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Here’s the SBSH Scoop | SMART Workshops starting Simple. Measurable. Actionable. Real. Tangible.These aren’t “sit-and-listen” training sessions. They’re get-it-done-together workshops for small business owners in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. What makes them different?You don’t just learn about systems — you build them.You’ll leave with real tools and documents ready to use in your business tomorrow.Expert guides (local and approachable…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | SMART Session Recordings on line now!Here’s your chance to get connected with the people you actually need to know. Most of us start a business because we love what we do—the product we make, the service we provide, the value we bring. What we don’t usually sign up for is being:An attorney who knows contract lawA marketing strategistAn HR proA financial wizard who thrives on balance sheets and bookkeepingThat’s where…

Here’s the SBSH Scoop | SMART Session Recordings on line now!Running a business is a lot like riding a bike but, your business is the bike.If you never oil the chain, pump up the tires, or tighten the brakes… well, you’ll eventually find yourself wobbling, stuck on the side of the road, or worse—flying over the handlebars(ouch).But here’s the thing: it’s not just about keeping the bike from falling apart. It’s also about potentially making the…

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…

Join us Wednesday, May 21 at the Center for Freshwater Research and Education, 100 Salmon Run Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.Cash bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and networking will continue until 7:30 p.m. Learn More

SMART Sessions provided by Headwaters North for the Eastern UP Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) program are designed to help business owners achieve success.  Whether you're just starting out or planning for the future, SMART Sessions will connect you with Michigan business experts, get practical advice and one-on-one help implementing their insights for your business.Learn More

On September 25 and 26, Bob Jacquart spoke at events around the Eastern Upper Peninsula, sponsored by Headwaters North, MEDC, and Chippewa EDC. He was the first of a series that will feature Upper Peninsula business owners, which will continue through 2025. Bob Jacquart of Jacquart Fabric Products in Ironwood, Michigan spoke about his hometown (and UP-wide) pride and his focus on giving back to his community. His efforts to build an Upper…

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to announce that 27 organizations have been selected to serve as entrepreneurial hubs across the state of Michigan, providing comprehensive resources and support to the state’s small businesses.The Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) program received approval by the Michigan Strategic Fund in June, following the passage of the $75 million…

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,…