Here’s the SBSH Scoop | This Grant Is For YOU—Yes, You!
Take your time to submit your best work, because grants go to the strongest applications, not the fastest.
The link for the application is here.
It doesn’t matter what kind of business you run or where you call home in the Eastern U.P.—if you’re a business owner, this grant program could help you. Whether you’re part of the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Sault Tribe, or you live in one of our easternmost counties, you’re eligible to apply for this grant. And believe us, all kinds of businesses are applying for one of the last direct grants—farms, glamping sites, health food stores, resale shops, pest control services… the works. So don’t count yourself out!
Even better? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. One of our trusted People in the Know will be assigned to help you shape your application and make it shine—but you’re welcome to reach out to them now and ask all your questions. That’s what they’re here for.
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 | Albert Heating and Cooling, Inc.
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is opportunity—an opportunity to turn a dream into a thriving reality, just like for Todd!
Big things are happening in the eastern U.P.! The Albert family, who’ve been keeping homes cozy and cool since 2006, turned up the dial on their operations in 2024 thanks to a boost from the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) direct grant.
One of the first-round recipients, Albert Heating and Cooling used the grant to invest in some key equipment—stuff that makes their work faster, smoother, and even more reliable for their loyal customers. Getting the grant took some of the heat (pun intended!) off the ebb and flow of their cashflow that always comes with big purchases.
Anyone who runs a business knows that big-ticket purchases and new hires can crank up the pressure. With the SBSH support, the Alberts could ease that strain and keep growing strong.
They’ve continued expanding their services while staying true to what they do best: serving the eastern Upper Peninsula with warmth, care, and top-notch HVAC work. Here’s to even more growth, happy customers, and good vibes ahead!
Way to go team Albert!
Todd Albert
https://www.albertheating.com/
906.632.6900
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 | Dave Haviland, Phimation
Dave is a business coach and strategy advisor to about a dozen companies, and serves on the board of directors or advisors at several Stage 2 companies. His focus is on “ROI with heart,” emphasizing good business decisions while honoring each company’s culture and relationships. His clients either are family businesses or act like them, and his smallest clients have 6 people and his largest has 200.
Connect with Dave through LinkedIn
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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.