2nd Annual Eastern UP Exchange | US Canada Crossings Down Significantly - Let’s talk about it!
Date: June 16 | Time: 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: LSSU - Lakes Rooms, Sault Ste Marie, MI
The Eastern UP SBSH is bringing back the EUP Exchange and brewing up an afternoon of dialogue, feedback, and hands-on guidance. It’s your chance to shape what we do next. What a great opportunity to gather and expand your capacity!
Why you should attend:
- Address the reduction of business due to lower Canada -> US crossings
- Meet experts that can help you build a stronger business
- Build meaningful connections with peers
- Learn how to leverage grant programs to fuel your next milestone
Open to Michigan small business owners and operators who want to influence policy, gain expert insights, and grow their networks.
If you’re looking for a productive afternoon that blends community, expertise, and real-world business strength, the Eastern UP Exchange is for you. Spread the word to colleagues who should be there. See you on June 16!
Business Spotlight | Bee Expertise! Bee Wise Farms
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
Bee Wise Farms is showing what can happen when a powerhouse leadership team combines passion, expertise, and the right tools. Based in Newberry, this innovative company has built its mission around education, beekeeping, and whole-person wellness, drawing on backgrounds in psychology, transpersonal psychology, and entomology to create something truly distinctive.
Thanks to an SBSH direct grant, a Vibe Board at Bee Wise Farms has transformed the way founders Lacey & Adam Ingrao teach and connect with customers. Programs and classes can now be delivered through dynamic, high-quality presentations and video-based instruction. That means stronger workshops, more engaging classes, and new virtual training opportunities, including programming rooted in Slovenian beekeeping traditions.
The upgraded technology is also expanding access to api-therapy services and helping the team reach people who may not be able to travel in person. At the same time, it has given Bee Wise Farms the ability to strengthen its workshops, grow revenue by at least 25%, and prepare for the rollout of new services in the weeks ahead.
Beyond the Eastern UP, their reach now extends internationally through partnerships supporting women-owned businesses in Africa and helping farmers incorporate beekeeping into their work. Bee Wise Farms isn’t just growing, they are pollinating opportunity far beyond their own backyard.
SMART Programs | Attend Workshops and Sessions. No regrets!
Running a business can feel like a SMART choice and a lot of chaos at the same time. Time is tight, energy is limited, and the list never stops. That’s why these programs exist: to help you protect both while making real progress toward a stronger business. SMART Sessions and SMART Workshops are designed to help you take action, not just collect ideas. 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. You’ll leave with useful tips, and often a tool or two, to make things easier. Topics vary widely because business owners have a lot to juggle. Whatever’s on your plate, there’s likely a SMART Session that can help.
SMART Workshops – These 3.5-hour, in-person events are hands-on and built for action. You’ll leave with real work done. Topics vary; the goal is always the same: helping you move your business forward. If you’re trying to work on your business, not just in it, these workshops give you the structure and space to do exactly that.
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