The SBSH Scoop | Get Your Support - You Deserve It
Running a business can feel like juggling flaming torches—but you don’t have to do it alone! The Small Business Support Hub grant program connects you with expert guidance to steady, strengthen, and grow your business. Start with a free, confidential 30‑minute conversation with SBSH Liaison Miche Rayment, your go‑to matchmaker for business expertise. Together, you’ll uncover the…
Running a business can feel like juggling flaming torches—but you don’t have to do it alone! The Small Business Support Hub grant program connects you with expert guidance to steady, strengthen, and grow your business. Start with a free, confidential 30‑minute conversation with SBSH Liaison Miche Rayment, your go‑to matchmaker for business expertise. Together, you’ll uncover the…
The SBSH Scoop | Drop-In Business Connect
Running a business can feel like juggling flaming torches; all this while balancing on one foot! You don’t have to do it alone. The SBSH grant programs are here to connect you with the expert help you need to keep things running (and maybe even growing) smoothly. Start with a free, confidential 30‑minute conversation with Miche; she’s your SBSH Liaison and match‑maker…
Running a business can feel like juggling flaming torches; all this while balancing on one foot! You don’t have to do it alone. The SBSH grant programs are here to connect you with the expert help you need to keep things running (and maybe even growing) smoothly. Start with a free, confidential 30‑minute conversation with Miche; she’s your SBSH Liaison and match‑maker…
The SBSH Scoop | Marketing Bootcamp Coming Right Up!
Only a few seats left for this fast‑moving, high‑impact workshop with marketing strategist Matt Monte. In just 3.5 hours, you’ll cut through the noise and build a practical marketing plan that actually fits your business. Together, you’ll refine your audience, sharpen your message, and map out clear next steps for reaching customers—plus gain direct insight and connections…
Only a few seats left for this fast‑moving, high‑impact workshop with marketing strategist Matt Monte. In just 3.5 hours, you’ll cut through the noise and build a practical marketing plan that actually fits your business. Together, you’ll refine your audience, sharpen your message, and map out clear next steps for reaching customers—plus gain direct insight and connections…
The SBSH Scoop | Two Workshops Coming Up to the UP
Smart Workshop #6 | Work Smarter Together Tired of the “we talked about this!” loop? In this hands‑on 3.5‑hour SMART Workshop, you’ll swap miscommunication for momentum using a Whole‑Brain Framework that helps teams act—and think—together. You’ll pinpoint strengths, uncover blind spots, and walk out with three essentials: 1) a Teamwork & Collaboration Agreement, 2) a…
Smart Workshop #6 | Work Smarter Together Tired of the “we talked about this!” loop? In this hands‑on 3.5‑hour SMART Workshop, you’ll swap miscommunication for momentum using a Whole‑Brain Framework that helps teams act—and think—together. You’ll pinpoint strengths, uncover blind spots, and walk out with three essentials: 1) a Teamwork & Collaboration Agreement, 2) a…
The SBSH Scoop | Last 2 Winter SMART Sessions
These two one-hour sessions are the last two until the Summer Series SMART Sessions kick off on the 9th of June. Mariah Goos - In just 60 minutes, our SBDC Superstar delivers the critical questions and a simple framework to get your year in gear. We know you’re busy making moves—that’s why this session is designed to fit your "on-the-go" life without the "business" headache. Your…
These two one-hour sessions are the last two until the Summer Series SMART Sessions kick off on the 9th of June. Mariah Goos - In just 60 minutes, our SBDC Superstar delivers the critical questions and a simple framework to get your year in gear. We know you’re busy making moves—that’s why this session is designed to fit your "on-the-go" life without the "business" headache. Your…
The SBSH Scoop | Terminating Business Contracts the Smart Way
SMART Session #9: Tuesday, March 10 9-10 a.m. Let’s be honest: saying goodbye to a contractor, vendor, or even a “difficult” customer can feel like a legal minefield. But ending a business relationship doesn’t have to be a messy breakup. Join us on Zoom for SMART Session #9 with longtime legal expert Zach Meyer who will help you navigate the "fine print" of…
SMART Session #9: Tuesday, March 10 9-10 a.m. Let’s be honest: saying goodbye to a contractor, vendor, or even a “difficult” customer can feel like a legal minefield. But ending a business relationship doesn’t have to be a messy breakup. Join us on Zoom for SMART Session #9 with longtime legal expert Zach Meyer who will help you navigate the "fine print" of…
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…
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…
The SBSH Scoop | Hey, would you like to go on a date?
We know your time is your most valuable asset, and honestly, we’re just impressed you’re keeping most of the plates spinning. There is zero judgment here—whether your books are a masterpiece or a "work in progress," we’re just here to help you level up at your own pace. Think of our SMART Sessions as a first date. We aren’t asking for a long-term commitment; we just want to…
We know your time is your most valuable asset, and honestly, we’re just impressed you’re keeping most of the plates spinning. There is zero judgment here—whether your books are a masterpiece or a "work in progress," we’re just here to help you level up at your own pace. Think of our SMART Sessions as a first date. We aren’t asking for a long-term commitment; we just want to…
The SBSH Scoop | Wilderness First Aid Certification
The Upper Peninsula offers world-class outdoor experiences, but as any seasoned guide knows, the wilderness is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. To help you provide the safest, most professional service possible, the SBSH grant program is bringing Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification directly to Sault Ste. Marie! You'll get this $250 value free of charge. It's on us!
…
The Upper Peninsula offers world-class outdoor experiences, but as any seasoned guide knows, the wilderness is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. To help you provide the safest, most professional service possible, the SBSH grant program is bringing Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certification directly to Sault Ste. Marie! You'll get this $250 value free of charge. It's on us!
…
The SBSH Scoop | Marketing Double Whammy!
If your marketing feels like a "best guess" effort, it’s time for a reality check with the local pros. Matt Monte of Monte is bringing his UP-based expertise to our business owners in two distinct, high-impact ways this winter and spring. THE QUICK HIT | SMART Session #5 (Zoom)Tuesday, Feb 10 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM This is a low time-investment, high-intensity hour focused on Branding Inside…
If your marketing feels like a "best guess" effort, it’s time for a reality check with the local pros. Matt Monte of Monte is bringing his UP-based expertise to our business owners in two distinct, high-impact ways this winter and spring. THE QUICK HIT | SMART Session #5 (Zoom)Tuesday, Feb 10 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM This is a low time-investment, high-intensity hour focused on Branding Inside…
The SBSH Scoop | Get Financial Clarity
(For People Who’d Rather Be Doing Literally Anything Else) Let’s be honest: hardly anyone starts a business because they’re dying to spend their Saturday nights staring at a spreadsheet. If "the money stuff" is what keeps you awake at 2:00 AM, you aren't alone—and you don't have to tackle it by yourself. You’re a Pro at Your Craft, Not a CPA (unless of course you are a CPA lol). We got…
(For People Who’d Rather Be Doing Literally Anything Else) Let’s be honest: hardly anyone starts a business because they’re dying to spend their Saturday nights staring at a spreadsheet. If "the money stuff" is what keeps you awake at 2:00 AM, you aren't alone—and you don't have to tackle it by yourself. You’re a Pro at Your Craft, Not a CPA (unless of course you are a CPA lol). We got…
The SBSH Scoop | SMART Session Double Whammy from the SBA
Two FREE Zoom events next week! Join experts from the SBA and IRS for essential, practical advice on business taxes, resources, and accessing capital. Sixty minutes each and zero fluff. Jan 27: Business Taxes & Resources (9–10 am ET) with Brandon Adolph (SBA) & Dan Arnell Belarmino (IRS) Jan 29: SBA’s Access to Capital (11 am–noon ET) with Latifa Bradwell (…
Two FREE Zoom events next week! Join experts from the SBA and IRS for essential, practical advice on business taxes, resources, and accessing capital. Sixty minutes each and zero fluff. Jan 27: Business Taxes & Resources (9–10 am ET) with Brandon Adolph (SBA) & Dan Arnell Belarmino (IRS) Jan 29: SBA’s Access to Capital (11 am–noon ET) with Latifa Bradwell (…
Headwaters North is proud to participate as a community partner in Northern Michigan University’s Rural Leadership Fellowship Program, a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience designed to prepare students for careers in rural economic development and public service.Through this public-private partnership, a Northern Michigan University student fellow is embedded directly within Headwaters North’s MEDC-designated SmartZone to…
The SBSH Scoop | SMART no matter what!
Our Hub (the Eastern Upper Peninsula Hub) has two recurring programs that you should be aware of:
SMART Sessions - 1-hour Zoom sessions meant to provide quick practical help on specific topics. There are 12 already set up for the Winter 2026 series. Check them out here! SMART Workshops - 3.6-hour in person meetings meant to get you tangible traction on a particular area of your…
Our Hub (the Eastern Upper Peninsula Hub) has two recurring programs that you should be aware of:
SMART Sessions - 1-hour Zoom sessions meant to provide quick practical help on specific topics. There are 12 already set up for the Winter 2026 series. Check them out here! SMART Workshops - 3.6-hour in person meetings meant to get you tangible traction on a particular area of your…
The SBSH Scoop | SMART Sessions - Take As Many As You Want!
Happy New Year! We hope your 2026 is off to a flying start. If your "fresh start" currently looks like a pile of receipts on a desk and a vague sense of dread about tax season, don't worry—we’ve got the ultimate rescue squad ready to help you get organized. SMART Session #3 is all about clarity. We want you to stop reacting to your finances and start designing your actions…
Happy New Year! We hope your 2026 is off to a flying start. If your "fresh start" currently looks like a pile of receipts on a desk and a vague sense of dread about tax season, don't worry—we’ve got the ultimate rescue squad ready to help you get organized. SMART Session #3 is all about clarity. We want you to stop reacting to your finances and start designing your actions…
The SBSH Scoop | SMART Sessions - Take As Many As You Want!
We’ve put together eleven power-packed sessions designed to help EUP small business owners and employees tackle the big stuff. These are 100% Zoom-based, generally happening Tuesday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. It’s the most productive hour you’ll spend all week—no snow tires required. Highlight - Veterans in Business with Abron Andrews While the whole lineup is "…
We’ve put together eleven power-packed sessions designed to help EUP small business owners and employees tackle the big stuff. These are 100% Zoom-based, generally happening Tuesday mornings from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. It’s the most productive hour you’ll spend all week—no snow tires required. Highlight - Veterans in Business with Abron Andrews While the whole lineup is "…
The SBSH Scoop | Hands-On Financial Skills & Beyond!
Many of you have expressed an interest in having more hands-on help with QuickBooks—specifically, with setup, cleanup, and ongoing management of your books. We totally get it! While QuickBooks is a great tool, using it effectively requires a foundational understanding of how to read your business's core financials: the Income Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow…
Many of you have expressed an interest in having more hands-on help with QuickBooks—specifically, with setup, cleanup, and ongoing management of your books. We totally get it! While QuickBooks is a great tool, using it effectively requires a foundational understanding of how to read your business's core financials: the Income Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow…
The SBSH Scoop | Winter SMART Workshop #4 with Zach Meyer
What you'll actually get done on Wednesday, January 21 - 8:30-noon at the SmartZone office in SSM:
The Big Choice: We'll demystify the alphabet soup of business structures (LLC, S-Corp, etc.). You'll figure out which one is actually best for you—not just for taxes, but for keeping your business and personal assets safe and sound. (Yes, even if you’re already established,…
What you'll actually get done on Wednesday, January 21 - 8:30-noon at the SmartZone office in SSM:
The Big Choice: We'll demystify the alphabet soup of business structures (LLC, S-Corp, etc.). You'll figure out which one is actually best for you—not just for taxes, but for keeping your business and personal assets safe and sound. (Yes, even if you’re already established,…
The SBSH Scoop | Winter SMART Sessions Are Back - Grab Your Spot!
When winter roads get questionable, your business support shouldn’t. That’s why SMART Sessions are returning this winter—Zoom-based, one-hour, high-impact conversations with experts who can help you cut through the noise and move your business forward.Every Tuesday morning from 9–10 am, you’ll hop onto a live session with a domain expert in finance, HR, marketing,…
When winter roads get questionable, your business support shouldn’t. That’s why SMART Sessions are returning this winter—Zoom-based, one-hour, high-impact conversations with experts who can help you cut through the noise and move your business forward.Every Tuesday morning from 9–10 am, you’ll hop onto a live session with a domain expert in finance, HR, marketing,…
The SBSH Scoop | Workshop momentum. Three down. What's next?
Running a business means you’re constantly juggling—customers, cash flow, operations, team issues… all the things. And while you’re excellent at what your business does, no one hands you a handbook for everything else. That’s where SMART Workshops come in: practical, guided support for the parts of running a business that don’t come with an instruction manual.
At our…
Running a business means you’re constantly juggling—customers, cash flow, operations, team issues… all the things. And while you’re excellent at what your business does, no one hands you a handbook for everything else. That’s where SMART Workshops come in: practical, guided support for the parts of running a business that don’t come with an instruction manual.
At our…