtown a convenient location to stop at, as it is located on business loop 131. Other stores that will be housed in the park are: The BAR-BQ Pit, First Community Federal Credit Union, Dollar Deal$, New and Improved Barber and Beauty Salon and Nimble Thimble. Half of these stores are owned by graduates of the New Ventures course. Edwards is originally from Chicago and then moved to Flint, Michigan. He is a graduate of Michigan State University. His career in sales began as a car salesman with Mel Farr in Grand Blanc, Michigan. "Mel persuaded me to go out on my own, and said I always had a job there." To relocate to Kalamazoo, he left a Heavy Hitters store behind in Flint, which his brother now owns and operates. His nephew also operates a store called Heavy Hitters in the Detroit area. Initially he sold clothes out of his car in the Kalamazoo area, so he has clientele in the area. Lewis purchases goods at the same trade shows as his competitors, but marks them up much less than the suggested retail price because "who wants to pay $120 for a pair of Jeans?" Of his clientele in Kalamazoo, 80 percent live in the Northside Neighborhood. "I can better serve them here," Lewis said. The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) seeks to enhance the economic status of low income neighborhoods. Their New Ventures Training Course provides a business training program for area residents through a partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Another NEPG project is the construction of a community retail park in the heart of the Northside Neighborhood. Not only will this mall give residents of Kalamazoo’s Northside a place to shop and call their own, but it will offer retail space for graduates of NEPG’s business training classes. Graduates of the classes can also apply for a micro-loan through NEPG for up to $5,000. NEPG’s mission is to restore economic vitality to the Northside of Kalamazoo by providing training and economic and technical assistance to new and existing businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed.
November 12, 2004 Contact: Kathy Borgais, kborgais@ameritech.net or at The Owen Group, 269.383.0515 OR Emma Harris 269.226.8503 NIMBLE THIMBLE OPENS FOR BUSINESS IN NEPG’S NORTH POINT COMMUNITY RETAIL PARKKALAMAZOO - On November 1, 2004, a Kalamazoo veteran of the tailoring profession opened her doors in the new NorthPoint Community Retail Park owned by the Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG). Nimble Thimble, located at 722 North Westnedge Avenue provides alteration services at very affordable prices! "It is great news that Nimble Thimble is opening on the northside. Seamstresses provide a lost art and those services are now available at a convenient neighborhood location. Why have clothing that doesn’t fit exactly right when you can have them truly customized for you at Nimble Thimble," says Kalamazoo City Mayor, Robert Jones, who is also a client of Harris’. Harris has four part-time employees and relocated to the Park from Reycraft Drive in Kalamazoo. Prior to opening her own tailor shop 23 years ago, she was employed with Redwood and Ross for nine years and Kooi Knapper for 11 years. Kooi Knapper closed in July of 1981 and their clientele wanted to follow Harris, which led her to open her own shop in September of 1981. Initially, Harris created costumes for theatrical performances, including Western Michigan University. In the past, she also enjoyed redesigning vintage pieces. The oldest piece she redesigned was a 30-year-old wedding gown. At one time someone brought her a slipper, "we don’t do shoes," Harris said. Harris is a graduate of the NEPG New Ventures training class for entrepreneurs and that involvement informed her of the opening in the North Point Community Retail Park. "I’m really glad to see a change in the northside...progress happening, that is why I decided to relocate here." NEPG is conducting a $1.1 million fund raising campaign to build the Park for graduates of their training classes, as well as other business owners. The 10,500 square foot building is not only convenient for residents of the neighborhood who would otherwise have to travel outside of their neighborhood for many goods and services, but it also offers business people who work downtown a convenient location to stop at, as it is located on business loop 131. Other stores that will be housed in the park are: The BAR-BQ Pit, First Community Federal Credit Union, Dollar Deal$, New and Improved Barber and Beauty Salon and Heavy Hitters. Half of these stores are owned by graduates of the New Ventures course. The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) seeks to enhance the economic status of low income neighborhoods. Their New Ventures Training Course provides a business training program for area residents through a partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Another NEPG project is the construction of a community retail park in the heart of the Northside Neighborhood. Not only will this mall give residents of Kalamazoo’s Northside a place to shop and call their own, but it will offer retail space for graduates of NEPG’s business training classes. Graduates of the classes can also apply for a micro-loan through NEPG for up to $5,000. NEPG’s mission is to restore economic vitality to the Northside of Kalamazoo by providing training and economic and technical assistance to new and existing businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed.
April 16, 2004 Contact: Kathy Borgais, or at The Owen Group, 269.383.0515 NEPG Community Retail Park Groundbreaking Ceremony April 24, 2004KALAMAZOO - On Saturday, April 24, 2004, the Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) will break ground for a community retail park which will be housed on the corner on North Westnedge Avenue and West North Street downtown in Kalamazoo's Northside Neighborhood. The event will be held from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a program beginning at 3 p.m. Free ice cream and prizes will be given after the program, which will be led by Master of Ceremonies and NEPG Board President, Reverend Johnny L. Thompkins. The Northglade Montessori Magnet School Rising Stars Choir will begin the program. Mayor Robert Jones, Congressman Fred Upton, and other community leaders who support NEPG and the community retail park are expected to speak. Reverend Bobette Hampton will lead the invocation. "The economic challenges of the city are a concern that is being addressed by the Northside Economic Potential Group. By educating entrepreneurs through their New Ventures Training course, as well as providing retail space for the course graduates and other business owners, NEPG is helping to restore economic vitality to downtown, which includes the Northside of Kalamazoo," says Kalamazoo Mayor Robert Jones. The 10,500 square foot community retail park is not only convenient for residents of the neighborhood who would otherwise have to travel outside of their neighborhood for many goods and services, but it also offers business people who work downtown a convenient location to stop at, as it is located on business loop 131. Some of the stores that will be housed in the park are: The BAR-BQ Pit, First Community Federal Credit Union, Dollar Deal$, New Video and Nimble Thimble Tailors. Almost half of these stores are owned by graduates of the New Ventures Course. The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) seeks to enhance the economic status of low income neighborhoods. Their New Ventures Training provides a business training program for area residents through a partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Another phase of the project is the construction of a community retail park in the heart of the Northside Neighborhood. Not only will this park give residents of Kalamazoo's Northside a place to shop and call their own, but it will offer retail space for graduates of the NEPG business training program. NEPG's mission is to restore economic vitality to the Northside of Kalamazoo by providing training and economic and technical assistance to new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs.
January 16, 2004 Contact: Kathy Borgais, The Owen Group, 383.0515 More Economic Development in Store for Kalamazoo's Northside NeighborhoodKALAMAZOO - On December 17, 2003, the Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) purchased property on the corner on North Westnedge and West North Street from the city of Kalamazoo's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. NEPG intends to construct a $1.1 million, 10,500 square foot retail park on-site. The project promises to not only meet basic service needs of the community, but also to provide successful graduates of NEPG's business training program with space for their business ventures. NEPG paid the Authority $12,000 for the property. Chad Howell, Development Manager for the city of Kalamazoo said that upon development of the property, $12,000 will be paid out for public improvements at and around the site. The property is considered a Brownfield Redevelopment Project and is designated as a tax-free Renaissance Zone. The property was initially acquired by the city in the 80's as a possible public safety post. Reverend Johnny L. Thompkins, President of the Board of Directors for NEPG states, "We are committed to empowering the residents of the Northside Neighborhood, as well as adjoining neighborhoods. Through training and assistance, residents of the Northside Neighborhood can strengthen economics in their own backyard through the development of retail space, as well as strengthen their business skills." Aside from reinvesting the purchasing cost of the land into public improvements, the Authority is supporting the city and NEPG in two more ways. A Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $100,000 will be awarded for development of the land and, currently, the Authority is considering awarding a low-interest loan for $100,000 to the project. The decision process for this "gap-financing tool" will take approximately six to eight weeks, said Howell. The Brownfield Redevelopment Initiative (BRI) program, run by city staff, identifies, prioritizes, and acquires environmentally-distressed properties. The staff also assembles resources to remove redevelopment barriers. They have been working with NEPG since 1997, at approximately the same time when the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was formed. At that time the city transferred Brownfield real estate to the Authority. The Kalamazoo City Commission funds the Authority, which is also supported through tax increment financing. Howell calls the projects "a labor of love." Some of the other projects sponsored by the Authority are: Felpausch Grocery Store, Mackenzie's Bakery, Alumilite, Textile Systems, Inc., and the biggest to date, the Speareflex Block (home of Biggs Gilmore and Shakespeare's Pub). For more information about the Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment and Renaissance Zones, please visit www.redevelopkalamazoo.org. The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) seeks to enhance the economic status of its neighborhoods. The project involves providing a basic business training program for area residents through a partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Another phase of the project is the construction of a commercial retail mall in the heart of the Northside Neighborhood. Not only will this mall give residents of Kalamazoo's Northside a place to shop and call their own, but it will offer retail space for graduates of the NEPG business training program. NEPG's mission is to restore economic vitality to the Northside of Kalamazoo by providing training and economic and technical assistance to new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs. December 2003 Contact: Pat Bell Phillips, NEPG, 269.342.5655 ext 202, pat.phillips@nepg.org Entrepreneurs and Residents of Kalamazoo County Interested in Taking the First Step Toward Self-Employment are Invited to a New Ventures Training Course OrientationKALAMAZOO - The Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) invites residents of Kalamazoo County's economically challenged neighborhoods, including Northside, Eastside, Edison, Stuart, West Douglas, Oakwood and Vine, to take the first step toward self-employment by attending an orientation session on Thursday, January 15, 2004 from 6:30-8 p.m., or Sunday, January 18, 2004 from 3-4:30 p.m. The New Ventures Training course is a 15-week session for budding entrepreneurs and begins on January 22, 2004. Registration is at either orientation located at NEPG, 526 North Burdick Street. Please call 269.342.5655 for more information. The New Ventures Training course is for people who have thought of starting a business, but don't know where to start or how to evaluate if their idea for a business would be successful. The classes will review business concepts that everyone should know, whether they work for someone else, or would like to start their own business. The instructor will provide insight and expertise critical in making one achieve their goal to become a successful business owner. Classes are from 7-9 p.m., January 22, 2004 through April 29, 2004 and will be held at 526 North Burdick Street at the corner of Ransom. The program fee is $100, application fee is $10 and workbook fee is $45. The curriculum in the course will cover information directed to help people become self-employed, and begin their micro-enterprise. A micro-enterprise is a small business with less than five employees that requires $35,000 in initial capital. These programs exist across the nation pulling people out of poverty and entering them in the work force. The training program will focus on the individual talents of the participants, and will teach them how to apply themselves to the creation of a self-sufficient business. Upon completion of the New Ventures Training course, students will have a written planning document called the "Micro-Entrepreneurs Business Plan, turning an idea into a reality," and an opportunity to qualify for a NEPG Micro-Loan. NEPG is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing
training courses to people who desire to open their own business. Currently
they are the only organization in Kalamazoo that excels in this area.
NEPG began in the early 90's and since then over 100 people have successfully
completed the courses.
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