SBSH Scoop | Want to land government contracts? Start here.
SMART Session #4 | Prep for Selling to the Government
Tuesday, June 30, 9-10 am
Whether it's a township, city, county, state, or federal agency, government contracting opens doors many small business owners overlook. This SMART Session breaks down what it actually takes to get in the door, with real, practical insight from Chris Kangas, who's done the work and knows where the opportunities (and pitfalls) are.
No fluff, no theory. These SMART Sessions are just the kind of advice you can act on right away to grow with more ease.
Grab a coffee, hop on, and walk away with a clearer path forward. Spots are limited, so register now. Check out the full lineup of SMART Sessions running this summer while you're at it.
Business Spotlight | Bin's Ahoy, Treasure Hunting, EUP Style
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
If you haven't made the trip to Bin's Ahoy yet, consider this your official invitation to start digging. Run by husband-and-wife team Tina and Eric Thibault (said TBow), Bin's Ahoy is the kind of place where you walk in for a candle and walk out with a MacBook, a vacuum, and a bag of #2 pencils, no regrets included. The secret is overstock. Eric and Tina buy direct through a distributor, sight unseen, in massive cardboard boxes packed onto pallets. Inside could be anything. Apple Watches, iPads, grills, all sold off at a steep discount simply because it's overstock. It's part mystery, part Black Friday, every week!
The deals get better as the week goes on. Friday is bag day, fifty cents an item, or fill a bag for $20. Saturday is restock, when everything resets and starts at $9. Want first dibs? Bins Ahoy posts sneak peeks on their Facebook page every Thursday afternoon.
None of this happens without some serious behind-the-scenes hustle. The Thibaults recently used grant funding for a storage container, plus a ramp and ventilation kit, freeing up warehouse space for more inventory. Double doors could be next, helping move product faster and serve more customers. When it comes to space, the these people aren't just thinking inside the box.
Running things their way means making their own hours, which matters with six kids in the mix. All of them have worked for their parents at some point, picking up a real, hands-on business education along the way. But ask Tina what keeps her going, and it's not the merchandise. It's the people. They're soon to grow even more community spirit, building a volunteer service group to partner with local nonprofits on service projects and wishlist donations.
So next time you're driving past, stop in. Bin's Ahoy is proof that one of the EUP's best treasures might be sitting in a box you haven't opened yet.
SMART Programs | Summer Abundance in Workshops and Sessions
Attend one, or a bunch. You won’t regret it!
SMART Sessions – These 1-hour virtual events connect you with business experts who share practical advice on specific topics.
SMART Workshops – These 3.5-hour, in-person events are hands-on and built for action. You’ll leave with real work done.
Smart Workshops
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