Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Tribal Owned Businesses
The link for the application is here.
Tribal communities are a foundational part of the Eastern U.P. business landscape. That’s why the SBSH grant program was intentionally designed to serve the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Tribe as well as other area businesses—because your businesses matter, and your success strengthens our whole region.
In the first round of grants in 2024, just over 20% went to tribal-owned businesses. That’s a solid start—but we know we can do even better. We want to see that number grow, and we can’t do it without you. If you're a tribal member and own a business, this final round of direct grants is for you—and so are the SMART Sessions and expert support available through the program.
Need help getting started? Two SBSH Steering Committee members, Tara and Bob, are here to walk with you through the process. They’re listed under People in the Know, and they’re ready when you are.
This is your moment—we’re here to help you grab it.
Key Dates to Know:
- Apply between: June 15 – August 16
- Applications Ranked: August 17 – September 20
- Grant notifications: By October 1
This is your moment—go for it!
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 | S and S Graphic Design (A Sault Tribe Business)
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is opportunity—an opportunity to turn a dream into a thriving reality, just like for Steve!
Why shop online for custom embroidery when you can get top-quality, personalized service right here in the Eastern U.P.? S & S Graphic Design, a Sault Tribe-owned business, is your go-to spot for branded apparel—think hoodies, jackets, golf towels, t-shirts, and more. If it can be stitched or transferred, they can make it stand out.
Steve Hank shared that their 2024 Small Business Support Hub direct grant made an impact. “The grant helped us reduce downtime and increase our production capacity,” he said. “There’s more to what we do than meets the eye—designing and applying quality branding that lasts takes precision, time, and the right tools.”
Thanks to the grant, S & S was able to invest in new technology infrastructure, which means better, faster service for customers—and more room to grow and it’s more reliable for those doing the work! This is the kind of small business that strengthens our local economy and shows off what’s possible when we support homegrown talent.
So next time you need custom gear, skip the online mega-retailers and head to S & S Graphic Design—where quality meets community, one stitch at a time.
Steve Hank
906.259.7070
300 E. 3 Mile Road
Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
Open 9 am-4 pm Monday-Friday
Summer Series SMART Session #5
SMART Session #5 | Business Contracts 201: Dissecting Your Vendor’s Terms and Conditions for Negotiation
Expert - Zach Meyer, Varnum
July 16, 2025 9-10 a.m. (Zoom)
This SMART Session is here to help you make sense of those legal documents—and learn how to protect your business in the process. We’ll cover what really needs to be in a vendor agreement, how to think about short-term vs. long-term deals, what warranties and guarantees actually mean for your business, and how to handle risk, and plan for problems before they happen.
No legal degree needed—just bring your curiosity and your questions. Perfect for any small business owner who signs contracts (or will be soon).
Business Expert Spotlight | Chris Kangas, APEX Accelerator
Your Go-To for Government Contracting Know-How
Born and raised in Marquette, Chris Kangas has spent his career connecting people and businesses with opportunity across the Upper Peninsula. From helping individuals with disabilities prepare for employment to leading workforce programs with UP Michigan Works, Chris knows how to navigate the ins and outs of public funding and partnerships.
Now, as a Procurement Counselor with Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, he helps small businesses break into government contracting—with practical, personalized guidance every step of the way. When he’s not diving into policy and procurement, you’ll find him RVing across the U.P. or tackling a DIY project with his wife and two daughters.
And he’s running SMART Session #9, August 13, 9-10 am!
Chris Kangas
U.P. Program Representative | Procurement Counselor
Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator
Marquette, MI 49855
Mobile: 906-553-9170
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-kangas/
###
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.