Women Leaders Drive Michigan and Venture North Investments
“Michigan women bring a broad and profound diversity of experiences and expertise to all aspects of civic, economic, cultural and social development throughout our State.”
This sentence, proclaiming March 2026 as Women’s History Month by Governor Gretchen Whitmer sets the stage for this stunning tribute entitled “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
The proclamation establishes that “a historic number of women serve in the Michigan Legislature and across the state government and also as leaders in our businesses, labor force, local governments, and communities, continuing to break through historic barriers.”
The track record of Venture North, a nonprofit provider of low-cost loans and no-cost technical assistance, bears this out – nearly 70 percent of all small business owners who have received Venture North’s growth capital are women.
They include successful entrepreneurs who own a remarkably diverse range of businesses including child learning centers, a bicycle sales enterprise, a maker of fine chocolates, a mental health therapy businesses, a florist, fitness centers and gyms, a distinctive furniture store, specialty restaurants, inns and motels and a business that tackles the health of their clients through wholesome fresh foods, from meals to snacks. They are located in places like Petoskey, Elk Rapids, Maple City, Mancelona, Manistee, Arcadia, Cadillac, Empire, Elberta, Frankfort, Traverse City, Fife Lake, and others.
From left: In It to Win It’s Dana Winowiecki; Angie Hutchins from Traverse City Floral Co.; Jessica Follett and Lucy in front of just some of the inventory at Pets Naturally; Some of the women who help make Venture North a great fit for women entrepreneurs — far left: President Laura Galbraith, second-from-right: Board Chair Laura Reznich and, far-right: Venture North Small Business Coach Betsy Evans, all gathered with Benzie County Administrator Katie Zeits (second-from-left) at the opening of Eric Billips’ (center) Beulah Outdoors.
What makes women-owned businesses special?
“By breaking down barriers and setting examples of success, this can inspire future generations of women entrepreneurs,” attests Gallagher Small Business. Gallagher goes on to report that women-owned businesses make up about 39 percent of all businesses in the U.S., providing jobs for 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in revenue.
As Dana Winowiecki, owner of In It to Win It of Traverse City, says “we learn from others. Women band together and help other women. And we have a ‘whatever it takes’ mentality.”
Angela Hutchins, owner of Traverse City Floral Co. in Traverse City has similar sentiment: “Entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, and women often push forward despite uncertainty, self-doubt, or competing responsibilities. That determination, paired with creativity and vision, is what allows women to grow something meaningful from the ground up.”
Women also lead in building community. The Boston Consulting Group found that “women-led startups ultimately deliver high revenue, more than twice as much per dollar invested, and that these same businesses are more likely to be focused on making a social contribution and building good employee and community relations.”
Jessica Follett, owner of Pets Naturally and The Dog Bakery in Traverse City, agrees. “Women don’t just build businesses, we build ecosystems! Women led businesses most often support other local businesses, give back to their communities and creative inclusive, welcoming environments.”
Some small business (and Venture North) ‘All Stars’: Jody Hayden of Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate; Jennie Zoll of MJ Design Company; mother-daughter duo Carlee and Debbie Caperton of SOS Learning Lab
“Women entrepreneurs often have the quality of approaching business decisions wholistically, making decisions for the entire health of the organization,” says Jody Hayden, owner of Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire. “If we empower women, our entire community stands to benefit. I applaud Venture North in their efforts to champion and support women entrepreneurs. A smart, industrious woman on a mission will exhaust every resource available to see her dreams realized. Venture North is a perfect partner in supporting these passionate people in a way that traditional lenders may not.”
“I think it comes down to a combination of intention,” says Angela Hutchins, owner of Traverse City Floral Co. “Women entrepreneurs are building businesses with purpose, and they’re willing to take the steps needed to support that growth in a smart and sustainable way. For me, it’s about more than just running a business, it’s about community, connection, and crating something that truly matters.”
Haven Creative, a communications consultancy that helps companies grow through brand positioning, states that: “By working with a woman-owned business, you can tap into the unique perspectives and ideas of women entrepreneurs, which can lead to new and innovative products and services.”
Jennie Zoll, owner of MJ Design Company in Mancelona echoes that sentiment. “Instead of relying solely on traditional paths, women get creative, finding the most economical ways to fuel our ventures. We’re also proactive about our growth, we seek out the education we need.”
Katy Bertodatto, owner of Golden Swan Management in Traverse City, says “women are continually looking at problems through the lens of community instead of just themselves. Women are able to identify unique problems in the community and build businesses around solving them.”
“Women and men who own small businesses are treated equally by Venture North,” said president Laura Galbraith. “Men and women business owners will increase their chances for our low-cost loans or no-cost technical assistance if they are located in an economically challenged area of northern Michigan or have family income that is at or below the poverty level for their area. If a business owner is plowing their business income back into their business, they often have income at a level that is more favored for our services as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).”
As Debbie Caperton, owner of SOS Learning Lab in Traverse City put it: “Business leadership/ownership is important – take your time – start small and grow. Participating in your community will always give valuable insight. Your story and life experiences matter…use them to your benefit. Take extra care of your team: be nice, generous, understanding, flexible, helpful and have a sense of humor and have fun!”
For media inquiries:
Contact: Tim Ervin - Ph: 231-794-0089 - Email: timervinassoc@gmail.com
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