The SBSH Scoop | Veterans & Allies - Time to Connect
We have an incredibly important and exciting event coming up next week, and we want to personally invite you to be a part of it!
We believe in supporting every member of our business community, and that especially includes the brave individuals who have served our country. Did you know that 7 to 13 percent of the Eastern UP is made up of Veterans? That means there could be as many as 230 businesses in our region connected to people who have served!
That's why we're thrilled to host our next SMART Session on Tuesday morning, March 3, at 9 AM on Zoom. We’re bringing in Abron Andrews from VetBizCentral to talk all about Veteran Entrepreneurship.
If you are a veteran who is interested in owning a business—or if you know one you'd like to support—this is a must-attend session! Come and meet Abron and learn directly about the specialized business support and resources available for veterans.
Let's make a concerted effort to educate ourselves and help however we can. This is a perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.
Meet Abron - Support Vets - Register Now
Business Spotlight | Grab a Spot to be Spotlighted
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
Oh, what a wonderful spot our community is! We've been happily spotting an impressive portion of our amazing businesses, especially those spotted receiving a Small Business Support Hub grant. We've already spotlighted a bunch, but we're ready to put you squarely in the spotlight next!
If we haven't spotlighted your fantastic venture yet, we'd love to spot you and hear your story. Please find a convenient spot on Miche's calendar for a quick chat. We want to talk about your business's spot in the community, what you've spotted for the future, and even any tough spots—we're open to all of it!
SMART Workshop #7 | Marketing Bootcamp w/Matt Monte
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - 8:30 a.m. - noon
Place: Sault Ste Marie EDC Office.
Register Soon - It'll be April 15 Before You Know It!
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
You’re out there running businesses, juggling everything from inventory to snowbanks — so you know better than anyone what works, what doesn’t, and what you wish we’d do next.
Help us make our programming and communications even better.
Totally anonymous. Zero pressure.
Got a minute? Share what you are thinking.
And yes, we appreciate compliments but would hear criticism with a humble and grateful heart too!
People in the Know | Your Local Economic Development Peeps
Here are more people you can connect with when you are looking for resources and connections.
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Nikki Radke - City of Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org