News

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Application Deadline THIS Saturday!If you’ve been following the Business Spotlight each week, you’ve seen firsthand how an SBSH direct grant can make a difference. Every story is unique—each one a window into the challenges, ingenuity, and persistence of our local business owners. Take a look back at past HUBbubs and you’ll get a peek into the lives of people just like you, doing the brave and demanding work of building…

Sault Ste. Marie, MI, August 1, 2025: Headwaters North, a regional SmartZone focused on advancing innovation and economic opportunity in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, today announced the appointment of Nikki Storey as its new Chief Executive Officer. Storey brings more than a decade of leadership experience as President of the Marine Trades Institute (MTI), formerly Great Lakes Boat Building School, where she built one of the nation’s most…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Don’t Miss Your Shot at a Small Biz BoostYou’ve got 9 days left to throw your hat in the ring for the final round of SBSH direct grants.Yes, you’ve been meaning to. Yes, we know you’re busy. And yes—it’ll only take about an hour or so.Here’s the thing: this grant isn’t just a boost. It’s a game-changer.In the first round, small businesses just like yours received everything from this list:Honey extractorsSlushy…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Easy, Quick and We’ll Help!By now, you’ve probably heard that the final round of direct grants requires a simple application—but remember, it’s simple!! It’s straightforward and takes about an hour to complete. And you’re not on your own—we’re here to help you make it as strong as possible.Once you submit, someone from our team will review your application with you and offer suggestions if anything can be improved. It’s…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Apply Now - You Don’t Want To Miss Out There are just 22 days left to apply for the final round of SBSH direct grants! The deadline is August 16, and we want to make sure your business doesn’t miss out.If you have questions or need support with your application, reach out to one of our People in the Know—we’re here to help. You can also check past issues of The HUBbub for tips and info.Apply Now — we’d love to…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Are Direct Grants Taxable?We’ve gotten this question a few times in the past week. Yes, yes the direct grants are taxable, so make sure you plan for that. You can get advice from a tax accountant on what to save for this. You can find solace in the fact that you are making money by filling out the grant application. If it takes you 2 hours to do it, you could be making $2,000/hour or more! The bottom line is to plan for…

Are You a Small Manufacturer? The SBA Wants to Hear From You!If you’re running a small manufacturing business anywhere in the Upper Peninsula, this is your chance to shape the future of support for businesses like yours. On August 6, from 1–3 PM, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a special Roundtable Focus Group to hear directly from you—what’s working, what’s not, and how they can better show up for U.P. manufacturers.The…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | Tribal Owned BusinessesThe link for the application is here.Tribal communities are a foundational part of the Eastern U.P. business landscape. That’s why the SBSH grant program was intentionally designed to serve the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Tribe as well as other area businesses—because your businesses matter, and your success strengthens our whole region.In the first round of grants in 2024, just…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | This Grant Is For YOU—Yes, You!Take your time to submit your best work, because grants go to the strongest applications, not the fastest.The link for the application is here.It doesn’t matter what kind of business you run or where you call home in the Eastern U.P.—if you’re a business owner, this grant program could help you. Whether you’re part of the Bay Mills Indian Community, the Sault Tribe, or you live in one of our…

Here’s the Scoop | SBSH Direct Grant Applications Open!Take your time to submit your best work, because grants go to the strongest applications, not the fastest.The link for the application is here.Basic timeline for the last round of direct Small Business Support Hub grants:Open for applying - 15 June through 16 AugustRanking and choosing applications - 17 August through 20 SeptemberAnticipated grant notifications - by 1 OctoberWhy is the…

Here’s the Scoop | SBSH Grant program extrasNote about the last direct grant round: The last round of direct grants from the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant program opens up on June 15 and will remain open until August 16. The link for the application will be posted here on June 15.Also, did you know you’ve got a business brain trust on standby?Seriously—if your hair’s on fire about marketing, strategy, HR, team stuff, sales (or, let’s…

Here’s the Scoop | SBSH Direct Grant Application Opens The last round of direct grants from the Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant program opens up on June 15 and will remain open until August 16.To be eligible for this direct grant you:Cannot have received a Small Business Support Hub direct grant in the 1st roundNeed to meet eligibility criteria as listed in the SBSH grant guidelinesMust participate in one of the following:Receive a…

On Friday, Headwaters North, along with Lake Superior State University, hosted a Pitch Competition in the Cafe at Considine Hall. The first prize community pitch was David Cairns from Crairns Brothers. His pitch was about the horror film he is creating using UP actors. He received $400 for winning the competition and is pictured with: Amy Berglund, InvestUP; Mindy McCready, LSSU Lukenda School Of Business; David Cairns (center), Marilyn Clark,…

Headwaters North, in conjunction with the MTEC SmartZone and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is sponsoring the Return North virtual career fair being held on November 30 from 3-6 p.m. EST. The event will match great talent with great companies across the Upper Peninsula and bring those longing to return to the UP - home! Headwaters North looks forward to bringing residents who have left the area back to the UP. The Sault Ste…

Headwaters North will walk entrepreneurs through the process of establishing their business with coaching support, access to state programs, and events to build skills for entrepreneurship. We will provide high-quality and economical product development services for entrepreneurs and businesses throughout the region by providing access to current manufacturing facilities, business training programs, and skilled industry personnel. The goal…

Headwaters North, in collaboration with MTEC SmartZone of Houghton, holds its first virtual SmartStart class for local Sault Ste Marie entrepreneurs. Participants are working through a 6-week course that walks them through their business idea from napkin concept to formally starting a company.SmartStart is an amazing resource for anyone who has an idea but is not sure how to get started. Each week, entrepreneurs meet with their mentor - Jason…

March 17, 2023 – The local Sault Ste Marie SmartZone recently rebranded resulting in the new name of Headwaters North. The rebrand includes the connection to the community, the local natural resources, and the focus of Smartzones - technology and innovation. Headwaters North exists to develop local talent, leverage and attract capital to the local business community, and support startup and early-stage companies through programs, funding…