Empowering small businesses.

Small businesses are at the heart of every community. Lake Trust is proud to support the small businesses and community partners creating thriving spaces to live.

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Lake Trust empowered small businesses in 2024 by creating opportunities. Offering solutions for entrepreneurs to turn their vision into a reality. And making purposeful partnerships for building our local economies together.

Supporting local food entrepreneurs.

Supporting local food entrepreneurs.

In 2024, Lake Trust sponsored the annual Michigan Good Food Fund Business Pitch Event. At this event, local food businesses pitch to a live audience and two are selected to receive capital and resources to invest in their business. Lake Trust was a proud sponsor of the event. Participated on the judging panel. And provided business resources for each of the entrepreneurs involved.

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Elevating female entrepreneurs.

Elevating female entrepreneurs.

As a Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 FemPreneur Summit event, Lake Trust was honored to empower women to take their businesses and personal growth to the next level. Over 100 female entrepreneurs gather each year to elevate their businesses. Empower each other. And gain valuable insight on money, marketing, and mindset. Lake Trust has been a proud sponsor since 2023.

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Purposeful lending

Lake Trust empowers small businesses by providing tailored opportunities for capital.

 

Small Business Microloans

 

Lake Trust's microloan is a special lending opportunity because it is a personal loan for the purpose of business. This allows us to make a lending decision by looking at the personal income and credit score of the business owner. Helping those that are in start-up and early scale before many lenders will accept them. Small Business Microloans support a truly underserved demographic of business owners.

Powerful Partnerships

Lake Trust partners with purpose-driven small businesses to multiply positive impact in our communities.

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Lake Trust was proud to become the premier sponsor of Torch 180 Cafe and Coffee Bar in 2024, a fully functioning cafe, that’s also a non-profit with a mission. Torch 180 provides inclusive opportunities for vocational training, soft skills, and work experience for those facing disadvantages.

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Building Opportunities

In 2024, Lake Trust donated a building to Torch 180, enabling them to open a new retail space. This expansion will allow the organization to provide additional opportunities for participants in their program.

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Expanding Services

Lake Trust remains committed to supporting Torch 180 and The Torch, their sister charity that provides free groceries and healthy meals for those in need. And will offer financial education, marketing services, and volunteers from the Lake Trust team.

At Lake Trust, we are committed to fostering relationships with organizations that make a positive impact in the community. We’re honored to partner with Torch 180 and look forward to working closely with them to support the wellbeing of their community.

- David Snodgrass, Lake Trust President and CEO

Work Skills

Work Skills

Work Skills Corporation has a life-changing impact on those they serve. Supporting people of all abilities on their path to independence for over 50 years.

Lake Trust has been a proud supporter of Work Skills since they first connected in 2015, and that partnership has continued to grow. Lake Trust has been a Vision Partner since 2020 and committed to supporting Work Skills by giving at least $10,000 annually. The Lake Trust team continues to volunteer with Work Skills on Powered by Good Day each year. And hosts Artisan Corner pop-up shops at the Brighton Headquarters. In 2024, Lake Trust shared the ongoing mission of Work Skills through a Member Story.

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Supporting incubator kitchens.

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Lake Trust makes space for food businesses to thrive by supporting incubator kitchens like Allen Neighborhood Center and Growing Hope. Offering an affordable location, and resources to help them grow.

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In 2024, Lake Trust invested in Downtown Lansing’s incubator kitchen, The Macotta Club opening in 2025. The Macotta Club is projected to have a major economic impact for the area and features six restaurant options, 16 food concepts including five food trucks and five food makers, along with a full-service bar. Food entrepreneurs will have access to this unique space and financial training to help them grow their business.

Financial Wellbeing Days

Financial Wellbeing Days

In 2024, Lake Trust Relationship Centers hosted Financial Wellbeing Days offering one-on-one guidance for financial questions, financial life planning, and information on business microloans.

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