Lions Club Accepting Fall Grant Applications
ELK RAPIDS – The Elk Rapids Lions Club is currently accepting Organizational Grant Request applications this fall for community projects that support the Club’s mission of “serving the community.” Applications will only be accepted if they are received between now and Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. The Organizational Grant Requests should be from Elk Rapids and surrounding areas. “This process gives us the ability to proactively fundraise over and above our annual events as we become aware of special community
Elk Rapids Lions Club Individual Medical and Emergency Assistance
The Lions Club also accepts requests and responds to emergency assistance from individuals for eyeglasses, hearing aids and other emergency-related needs throughout the year. For individual requests and an application, visit https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/elkrapids/page-6.php, contact Hill at 231-258-4894 (lhirley@yahoo.com) or Lein at 231-620-5707 (upnorthdave1@gmail.com) for more information. Names of individuals applying for assistance always remain anonymous. Group and organizational projects
Toys for Tots Holiday Drive
TOYS FOR TOTS HOLIDAY DRIVEBring Joy. Give Hope. Share a Smile. Drop off toys to:Date: November 15 – December 12, 2025Location: Third Coast Wealth Planning, 215 River St., Unit 2Time: Mon-Thurs 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Building Local Business Resilience: Smart Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs in Elk Rapids
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has long been a hub for local innovation — and the entrepreneurs who drive it. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or scaling a tech venture on the bay, success isn’t just about hustle; it’s about designing growth that lasts. TL;DR Success for small businesses in Elk Rapids depends on three things: Understanding your market and community deeply. Investing in systems that scale (from marketing to invoicing). Building relationships — not just
SWITCHBACK'S CELTIC CHRISTMAS RETURNS TO ELK RAPIDS
ELK RAPIDS, MI – The holiday season begins in Elk Rapids with an unforgettable night of music, storytelling, and tradition with Switchback on The Platform at the Chalfonte Theatre for a beloved holiday concert: Switchback's Celtic Christmas, on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and the show begins promptly at 7:00 p.m., featuring two 45-minute sets with a 10-minute intermission. Led by Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack, Switchback has spent decades delighting audiences around the
CineGroove Brings Free Classic Film Nights, Live Music & Wine Tastings to Elk Rapids Cinema
Elk Rapids, MI — October 2025 — The Chalfonte Theatre, home to the historic Elk Rapids Cinema, is proud to introduce CineGroove, a new weeknight film and music series that transforms the theatre into a lively cultural lounge. Running Monday through Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM, CineGroove features free classic films, live Village Radio DJs, and a wine and spirits tasting courtesy of Château Chantal — an all-free event and open to the public. Each evening begins at 6 PM with a curated selection of classic
Starting a Business? 10 Rookie Errors That Can Derail Your Success
Starting a small business is one of the most rewarding journeys an entrepreneur can take — but also one filled with hidden pitfalls. Many new owners struggle not because their ideas lack merit, but because they underestimate the systems, structures, and habits required for sustainable growth. This guide will walk you through the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly, how to avoid them. 1. Neglecting Legal and Administrative Foundations The excitement of launching a
Small Moves, Big Loyalty: How Small Businesses Win Trust Daily
Customer engagement is about showing up in ways that feel personal, timely, and real. It’s not a numbers game—it’s a recognition game. People stay where they feel seen. They notice when you remember their name, their order, the thing they mentioned offhand last time. In an environment built to rush, slowing down to notice someone is magnetic. There’s no one-size-fits-all script. The best engagement moves are quiet, specific, and often invisible from the outside—but unforgettable from
Struggle Less, Show Up More: Smart Marketing with Small Business AI Tools
In the whirlwind of running a small business, marketing often becomes the first thing to get squeezed. Time is tight, teams are small, and standing out can feel like yelling into a void. But AI? It’s no longer just the playground of massive tech firms. It’s here, it’s affordable, and it’s working overtime to make smart marketing less of a grind and more of a game-changer.Create More Without Working More You don’t need a 10-person creative team to produce content that lands anymore. Once you start
