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Chris Wendel is a seasoned entrepreneur and business expert with 18+ years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and small business management. He has held various roles in community development financial institutions, publishing, and retail, and has a strong background in economics and history. Wendel has also worked as a contributing writer for Traverse City Business News and a regional director for the Michigan Small Business Development Center. He has a BA in Economics from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Experience

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Initiate Relationship Manager at Northern Initiatives
      • Aug 2021 - Present

      Initiate is an online business resource with over 300 interactive tools, templates, videos, and guides. Originally developed by Northern Initiatives, the platform is now utilized by mission based lending organizations throughout the United States.

    • Business Advisor at Northern Initiatives
      • May 2018 - Dec 2021

      Northern Initiatives is a community development financial institution that provides entrepreneurs and small businesses with access to capital and assistance to advance their companies. We invest in small business projects that are catalysts for their communities and then provide assistance to help those businesses grow and thrive.

    • Lender at Northern Initiatives
      • Mar 2013 - May 2018

      Initiate is an online learning platform for small business owners, used by entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the United States.

  • Traverse City Business News
    • Traverse City, Michigan
    • Contributing Writer
      • Nov 2009 - Present
      • Traverse City, Michigan

      Monthly review of relevant small business books

  • SunBear Press
    • Traverse City, Michigan
    • Owner
      • Jan 2006 - Present
      • Traverse City, Michigan

      Publisher of regional special interest books.

  • Networks Northwest
    • Northwestern Lower Michigan
    • Regional Director, Michigan Small Business Development Center
      • Jun 2006 - Apr 2012
      • Northwestern Lower Michigan

      Regional Director, Michigan Small Business Center (MI-SBDC) in Traverse City, Michigan. Managed ten county Northwest Region for MI-SBDC, providing business consulting, market research information, and entrepreneurial education programs to small businesses. The Networks Northwest is the host organization for the MI-SBDC, while also providing services in the areas of regional planning and workforce development.

    • Consultant
      • 2005 - 2006

      Business Consultant

  • Inland Passage
    • Leland, Michigan
    • Principal Owner
      • Mar 1987 - Mar 2002
      • Leland, Michigan

      Owned and operated retail businesses in the seasonal town of Leland, Michigan. Served as President of the Leland Business Association 1990-93.

Education

  • 1978 - 1982
    University of Colorado at Boulder
    BA, Economics, History

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