Northern Michigan businesses are no strangers to the ebb and flow that comes with seasonal changes. Whether your busiest months coincide with summer tourism, fall harvests, or winter recreation, having a plan in place to manage slower periods can make a big difference in long-term stability.

Managing Cash Flow Through Seasonal Lending

For many businesses, a dip in revenue during the off-season is expected. Tools like a line of credit can provide a financial buffer during those leaner months. These lines of credit can be structured in different ways — sometimes backed by real estate, receivables, or business assets, and in other cases, unsecured. Reviewing your financial statements and projecting cash flow can help you decide what type of solution might make sense for your situation 

Adjusting Services to Fit the Season

It can also be helpful to assess your operational costs with seasonality in mind. Some business services — like certain merchant processing systems — allow you to pause or adjust plans during slower periods. Taking advantage of these kinds of flexible features could reduce expenses when revenues are lower. When it comes to business banking, using the right account for the season can also provide benefits. During peak months, accounts like our MSUFCU Money Market Business Checking allows you to earn dividends on higher balances. When business slows, switch to our Small Business Checking — no minimum balance or monthly fee — without changing your account number or disrupting operations. Having the option to move between account types without affecting day-to-day operations can offer added flexibility.

New Support for Agribusinesses

For farms and agricultural operations, we’ve recently introduced lending options that reflect the seasonal nature of this work. Through our new Agribusiness program, powered by Pillur,, financing is available for land improvements, equipment, livestock, and more, with repayment schedules aligned to income cycles. Additional support may also be available through partnerships with USDA, FSA, and Farmer Mac.

For more information about seasonal business solutions, visit msufcu.org/business or reach out to your local MSUFCU business team.

Karla Shappee
Commercial Loan Officer
MSUFCU