The SBSH Scoop | Workshop momentum. Three down. What's next?
Running a business means you’re constantly juggling—customers, cash flow, operations, team issues… all the things. And while you’re excellent at what your business does, no one hands you a handbook for everything else. That’s where SMART Workshops come in: practical, guided support for the parts of running a business that don’t come with an instruction manual.
At our third workshop with Tyler Sharette, business owners walked out the door with something every entrepreneur wants but rarely has time to create: a real playbook for what’s coming in 2026. And the feedback speaks for itself:
“It actually exceeded my expectations. I wasn't sure when I signed up that it would be helpful to me, however, Tyler did an excellent job stimulating my thought process on how I view my business.”
This is the heart of SMART Workshops. You don’t need to show up with perfect questions or a fully developed plan. You just need to show up. Each session pairs you with a knowledgeable, experienced expert who can help you think differently, get unstuck, and walk away with a clear, actionable asset for your business—no matter the topic.
Check out the next SMART Workshop with Zach Meyer of Varnum Law!
If you’re curious, unsure, or just know you could be running a slightly tighter ship, the next workshop is a great place to jump in. And if you’d like some 1on1 time with Ty, connect with Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org and we’ll make that happen.
Business Spotlight | Les Cheneaux Culinary School & Community
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
If you think good things take time (and maybe a little butter), the folks at Les Cheneaux Culinary School in Hessel would wholeheartedly agree. This small but mighty school—part of Hessel Ventures—has been stirring up success for students, food lovers, and the local community alike.
Thanks to support from the SBSH grant, the school was able to upgrade its classroom technology—making it easier for instructors and students to cook, connect, and show off their culinary creations. And that’s not all! The tech upgrades are already enhancing community events, like the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner and their always-popular Fall Harvest Dinner, where students recently cooked for the public for the very first time. Talk about a recipe for confidence!
With 10–15 aspiring chefs each season, the Les Cheneaux Culinary School is more than just a training ground—it’s a hub for creativity, hospitality, and downright deliciousness. Their team, led by a dedicated operations manager, continues to serve up opportunities for the community to gather around great food (and maybe sneak a peek at tomorrow’s top chefs).
Want to know what’s simmering next? Follow them on Facebook or visit lcculinary.org. Who knows—you might just find your next favorite meal and meet the chef who made it!
Check out Les Cheneaux Culinary School
SMART Workshop #3 | Business Formation & Agreements: Build It Right From the Start
- Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Time: 8:30 am-noon
- Place: 2345 Meridian St. Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Legal structure shouldn’t be overwhelming. In this 3.5 hour in-person SMART Workshop, attorney Zach Meyer will guide you through choosing the right entity, understanding key agreements, and putting the right protections in place for your business. This is for any age or size business and especially if you are considering changing your business designation. Should you remain a sole proprietor - how protected are you now that your business is growing up?
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
We try to deliver practical programming that helps your business—not pile more stuff on your to-do list.
If you’ve got a few seconds, tell us how we’re doing! It’s completely anonymous, and we promise not to take it personally—unless you say something nice, then we totally will.
Your feedback helps us get even better at helping you.
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