Business financing in Roscommon County.

Roscommon County sits in the heart of northern Michigan's recreation and timber economy. The county seat is Houghton Lake, and the region sees significant seasonal activity — tourism, fishing, hunting, cabin rentals, and outdoor recreation drive a large share of local income. This matters for financing because:

**Seasonal income is common and expected.** Lenders familiar with northern Michigan understand that a landscaping contractor or a short-term rental operator may have thin winters and strong summers. You do not need year-round steady income to qualify — but you do need to document what you earn across the full year.

**Sole proprietors and self-employed workers are welcome.** Many residents work under their own name or as a single-member LLC. Most local lenders and CDFIs serve self-employed applicants. You just need to show consistent income through tax returns or bank statements.

**ITIN holders can qualify.** If you do not have a Social Security Number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you are not excluded. Several lenders and CDFIs in Michigan specifically welcome ITIN-based applications. You will need at least two years of ITIN-filed tax returns and a record of consistent income.

**Credit history matters, but it is not everything.** A CDFI or microlender may approve a loan even with limited credit history if you can show steady income and a clear business plan. Some programs are specifically designed for borrowers being turned away by traditional banks.

**Real-estate investors** purchasing small rental cabins, vacation homes, or residential units for rental income are generally considered for investment-property loans, not standard business loans. Talk to a local lender about DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans or investment property lines — these products evaluate the income the property generates rather than just your personal income.

Every lender has slightly different requirements, but gathering these documents before you apply will save you significant time:

**For all applicants:**

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or consular ID card)

• Two most recent federal tax returns (personal and business, if filed separately)

• Three to six months of business and personal bank statements

• Proof of business registration (LLC articles, DBA filing, contractor's license, etc.)

• Basic business plan or written description of what you do and how you earn money

**For ITIN applicants, add:**

• ITIN letter or card issued by the IRS

• Two years of ITIN-filed tax returns (Form 1040 with ITIN)

• Any additional proof of residence in Michigan (utility bills, lease agreement)

**For real-estate investors, add:**

• Purchase agreement or property address

• Rental income documentation (lease agreements, short-term rental platform statements)

• Property insurance quote

• Recent mortgage statements for any properties you already own

**For SBA loan applications, add:**

• SBA Form 1919 (Borrower Information)

• Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)

• Business debt schedule

Tip: Start a simple folder — paper or digital — and collect these as you go. You do not need to have everything perfect before reaching out to a local lender. A first conversation is just a conversation.