Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Are Direct Grants Taxable?
We’ve gotten this question a few times in the past week. Yes, yes the direct grants are taxable, so make sure you plan for that. You can get advice from a tax accountant on what to save for this. You can find solace in the fact that you are making money by filling out the grant application. If it takes you 2 hours to do it, you could be making $2,000/hour or more! The bottom line is to plan for it and understand how cash flow will be affected.
The link for the application is here.
A Date to Remember:
- Apply by: August 16 at 5 PM
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 (highlighted below!)
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Miche Rayment - Eastern UP region at large - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
Business Spotlight | Northern Natives Plant Nursery
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is opportunity—an opportunity to turn a dream into a thriving reality, just like for Ken!
We’re thrilled to celebrate the growth of Northern Natives Plant Nursery (formerly Northern Natives Erosion Control), owned by Ken Kerkhof—one of our SBSH grant success stories from our first round of direct grants!
When asked about the impact of the direct grant, Ken didn’t hesitate: crucial, game-changer, a gift. Thanks to the funding, the nursery was able to invest in key tools like satellite internet, a commercial printer, trays and containers, and QuickBooks—some things made a real difference.
As Ken wisely puts it: “If we aren’t failing at some things, we aren't trying to succeed.” Not everything worked perfectly—but lessons came with the things that didn’t. That’s exactly what the SBSH grant was meant to do: help local businesses take smart risks, adapt, and grow.
With better tech and more reliable systems, Northern Natives is thriving. They’re soon be offering plants to the public via a plant stand (how cool is that?) in addition to selling wholesale to their larger clients. And they’re looking for a seed processing partner—someone who can clean, package, and return native seeds gathered from across the region. Know someone? Reach out!
Ken’s the real deal—and Northern Natives is a gem in our community. Let’s keep rooting (hehe) for our local businesses!
www.NorthernNativesEC.com
Ken@NorthernNativesEC.com
317.308.1027
Support local—you’ll seed the difference! (Yeah, we went there.) 🌱
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.
Expert Spotlight | Nikki Radke, Interim Director of Sault Ste Marie EDC
Nikki is passionate about helping communities thrive—especially through smart, inclusive economic development. Her work is all about turning big ideas into real opportunities, whether that means attracting investment, supporting innovation, or helping local businesses grow.
With a background in policy, planning, and project management, she’s led initiatives that bring people together and deliver results. She’s a data nerd at heart, but also loves connecting with people—because that’s where real change starts.
If you're working on something that could spark local impact, she’d love to hear about it. Let’s see what we can build together.
Nikki’s cell - 906.632.5779
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The HUBbub is published by Headwaters North (Sault Ste Marie 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.