Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Easy, Quick and We’ll Help!
By now, you’ve probably heard that the final round of direct grants requires a simple application—but remember, it’s simple!! It’s straightforward and takes about an hour to complete. And you’re not on your own—we’re here to help you make it as strong as possible.
Once you submit, someone from our team will review your application with you and offer suggestions if anything can be improved. It’s all about giving you the best shot at success.
Curious how other local businesses used their grant? Check out the past HUBbubs to hear real stories from first-round recipients—they’re full of insight and inspiration.
Need more help with the application? No problem. Head over to the “People in the Know” section and connect with the contact for your area. They’re ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Okay, now what’s keeping you?
Apply Now — we’d love to see your name on the list!
Business Spotlight | Tri County Building Centers
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity to turn a dream into a sustainable reality.
Sometimes the right upgrade can make all the difference. Thanks to an SBSH direct grant from last year, the team at Tri County Building Centers said goodbye to their outdated equipment and hello to a brand-new all-in-one printer/copier/scanner—boosting productivity across the board; it does everything but the dishes!
It wasn’t until the new equipment was in place that they realized how much time and effort they’d been spending on workarounds. Now, with streamlined office operations, they’re better equipped to focus on what they do best: serving customers and supporting building projects across the region.
With multiple locations and top-notch cabinet design services, Tri County Building Centers continues to be a cornerstone of the Upper Peninsula’s construction and home improvement community.
Check them out at TriCountyBuildingCenters.com
Another gem of a business in the Upper Peninsula.
Summer Series SMART Session #8
Managing Your Hybrid Workforce
Expert - Tyler Sharette
August 6, 2025 9-10 a.m. (Zoom)
Running a hybrid team adds extra hurdles, but they don’t have to slow you down. In this practical session operations expert, Tyler, shares clear and doable advice to help you tackle hybrid challenges and streamline your team’s workflow.
You can also catch up by watching recordings of past SMART Sessions—an easy way to stay in the loop and get credit toward your SBSH grant participation. Watching or attending at least one SMART Session is required if you’d like to be eligible for one of the second-round direct grants, so it’s a great place to start!
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
Expert Spotlight | Kathy Thomas, Chippewa County EDC
Kathy’s passionate about supporting small businesses and growing her own art business—both of which have been shaped by the experiences and knowledge she’s gained along the way. She’s married to a former coal miner, and together are raising three amazing kids along with two dogs, two cats, and four ducks. When she’s not working or wrangling animals, she’s pursuing her creative dreams as a first-time author and illustrator of her self-published children’s book, The Marvelous Goose.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/KathyGThomas/
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The HUBbub is published by Headwaters North (Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone) as part of the Eastern UP 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.