The SBSH Scoop | Get Help (The Good Kind)
Running a business in the Eastern U.P. can feel like you’ve got to do it all yourself—but that’s just the old “go it alone” mindset talking. The truth? Even the strongest business owners need people in their corner. That’s exactly what the Small Business Support Hub is here for. Our focus for the next year is simple: help as many businesses—and the people behind them—as we can.
We’ve built a network of down-to-earth experts who make running a business feel less overwhelming. HR, teamwork, product development, leadership, marketing, financials—you name it, we’ve got someone who can help. The real question is: what kind of help would make your life easier right now? We even help pay for it.
Not sure where to begin? Start with Miche Rayment, our SBSH liaison and go-to connector. She’s the kind of person who listens first and then points you toward the right people. Why not reach out and see what opens up?
Business Spotlight | Nature’s Kennel: Confidence on the Trail, Care Behind the Scenes
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business.
Tucked away in McMillan, Michigan, Nature’s Kennel Sled Dog Racing & Adventures is one of those rare businesses that blends adventure, education, and heart. Owners Ed and Tasha Stielstra (with the help of an incredible team) have created more than a tourist attraction—it’s an immersive Upper Peninsula experience where guests can learn to drive a dog team or ride along, surrounded by the magic of winter.
With help from an SBSH grant, Nature’s Kennel invested in veterinary training services and wilderness training for their staff. Seven team members completed a three-day wilderness first aid course, alongside training in dog nutrition, injury prevention, and canine first aid. The result? A confident, highly skilled team that knows how to keep guests, themselves and dogs safe. This not only builds trust with clients—many of whom travel from urban areas to experience sled dog adventures for the first time—but it also sets Nature’s Kennel apart as a professional, safety-focused operation.
Tasha summed it up well: the training was “super beneficial.” Staff confidence soared, clients felt safe, and the certifications now serve as a powerful marketing asset too.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, this is it. Whether it’s a 10-mile trip through the snowy woods or a full-day experience, you’ll walk away with more than a ride—you’ll take home a memory of what winter recreation in the U.P. truly feels like.
What a great way to represent the region! Thanks, Nature’s Kennel.
Learn more or book your adventure
906-748-0513
info@natureskennel.com
natureskennel.com
SMART Workshops | 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
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
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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, Luce County, and Mackinac County EDCs. Both EUP Regional Planning and Development Commission and Headwaters North support the initiative as well.