46 Eastern Upper Peninsula Businesses Awarded Direct Grants Through the Small Business Support Hub Program

46 Eastern Upper Peninsula Businesses Awarded Direct Grants Through the Small Business Support Hub Program

EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA, MI — The Eastern Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) has announced 46 businesses selected to receive direct grants in the program’s second and final round. The application window opened June 16, 2025, and closed August 15, 2025, followed by a rigorous review process culminating in final selections and notification to awardees on October 3.

The SBSH grant program was funded in whole or in part through federal award number SLFRP0127, granted to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. In turn, the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation was granted funds for the SBSH program by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The program continues to strengthen the entrepreneurial fabric of the region through a blend of funding, expert guidance, and collaboration.

“This program shows what’s possible when local expertise and state resources align,” said Nikki Storey, CEO of Headwaters North. “Through collaboration with our EDC partners and dedicated business support professionals like Miche Rayment, we’re helping small businesses not just survive but grow, hire, and innovate right here in the EUP.”

“The success of this round reflects the power of partnership,” added Chris Olson, Executive Director of the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation. “Together, we’re ensuring that every corner of the EUP has access to the resources and connections that fuel entrepreneurship.”

“This program isn’t just about grant dollars—it’s about real results for real businesses,” said Miche Rayment, SBSH Liaison and Lead Designer with Headwaters North. “Through our SMART Sessions, UP Exchange, and now our hands-on SMART Workshops, we’ve seen hundreds of business owners gain practical tools, expert connections, and renewed energy. Partnering with such talented experts—like Zach Meyer of Varnum Law, Matt Monte, Diana Goode and Erica Bachman of Ops+, Dave Haviland of Phimation Strategy Group, Tyler Sharette, Robin Chapekis of SvelteHR, Chris Kangas of the Apex Accelerator programs, Latifa Bradwell of the SBA, and several others—has truly helped local business leaders turn big ideas into tangible next steps.”

The SBSH initiative has been led regionally by Headwaters North, with coordination and collaboration from a team of dedicated partners: Tara Parish of Bay Mills Indian Community, Robert Sawruk of Sault Tribe, Chris Olson and Kathy Thomas of Chippewa County EDC, Tammy Henry of Luce County EDC, and Nicole Radke of Sault Ste Marie EDC. Additional support has been provided by Jeff Hagan and Seth Harris of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission.

This round of grant awards represents more than $215,000 in direct support to local businesses. The 2025 SBSH direct grant recipients include:
 

 Andy's Feed Station
 Barbeaux Fisheries
 Bayside Coin Laundry
 Bear Creek Tree Service LLC
 Bee Wise Farms LLC
 Belonga Plumbing and Heating
 Byce's Michihistrigan Campground Bar 
       and Cabins
 Canusa, LLC dba Bins Ahoy Overstock
 Parish Creations
 Cup of the Day
 Kisro's Lakeside Market
 North Winds Farm
 Famous Soo Locks Cruises Inc.
 Five Water Realty
 Floor Masters
 HomeBaked by Kate LLC
 Lake Effect Inn
 Laura Lee Outfitters, LLC
 Lil Lavender Acres, LLC
 Mackinac Fudge Shop S.I.
 Mackinac Straits Fish Company
 Mangiamojo's Kitchen & Catering, LLC
 Moses Concrete Company LLC
 Mosquito and Pest Authority UP North, LLC
 Murphy's Dumpsters
 Northern Shirt Co
 Penny Wise Technologies
 Pesola Logging
 Pine Stump Junction CE LLC
 Pizza Tree Foods LLC
 Postma Brothers Maple Syrup
 Precision Edge Outdoor Services, LLC
 Prim Aesthetics
 Proper Apparel Boutique
 R&K Lawn and Snow
 RW Laitinen Professional Land Surveys
 Straits Heating & Cooling Inc.
 Superior Coffee Roasting Co., Inc.
 T&K King Fisheries, Inc.
 The Apex Center Massage & Bodyworks
 The Ash LLC
 The Beauty Shop
 The Del-Mar Restaurant
 UP Creations
 Vital Signs Michigan, Inc.
 Yooper Running Company LLC
 

“These are just some of the businesses keeping the EUP’s economy strong and vibrant,” added Rayment. “They’re investing in their operations, hiring locally, and creating opportunities that ripple throughout the region. That’s exactly what this program was designed to do.”

For more information on the Eastern Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub and upcoming programming, visit headwatersnorth.org/support-small-businesses or contact Miche Rayment at Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org.