Amanda Blondeau is the Chief Strategy Officer for Northern Initiatives. Northern Initiatives provides capital and know-how to entrepreneurs in Michigan and the five border counties of Wisconsin. Business Services provides the “know-how” to start-up borrowers and growing businesses to be more knowledgeable and capable of building systems to support growth.Amanda is the project leader for the development and implementation of Initiate, Northern Initiatives’ online business education portal, which has increased customers served by 20% per year. Initiate is licensed to 17 CDFIs/Mission Lenders to enhance their business advisory programs. In collaboration with these CDFIS, an Initiate Learning Community is helping to share best practices, drive ongoing innovation, and evaluate outcomes. During my 20+ tenure at Northern Initiatives, she’s held multiple roles including Director of Business Services, Network Administrator, Information Technology Consultant, and Business Coach. Amanda participated in industry cohorts including the FIELD at Aspen Institute’s Emerging Leaders of Microbusiness (squared), Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses CDFI Growth and Finance Collaboratives, and currently the Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital Knowledge Network.She’s a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Yooper) and currently telecommutes from Crozet, VA where she lives with her husband and dog. In her spare time, you'll find Amanda running or volunteering with the local trail community.
Listed skills include Leadership, Management, Strategic Planning, Project Management, and 18 others.