Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Don’t Miss Your Shot at a Small Biz Boost
You’ve got 9 days left to throw your hat in the ring for the final round of SBSH direct grants.
Yes, you’ve been meaning to. Yes, we know you’re busy. And yes—it’ll only take about an hour or so.
Here’s the thing: this grant isn’t just a boost. It’s a game-changer.
In the first round, small businesses just like yours received everything from this list:
- Honey extractors
- Slushy machines
- Workbenches & slab saws
- Pizza prep tables
- Laptops & POS systems
- Countertop griddles
- Industrial lifts
- Pressure washers
- Stereo headsets & mics
- Anti-fatigue mats
- Bee boxes
- Commercial ovens
- Manual slicers
- Chainsaws
- …and a whole lot more
These weren’t wishlist items—they were smart investments that helped real businesses get more done, serve more customers, and stay strong.
So… what would make your life easier?
What would take your business to the next level?
Let’s make it happen.
Apply by August 16.
You’ve got 9 days. You've got this.
Business Spotlight | Gordon’s Produce
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
Farming and gardening may be hard work—but Steve Gordon of Gordon’s Produce makes it look pretty darn inspiring. With deep roots in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, Steve brings not just farming expertise, but a collaborative mindset that benefits the whole community.
A recipient of an SBSH direct grant in 2024, Steve put the funds to smart use—investing in high-efficiency honey production. Thanks to new bee hive equipment and a commercial honey extractor, Steve can now produce the same high-quality honey with only about a quarter of the effort. The time saved? He’s using that to teach and give back. Steve has been working with Dr. Adam Ingrao, a renowned expert from Heroes to Hives, to provide ongoing education in beekeeping for anyone eager to learn.
But Steve’s community-minded approach didn’t start there. Back in 2019, he partnered with Nifty Hoops through a UPCAP grant to build a hoop house—and had an unforgettable experience. “They showed up, and within 24 hours I had a great greenhouse,” he said. “The people were expert and hard-working. It was such a positive project.”
Steve continues to work closely with local partners like Bay Mills Indian Community, Bay Mills Community College, UPCAP, and area farmers markets—always asking how he can help and how others can join in.
The SBSH grant wasn’t just a boost for Steve—it expanded his capacity to support and serve others. That’s the kind of win we love to see.
Want to know more or get some fresh local produce and honey?
Give Steve a call at 906.440.5848
Shop online at gordonsproduce.square.site
We are so lucky to have them in the UP!
Summer Series SMART Sessions #9 and #10
#9 - Get Prepared to Sell to the Government
Expert - Chris Kangas
August 13, 2025 9-10 a.m. (Zoom)
Learn how the APEX Accelerator program can help your business navigate the government marketplace. From market research, registrations, and finding opportunities, find out about the tools that are available to you at no cost.
#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’s informal, 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 (Expert Spotlight)
- 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 | Tara Parrish, BMIC Tribal Grants Administrator
Citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (“BMIC”), Tara grew up on the shores of Lake Superior. With nearly 20 years of experience in gaming and hospitality, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role at the Ogimaag-Gamig Governmental Center, where she works on a variety of grant-related projects that range from feasibility studies to infrastructure and broadband projects. In addition to this, she is completing her six-year term as one of BMIC’s Appellate Judges.
Tara's academic journey is as diverse as her professional one. She was a double major during her time at Lake Superior State University, earning a BA in Sociology and History and an Associate of Arts. Furthering her education, she has also received a Master of Public Administration – Non-profit Management from Central Michigan University, with plans to pursue a Ph.D.
In her spare time, Tara is involved with the Bay Mills Indian Pow-Wow Committee for the Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow. Another project she dedicates her time to is creating a multi-yard Halloween Display at her home for families to visit and enjoy. The display includes various animatronics, home-built props, and life-size cutouts of popular TV shows and movie characters based on her four-year-old daughter's preferences.
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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.