The SBSH Scoop | Summer 2026 SMART Sessions!
This summer, SBSH's SMART Sessions are bringing the expertise to you; no travel required. Ten free, one-hour Zoom sessions, Tuesdays from 9-10 am, each packed with practical advice on the topics that help keep your business running well. And if you want to go deeper, one-on-one sessions (on us) may be available to help you put it all into action.
Here's what's on the agenda:
- Available Business Incentives from the State of Michigan | June 9
- Evaluating Your Web Presence | June 16
- QuickBooks Clinic | June 23
- Contracting with Government Entities | June 30
- What's a SmartZone—and What's in It for You? | July 7
- When You Need Dedicated HR (and What to Do Until Then) | July 14
- Understanding Your Customer Contracts | July 21
- Making a Vision Happen | July 28
- Business Planning for Busy Business Owners | August 4
- Managing Your Public Identity | August 11
One session could change how you run your business. Ten could change everything. Come for one, stay for the summer.
Sign up for as many as you like
SMART Workshop #6 & #8 | Teams and Exit Strategy
SMART Workshop #6 | Work Smarter Together
Ready to turn your group into a true team?
In this hands‑on session with Diane Ratigan‑Schmidt, you’ll uncover what makes your crew click (and what secretly slows them down), spotlight strengths, and sidestep blind spots. Walk away knowing how to tap your team’s full brainpower—so you can stop micromanaging and start truly moving!
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 8:30am-Noon
Location: Sault Ste Marie Economic Development Offices, 2345 Meridian Road, Sault Ste Marie, MI
SMART Workshop #8 | Leading Your Legacy
Strategist Dave Haviland of Phimation will walk you through practical, repeatable frameworks that make strategic planning clear and doable, no matter what time of year you can do it. You’ll leave with a framework for building a 1 and 5 year roadmap, a North Star action plan for daily focus, and thoughts for a smart exit strategy that turns your business into an asset, not just a job. Because “someday” isn’t a date on the calendar—let’s design your future before it’s decided for you.
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 8:30am-Noon
Location: Center for Freshwater Research & Education, 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste Marie, MI
SBA | Lender In Person Matchmaking Event - You in?
Looking for financing to grow your business?
Here’s your chance to meet face‑to‑face with SBA‑approved lenders ready to support rural small businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Apply by April 30 2026
- Work with the SBDC and local business experts to fine‑tune your loan readiness
- Take part in this exclusive live lender matchmaking event on June 26, 9-11 am, Chippewa County EDC, 5019 W. Airport Road, Kincheloe, MI
Your next financial partner could be waiting!
Spots are limited, so submit your borrower application
Download this application form and email it directly to: Latifa Bradwell at latifa.bradwell@sba.gov
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