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 (SBA)
You can attend as many of these events as you like and it's on us. :)
SMART Session Registration in a snap!
Business Spotlight | Mackinac Straits Fish Co.
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
This local owned and run business is hooked on entrepreneurship and it’s a masterclass in Michigan grit and the art of the perfect smoked whitefish.
Owners Tom and Allyson Coveyou are the definition of "keeping it local." Tom started working at the shop when he was just 16; today, he and Allyson are the third owners in the company’s history. You see, entrepreneurship is in Tom's and Allyson's DNA—his grandparents once ran a local toy and bike shop and Allyson's parents have an insurance agency—and now they have turned this venture into a community anchor.
Taking the helm after the business got hit hard during the pandemic was a seriously bold move, and the Coveyous leaned into entrepreneurship. With a commercial fishing license and a crew of seven local employees, they've navigated the hurdles by focusing on what matters to them: sustainability and affordability. They feel a deep obligation to the community, ensuring fresh, local protein remains accessible to everyone. Just what we need... a company conspiring for the success of their community, customers and employees! So cool.
What makes this place a "keeper"? It’s the authentic flavor of the Great Lakes.
The Smokehouse: Using local hardwoods like sugar maple, they create a flavor profile you can only find in Northern Michigan and from Northern Michigan fish.
The Catch: From their legendary Whitecaps Whitefish Dip to smoked trout and whitefish sausage, everything is processed with a focus on quality and nutrition.
Whether you’re a local or just "perch-ed" in town for the weekend (sorry, that one was too easy), Mackinac Straits Fish Company is in the soul of St. Ignace. Stop in, say hi to the Coveyous, and grab a taste of the Straits.
SMART Workshop | Business Financial Management 101
High praise for this week's workshop is an indication of the quality of our workshops:
"Incredibly informative event. Well worth the 90 minute one way drive." That's sayin' something!
Coming up next in a couple weeks - SMART Workshop #5 | Money Talk with Diana Goode of Ops
Let's be honest, financial management can feel like a foreign language to some. Many of us started our businesses because we're good at what we do, not because we're expert accountants or financial whizbangs. It's completely normal to rely on bookkeepers and CPAs—but ultimately, the financial decisions that drive our business growth (and what gets reported to the IRS!) is our responsibility, so why not get some help! Expert help!
This practical, free workshop is designed to remove the guesswork and help you feel confident, not confused, about your company's money.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 8:30 am-noon
Sault Ste Marie EDC Offices, 2345 Meridian, Sault Ste Marie
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