Are You a Small Manufacturer? The SBA Wants to Hear From You!
If you’re running a small manufacturing business anywhere in the Upper Peninsula, this is your chance to shape the future of support for businesses like yours. On August 6, from 1–3 PM, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a special Roundtable Focus Group to hear directly from you—what’s working, what’s not, and how they can better show up for U.P. manufacturers.
The session will likely be held virtually, so you can join from your shop, office, or even the breakroom. It’s a rare opportunity to influence SBA programs, funding, and regulations—straight from your experience on the ground.
Interested? Email Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org to RSVP ASAP
Let’s make sure the U.P.’s manufacturing voices are loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.
Here’s the SBSH Scoop | To be eligible…
The link for the application is here.
We’re excited to see your application for the final round of direct grants through the SBSH program! To qualify, you’ll need to attend or watch a recording of a SMART Session—from either the Winter or Summer series. Still have questions after watching? No problem—we’re happy to get answers from the experts for you.
There are more SMART Sessions coming up through August 20, so there’s still plenty of time to join in.
Key Dates to Remember:
- Apply by: August 16 at 5 PM
- Applications Reviewed: August 17 – September 20
- Grant Notifications Sent: By October 1
Not sure how the grant could support your business? Reach out! We’ll help you think through how to use it to build on what you’ve already got and move toward success—whatever that looks like for you.
Need help? Start with one of the People in the Know!
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
Business Spotlight | Serving Up More than Great Pizza in Brimley
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is opportunity—an opportunity to turn a dream into a thriving reality, just like for Steve!
Just across from the state park on 6-Mile Road sits a local favorite—Superior Pizza and Subs, owned by Matthew Bathey. This go-to lunch spot was a first-round SBSH grant recipient in 2024, and the grant came at just the right time. With the funds, Matthew upgraded to a new pizza prep table (those specialized ones with all the toppings ready to go!) and added a brand-new slushy machine to the mix. Even with a late opening at the state park this year, business is up—proof that smart investments can pay off fast. Oh, and by the way—they’re hiring! If you're looking for a job in a busy, positive shop, check them out.
But that’s not all Matthew’s up to. He also owns Superior Steelworks, where he crafts custom steel signs and placards that are both rugged and eye-catching. They can also do laser engraving. How cool! Whether you need a bold business sign or a unique home accent, his work delivers high-quality results—no need to order from somewhere far away when it’s all happening right here in our own backyard.
Congrats to Matthew and the teams at both Superior Pizza and Subs and Superior Steelworks—we love to see local businesses growing and thriving!
Take a peek and follow along:
Superior Pizza and Subs on Facebook
Superior Steel Works on Facebook
Support local—you’ll taste and see the difference!
Summer Series SMART Session #6
SMART Session #6 | SBA’s Access to Capital
Expert - Latifa Bradwell, Lender Relations Specialist, US SBA
July 23, 2025 9-10 a.m. (Zoom)
The SBA’s Access to Capital Information Session provides established and aspiring small business owners with insight into the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request along with an overview of SBA’s Financing Programs. This training demystifies the lending process by walking participants through the key criteria that financial institutions use to assess creditworthiness and risk. Participants will learn about the "Five Cs of Credit": Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions and how each factor plays a role in a lender’s decision making process. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to assemble more compelling loan applications and improve their chances of approval.
Business Expert Spotlight | Miche Rayment
Miche Rayment helps teams work better—plain and simple. As the Eastern U.P. liaison for the Small Business Support Hub and founder of her consulting company, The Hire Effect, Miche brings a rare mix of know-how in both economic development and organizational health. Whether she’s supporting rural entrepreneurs or helping business leaders design high-performing teams, her work focuses on creating the conditions where people—and businesses—thrive. She’s also the author of The Hire Effect™ | Hire for Culture and Skill, a practical guide to building great teams from the start.
Miche Rayment
Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
586.929.4782
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The HUBbub is published by Headwaters North (EUP SmartZone) as part of the Eastern U.P. 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.