Northern Michigan

Upper Michigan's startup scene is in focus as UMT connects with Northern Michigan University's Fall 2026 cohort of student entrepreneurs. The gathering spotlights new business ventures emerging from the university and the support available to young founders in the region. Local coverage highlights the entrepreneurs' projects and the growing collaboration between campus innovation programs and community partners.

Northern Michigan University's Manoomin as Medicine Initiative has received grant funding to support its work. The initiative centers on manoomin, wild rice traditional to Anishinaabe communities in the Great Lakes region, and its role in health and healing. Details of the grant amount and funder have not been released.

The governor has signed legislation providing funding for a new College of Business at Northern Michigan University. The measure allocates state money for the new academic facility, expanding business education offerings at the Marquette-based university. University officials and state leaders have highlighted the investment as a boost for the region's economy and workforce development.

Munson Healthcare has renewed its support for a street medicine program serving rural communities in northern Michigan. The program brings medical care directly to people who face barriers accessing clinics, including those experiencing homelessness or living in remote areas. The renewed commitment continues health system funding for outreach teams delivering care outside traditional hospital settings.

Munson Healthcare has committed an additional $150,000 to its street medicine program, bringing the health system's total investment in the effort to $300,000 since 2024. The funding supports care delivered directly to people living unsheltered in northern Michigan. Local coverage highlights the program's growth as health systems nationwide look for ways to reach patients who cannot access traditional clinics.