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 "wicked smaht" (as they say elsewhere), we want to shine a special northern light on a session presented by Abron Andrews, the Director of VetBizCentral.
Abron isn’t just a guy with a fancy title; he’s a U.S. Navy veteran who spent his post-service career in the high-stakes world of banking and investment advisory. He’s now redirected that energy toward education and economic development.
Why should you attend? The Perks: Veterans have access to specific resources and designations that most people don't even know exist.
The Vibe: Abron is a master mentor. It won’t be a dry lecture; it’ll be a rich, engaging discussion about how to leverage your service into business success.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there is something in this 11-session winter 2026 series for you. And hey, if you missed the 2025 sessions because you were busy wrestling a bear (or just busy), we’ve got the recordings waiting for you online.
Don’t see what you need? If our lineup doesn't tickle your fancy, tell us! Email Miche at Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org and let us know what topics would actually help your business thrive. We’re all ears (and mostly with earmuffs right now).
Check out the Winter 2026 SMART Sessions
EUP SBSH Impact So Far
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
We aren't just talking about growth; we’re funding it, coaching it, and connecting it. Thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Eastern UP is seeing real results.
Check out what we’ve accomplished in just one and a half years:
- Hard Cash
- $441,000 Granted
- 89 Companies Fueled
- Brain Trust
- 225 Businesses Supported
- 15 New Business Experts
- 7 Support Organizations.
- Reach
- 20% Reached
- Our 2026 Goal is to hit 40%
Got FOMO? Good; we can help with that!
We aren't slowing down. We are spinning things up for a record-breaking 2026. Here is your invitation to the party:
- 22 Brand New SMART Sessions: Bite-sized brilliance delivered via Zoom.
- 6 Intensive SMART Workshops: Deep dives to solve your biggest business headaches.
- 2 Pure Networking Events: No fluff—just real connections with people who get it.
- 50 Paid Expert Engagements: We’re connecting owners with the exact experts they need to make business sustainable, successful, and (dare we say it?) FUN.
The Bottom Line: If you haven't engaged with the Hub yet, you’re missing out on the resources your neighbors are already using to level up.
A Special Invitation | Junior Achievement Needs Mentors
Imagine 120 high school students from across the Eastern UP gathered in one room, fueled by snacks and big ideas, trying to solve the world’s problems using emerging technology.
It sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually the 1st Annual Youth Summit for Future Entrepreneurs, happening this March at the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development offices!
We are looking for local business owners and professionals to step in as mentors for the morning. But here’s the secret: this isn't just a favor for the kids. It’s a massive win for you, too.
As a business leader, you know that "culture" and "innovation" aren't just buzzwords—they are learned behaviors. You hang out with bright, energetic kids, and their "can-do" spirit rubs off on you, while your wisdom rubs off on them!
We Need Your Expertise!
Junior Achievement needs mentors who can offer a "gentle, insistent guide" to help these students narrow down their concepts and sharpen their pitches.
Sign up as a JA Mentor for March 4th
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