The SBSH Scoop | You Don’t Need A Grant Check To Benefit
Over the last two years, the SBSH Grant Program has touched hundreds of small businesses across the Eastern UP—and we want you to know you haven’t been forgotten. This month, a panel of small business experts reviewed the final round of direct grant applications, awarding more than $200K in funding. The creativity and resilience of our regional businesses blew us away. Choosing winners felt a bit like one of those great cooking competitions—thrilling, inspiring, and honestly, tough to narrow down. Even those who didn’t walk away with a check still walked away stronger, more connected, and full of new ideas.
But here’s the thing: you don’t need a grant check to win. The SBSH program is about building sustainable, thriving businesses—and that includes free access to our SMART Workshops, where you can walk out with practical strategies and tools worth thousands of dollars in expert guidance.
So, what’s your next win?
Check out an upcoming event at headwatersnorth.org/support-small-businesses, or connect with Miche Rayment at Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org to find the right support for your business.
You’re already doing the hard work—let’s make sure you get the help that makes it pay off.
Business Spotlight | Raging Rooster Forge
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
There’s something timeless—and a little magical—about watching fire and steel come together under a skilled hand. At Raging Rooster Forge, owner Caleb Tranchita has turned that magic into a thriving business right here in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Thanks to an SBSH direct grant, Caleb added a five-burner gas forge (that’s serious firepower!) and a new welder to his shop. He also built a custom winch powered by a chainsaw engine—because why buy one when you can engineer it yourself? These upgrades have boosted his daily productivity and opened the door to bigger, more complex projects.
Caleb isn’t slowing down either. He’s recently added a few part-time team members, invested in a new truck, and is now on the hunt for a big trailer to expand into mobile welding services. From custom knives to artistic blacksmithing and heavy-duty fabrication, Raging Rooster Forge is proof that craftsmanship, creativity, and community support forge powerful results.
Check out his work—or maybe order your own custom piece—at ragingroosterforge.com or call 419-560-9144.
SMART Workshops
#2 - Get your Employee Handbook Done
An Employee Handbook Without the Headache
Led by HR expert Robin Chapekis of SvelteHR, this 3-hour workshop will help you create a compliant, practical employee handbook you can actually use (and keep updated). Already have a handbook? Bring it along and Robin will help you upgrade it on the spot.
When: October 29, 2025 | 8:30 AM – Noon
Where: Chippewa County EDC offices, 5019 W Airport Drive, Kincheloe, MI
#3 - Strategy and Operations
Hands On Strategy & Systems | Your Playbook in a Day
Every small business needs a playbook — a clear vision, measurable goals, and simple systems that everyone can follow. In this hands-on SMART Workshop, operations expert Tyler Sharette will guide you step-by-step through building one. You’ll define your vision, set practical yearly and quarterly goals, and map your key processes. By the end, you’ll walk out with a working playbook you can start using with your team the very next day.
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 8:30 AM–Noon
Where: Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone
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.
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org
- Nikki Radke - City Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) -Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
The HUBbub is published by Headwaters North (Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone) as part of the Eastern UP 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, and Luce County. Both EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission and Headwaters North support the initiative as well.