The SBSH Scoop | SMART Sessions - Take As Many As You Want!
Happy New Year! We hope your 2026 is off to a flying start. If your "fresh start" currently looks like a pile of receipts on a desk and a vague sense of dread about tax season, don't worry—we’ve got the ultimate rescue squad ready to help you get organized.
SMART Session #3 is all about clarity. We want you to stop reacting to your finances and start designing your actions for the year so that by December 31st, your ducks aren't just in a row—they're practically doing a choreographed dance.
Brandon Adolph (SBA) and Dan Arnell Belarmino (IRS) will be leading a 60 minute Zoom session so you don’t even have to put on real shoes. We’re going to tackle the "finance and tax planning to-dos" that usually keep you up at night, turning them into a simple, actionable checklist.
When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Where: Zoom
Don't let your 2026 goals get buried under paperwork. Let’s get those ducks in a row together!
Sign up for SMART Session #3 Right Here!
Business Spotlight | Northern Life Yoga - stretching into 2026
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
Northern Life Yoga is a true Eastern UP gem, and after 15 years, their "core" has never been stronger. As a first-round SBSH grantee, this studio is proof that staying flexible—both physically and professionally—is the key to longevity.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, owner Allie Brawley honored a remarkably loyal community. We aren't just talking about casual attendees; many members have reached 500 or 1,000 classes, with one superstar surpassing 1,800 sessions. That level of dedication shows just how vital this studio is to our region’s well-being.
Even a 15-year veteran needs a digital refresh. Using the SBSH grant to cover 70% of costs, Northern Life Yoga modernized a decade-old website. By partnering with boutique fitness experts to overhaul their SEO and design, they’ve ensured that new clients can find their "om" easier than ever before.
The momentum isn't stopping. This year, they are bringing pilates classes back and expanding “Nourish to Thrive.”
Northern Life Yoga proves that with a clear vision and a little support, a small business can stay centered for the long haul.
Ready to find your flow? Visit their new website here!
SMART Workshop | Varnum Law Workshop Almost Full
Business Formation & Agreements: Build It Right From the Start
Legal structure shouldn’t be overwhelming. In this 3.5 hour in-person SMART Workshop, attorney Zach Meyer will guide you through choosing the right entity, understanding key agreements, and putting the right protections in place for your business. This is for any age or size business.
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 8:30 am-noon
Sault Ste Marie EDC Offices, 2345 Maridian, Sault Ste Marie
Registration closing soon - https://headwatersnorth.org/smart-workshops
Varnum Law Workshop - Register Now
A Special Invitation | Junior Achievement Needs Mentors
We know your time is your most precious resource, so we’re only asking for a few hours on March 4th to mentor the next generation of EUP entrepreneurs. It’s a short investment with a massive payoff—helping 120 local students turn a "what if" idea into a real-world pitch. You’ll get connected with the next generation of talent and perhaps see your business differently too!
If you can spare a day to share your wisdom, email Miche at Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org to join the team!
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