08/18/2007

NorthSky offers business counseling

By Vanessa McCray

vmccray@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY — NorthSky Nonprofit Network now offers free business counseling to nonprofit groups.

NorthSky last month added the no-charge counseling to its host of other services for nonprofits such as management, planning and advocacy. It's a service the Father Fred Foundation appreciates.

"It is helping us tremendously to update all of our policies and procedures,” said Martie Manty, Father Fred executive director.

Father Fred is working with NorthSky to conduct an organizational assessment, strategic plan and work with its volunteer board. NorthSky charges for some of that advice, but the new counseling service will help agencies in a 10-county region by providing the expertise of its partner, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center.

The development center, funded with federal, state and local dollars, counsels small businesses free-of-charge on topics such as how to grow, cash flow and marketing.

Now, that advice, tailored to fit nonprofit needs, is available to charities and non-commercial groups. Three NorthSky employees are trained to provide the counseling. The counseling services typically targeted economic development in the for-profit sector, but nonprofits contribute greatly to the regional economy, said NorthSky executive director Debra McKeon.

"So, now, we are really helping that sector really continue to grow and be sustainable, just as we are nurturing the for-profit sector,” she said.

Chris Wendel, development center regional director, said it made sense to offer the counseling services to nonprofit groups. Recently, he noticed more nonprofits were asking for assistance.

"They are finding that the landscape is getting more competitive for a lot of the local dollars, so they have to think more like a for-profit,” Wendel said.

NorthSky opened this year with start-up funds from Rotary Charities of Traverse City. Thus far, it has worked with dozens of organizations, offered workshops and expanded from its original five-county service area.

Nonprofits who want more information about free business counseling can contact NorthSky at (231) 929-3924.