Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Application Deadline THIS Saturday!
If you’ve been following the Business Spotlight each week, you’ve seen firsthand how an SBSH direct grant can make a difference. Every story is unique—each one a window into the challenges, ingenuity, and persistence of our local business owners. Take a look back at past HUBbubs and you’ll get a peek into the lives of people just like you, doing the brave and demanding work of building something from scratch.
Let’s be honest—running a business takes a rare mix of creativity, grit, and the ability to roll with uncertainty. At its best, it’s exciting, deeply satisfying, and even joyful. At its hardest, it can be just plain terrifying. No one has all the answers, and sometimes the right kind of help can make all the difference.
With the deadline for the final round of direct grants this Saturday, August 16, you still have time to think about what would make the biggest impact for your business—and to ask for it. Remember, in business (and in life), if you don’t ask for what you need, you may never get it.
So, get bold. Share your story. Paint a clear picture of how this grant could help you sustain or grow what you’ve worked so hard to build. You just might secure one!
There will be someone to field your questions - send this contact form from the Support page and someone will get back with you.
Business Spotlight | Mission Hill Burgers … yum!
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
When you run a food truck, you’re always on your feet—and wow, do they take a beating. (The feet, not the truck.) The crew at Mission Hill Burgers knew that, so when the SBSH grant came along, they put part of it toward two big, industrial anti-fatigue mats to give those hardworking feet a break. But that’s not all… they also went for something delicious—a shake machine! Burger and a shake? Perfection. They’re serving up chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cherry. So… which one are you craving right now?
Barb says business has picked up some, though the real picture will come into focus once they’ve got a full season behind them. They’re also making truck upgrades to fit in the new meat slicer they purchased with the grant—another move toward faster, smoother service.
Let’s show Mission Hill Burgers some love! You’ll usually find them parked at 12256 W Tower Road in Brimley, but they also pop up at special events. Check out their schedule and menu on Facebook —you don’t want to miss a burger-and-shake kind of day.
Or give them a ring at 906.322.3910
We are so lucky to have them in the UP!
Summer Series SMART Sessions #10
The event kicks off at 9:00 a.m., and you can still snag your spot—but only if you register before 8:45 a.m. today, August 14. Don’t wait… grab your coffee, hit that register button, and we’ll see you there!
#10 - Advisory Boards Can Be Powerful
Expert - Miche Rayment
August 14, 2025 9-10 a.m. (Zoom)
Everyone has advice—but not everyone knows what it’s like to run a small business from the ground up. This session is for business owners who could use real support when making tough decisions. You’ll learn how to create an advisory board that is flexible, useful, and tailored to you. By the end, you’ll walk away with a few key names and a clear, simple approach to building your own trusted circle.
People in the Know | Your Local Economic Development Peeps
These people will be on call for you to ask questions about your application.
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org
- Dean Reid - Mackinac County - reiddi46@sault.com
- Nikki Radke - City Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Miche Rayment - Eastern UP region at large - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
Expert Spotlight | Jeff Hagan, CEO EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission
Jeff Hagan is the guy making sure the Eastern Upper Peninsula has the plans, resources, and connections it needs to thrive. As CEO of the EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission, he helps communities tackle everything from grant writing and transportation planning to recreation projects and GIS mapping. He’s also a familiar face on boards and commissions across the region, always championing the people and places of the EUP.
And because no bio is complete without a personal touch—Jeff is currently nurturing what he hopes will become the most exceptional jade plant in the Upper Peninsula. The point is, it’s thriving, much like the communities he serves.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhaganeup/
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The HUBbub is published by Headwaters North (Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone) as part of the Eastern UP Small Business Support Hub, a program made possible in whole or in part by federal award number SLFRP0127, granted to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This hub’s operating partners include Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Tribe, Chippewa County, Luce County, and Mackinac County EDCs. Both EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission and Headwaters North support the initiative as well.