Here’s news you can use in a constantly changing business environment including an initiative that’s creating more resilient local economies, how businesses can now sell on Instagram chat, ways to improve your teamwork and more.

1. Creating more resilient local economies in Michigan — A program created by Northern Michigan University’s College of Business is helping build economic resilience with a ground-up approach. Northern Initiatives has helped create over 6,000 jobs by supporting over 1,300 loans to small businesses. Discover how Northern Initiatives has created more resilient local economies, including creating 6,000 jobs by supporting more than 1,300 loans to small businesses.
2. Chat and sell — A new Instagram feature lets you sell products through chat. With a billion people on the platform messaging businesses about products each week, this opens a way to streamline the purchasing process by transforming chats into sales. Learn about Instagram’s new in-chat payment feature.
3. Ransomware targets small businesses — Microsoft reports that certain North Korean hackers who succeed at compromising business networks threaten to publish the victim’s data on social media or send it to their customers unless ransom is paid. Explore Microsoft’s recommendations in the event of data extortion threats.
4. Improve your teamwork — Mastering seven skills will help you align expectations, streamline communication and crush your goals. Discover simple strategies to master the skills to improve your teamwork. 

5. Do 1 simple task for less stress — Science confirms that starting your day with getting organized helps you make better decisions and managing that feeling of overwhelm. Learn how you can start thinking and feeling better.

Do you have business banking questions? Contact our knowledgeable commercial loan officers online or call 800-991-2221. We’re also available to help in person at your local office.

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