The SBSH Scoop | 2nd Annual Eastern UP Exchange
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 policy, connect with experts, and give your business a healthy boost. Let’s turn policy potholes into growth lanes, with a friendly, practical vibe only small business owners can bring.
What to expect:
- Active dialogue about current small business legislation and the hurdles those laws create for your business
- Feedback session on regulations you believe should be repealed or reformed
- Consultant’s Corner: connect with a variety of subject matter experts who can help your business navigate challenges
- One-on-one time with experts, offered confidentially, to increase your business capacity and long-term health
- Networking with other small business owners, with an anticipated attendance of about 100
- Insight into Small Business Support Hub grant programs and how your business can benefit
Why you should attend:
- Make your voice heard on legislation that impacts daily operations and growth
- Get practical, confidential guidance tailored to your needs
- Build meaningful connections with peers and a wide range of specialists
- Learn how to leverage grant programs to fuel your next milestone
Open to Michigan small business owners who want to influence policy, gain expert insights, and grow their networks.
If you’re looking for a productive afternoon that blends policy, expertise, and real-world business growth, the Eastern UP Exchange is for you. Spread the word to colleagues who should be there. See you on June 16!
SMART Workshop | Practical Work Sessions to Get Things Done
SMART Workshop #8 | Leading Your Legacy
Strategist Dave Haviland of Phimation will walk you through practical, repeatable frameworks that make strategic planning clear and doable, no matter what time of year you can do it. You’ll leave with a framework for building a 1 and 5 year roadmap, a North Star action plan for daily focus, and thoughts for a smart exit strategy that turns your business into an asset, not just a job. Because “someday” isn’t a date on the calendar—let’s design your future before it’s decided for you.
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 8:30am-Noon
Location: Center for Freshwater Research & Education, 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste Marie, MI
Find more SMART Workshops Here
SMART Sessions | Practical 1-hour Zoom Sessions
This summer, SBSH's SMART Sessions are bringing the expertise to you; no travel required. Ten free, one-hour Zoom sessions, Tuesdays from 9-10 am, each packed with practical advice on the topics that help keep your business running well. And if you want to go deeper, one-on-one sessions (on us) may be available to help you put it all into action.
Here's what's on the agenda:
- Available Business Incentives from the State of Michigan | June 9
- Evaluating Your Web Presence | June 16
- QuickBooks Clinic | June 23
- Contracting with Government Entities | June 30
- What's a SmartZone—and What's in It for You? | July 7
- When You Need Dedicated HR (and What to Do Until Then) | July 14
- Understanding Your Customer Contracts | July 21
- Making a Vision Happen | July 28
- Business Planning for Busy Business Owners | August 4
- Managing Your Public Identity | August 11
One session could change how you run your business. Ten could change everything. Come for one, stay for the summer.
Sign Up for As Many As You Like
SBA | Lender In Person Matchmaking Event - You in?
Looking for financing to grow your business?
Here’s your chance to meet face‑to‑face with SBA‑approved lenders ready to support rural small businesses in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
- Apply by April 30 2026
- Work with the SBDC and local business experts to fine‑tune your loan readiness
- Take part in this exclusive live lender matchmaking event on June 26, 9-11 am, Chippewa County EDC, 5019 W. Airport Road, Kincheloe, MI
Your next financial partner could be waiting!
Spots are limited, so submit your borrower application
Download this application form and email it directly to: Latifa Bradwell at latifa.bradwell@sba.gov
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