The SBSH Scoop | Two Workshops Coming Up to the UP
Smart Workshop #6 | Work Smarter Together
Tired of the “we talked about this!” loop?
In this hands‑on 3.5‑hour SMART Workshop, you’ll swap miscommunication for momentum using a Whole‑Brain Framework that helps teams act—and think—together.
You’ll pinpoint strengths, uncover blind spots, and walk out with three essentials: 1) a Teamwork & Collaboration Agreement, 2) a Whole‑Brain Communication Guide, and 3) a practical Execution Plan. No theory—just clear tools to help your team stop spinning and start moving forward with purpose.
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 8:30 a.m. - noon
Smart Workshop #7 | Marketing Bootcamp
Ready to tighten up your marketing and sharpen your message?
In this four‑hour SMART Workshop, you’ll dig into segmentation, targeting, and placement to pinpoint profitable buyers, refine your brand, and prioritize your activities.
Walk out with an actionable marketing blueprint—covering strategy, pricing, promotion, and research tools—to reach more customers and get measurable results.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 8:30 a.m - noon
Both workshops will be held at the Sault Ste Marie Economic Development offices, 2345 Meridian, Sault Ste Marie, MI. Breakfast served with tea and coffee too!
Business Spotlights | UP Creations Etching Out a Bigger Future
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business. Let us tell you about this one! Things are heating up—literally—at Sole UP Creations! Thanks to support from the Small Business Support Hub, owner Brandy Ball leveled up their creative game with a brand‑new CO₂ laser. This powerhouse machine can now cut and engrave on larger surfaces—up to six feet long—and handle new materials like opaque acrylics. Translation? Bigger, bolder, and brighter custom pieces, from topographical lake maps (Lake of the Woods is a crowd‑favorite!) to beautifully engraved mugs.
The upgrade also sparked a workspace revamp, complete with fresh ventilation and air purifiers to keep things running smoothly. Since the laser’s arrival in January, production has become faster and more efficient—perfect for big project batches and show season restocks.
Sole UP Creations also gave a shout‑out to the SBSH SMART Sessions recordings, noting how helpful it was to revisit the Q&A and see how other entrepreneurs are growing too.
You can check out their one‑of‑a‑kind creations (and maybe your favorite lake!) on Facebook—because this small business is clearly on fire in all the right ways.
SMART Session #10 | Performance Discussions
Miche Rayment - Yes, I’m dishing out a no-drama, high-impact approach that actually makes your team want to show up for their 1-on-1s. In just 60 minutes on Zoom, we’ll ditch the stiff HR manuals (no insult to HR) and focus on conversations that drive satisfaction and growth for the employer and the employee. Stop checking boxes and start building a team that’s "review-ready" every day. No scripts, no stress—just better work.
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom
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