SMART Sessions is a series of weekly 1-hour Zoom Q&A and Info sessions that are designed to give business owners and any of their team members practical advice they can use right away. Each session focuses on a specific topic, like "Business Contracts 101," "Leading Your Junior Leaders so You Can Prepare for Retirement," or "Business Financials: What you Need to Know to Build a good Banking Relationship" all presented by Michigan business experts.
Attendees will get clear steps to make their businesses stronger and more stable.
Each session is free!
These sessions provided by Headwaters North for the Eastern UP Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) program are designed to help you achieve real, measurable results in a way that fits your goals and timeline. Whether you're just starting out or planning for the future, SMART Sessions will guide you toward success. You can register for as many sessions as you want.
If you attend one or more SMART Sessions, you’ll win an opportunity to apply for the 2nd round of SBSH direct grants that will be available later this year.
Eastern UP area attendees will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one at no cost with the experts to get help implementing insights in a way that makes the most sense for their businesses.
If you have questions about SMART Sessions, please use the contact form below.
If you’d like to receive our weekly news flash - sign up here!
A winter series and summer series are being confirmed in the coming weeks for 2026.
Recordings are available for most of the Winter Series and Summer Series for 2025 SMART Sessions below.
Winter 2026 SMART Sessions
SMART Session #1 | Quickbooks Quick Clinic
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Whether you’re feeling tangled in your chart of accounts, wrestling with reconciliation, or just unsure if you’re “doing QuickBooks right,” this clinic is for you. QuickBooks and financial expert Diana Goode from Ops+ will walk you through the most common roadblocks small businesses face and show you how to navigate them with confidence. Bring your questions, your sticking points, and even your frustrations — Diana will help you make sense of it all and get you moving forward with clarity.
Expert - Diana Goode
Diana Goode is the Chief Finance Officer of TechTown Detroit and Finance Director at Wayne State University. She has been involved in the TechTown and Wayne State University ecosystem for years and was previously with TechTown as CFO/COO from 2015-2016. She then joined in various roles across Wayne State University over the last eight years including the CFO of Wayne Health and the Sr. Associate Vice President of Finance and Treasury for Wayne State University.
SMART Session #2 | Making a Vision Happen
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Crafting a vision for your business is powerful — but translating that vision into a practical, actionable plan each year is where real progress happens. In this session, Tyler will guide you through the essential steps of setting meaningful goals, breaking them into achievable priorities, and organizing your people so everyone pulls in the same direction. You’ll walk away with a clearer structure for turning big ideas into real outcomes. Whether your team is a lean crew of two or a bustling group of a hundred, this process will meet you where you are and help you move forward with purpose.
Expert - Tyler Sharette - Sharette Consulting
Tyler is an operations leader with over 13 years of experience driving growth across diverse industries, including marketing, nonprofit fundraising, and manufacturing. As an expert in EOS and the Six Key Components of Traction, he helps small to mid-sized businesses streamline operations, align around a shared vision, and develop proven processes and customized playbooks that bring clarity and structure to their organizations.
SMART Session #3 | Business Taxes and Resources Done Right!
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Include tips from this session with the SBA and IRS in your yearly finance planning. Dan Arnell Belarmino, Senior Stakeholder Liaison, from the IRS will present proper business tax planning, new IRS information and filing tips for the upcoming tax season. Brandon Adolph, SBA Outreach & Marketing Specialist will follow with resources and funding options to help small businesses start and grow.
Expert - Brandon Adolph
Brandon Adolph is the Outreach & Marketing Specialist for the SBA Michigan District Office, covering Genesee, Lake, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties, plus the Northern Lower and Upper Peninsula. He focuses on ecosystem building with chambers, DDAs, and economic development organizations. Brandon joined the SBA in 2023 after a career in marketing leadership. He holds a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and an M.A. from Wayne State University.
Expert - Dan Arnell Belarmino
Dan Arnell Belarmino is a Sr. Stakeholder Liaison Tax Specialist with the IRS. He collaborates with employers, community associations, and tax practitioners to communicate priority outreach and ensure tax law compliance. Since joining the IRS in 2007, Dan has served as an Individual Taxpayer Advisory Specialist, a Revenue Agent for Small Business/Self-Employed, and a Revenue Agent for Tax Exempt and Government Entities. He specializes in child-related credits, individual returns, and exempt organizations. Dan holds a B.A. in Language and Literature from the University of Southeastern Philippines and an M.S. in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix.
Special SMART Session | SBA’s Access to Capital
January 29, 2026 11 a.m. - noon
The SBA’s Access to Capital Information Session provides established and aspiring small business owners with insight into the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request along with an overview of SBA’s Financing Programs. This training demystifies the lending process by walking participants through the key criteria that financial institutions use to assess creditworthiness and risk. Participants will learn about the "Five Cs of Credit": Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions and how each factor plays a role in a lender’s decision making process. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to assemble more compelling loan applications and improve their chances of approval.
Expert - Latifa Bradwell, SBA Lender Relations Specialist
Latifa has served on the SBA Michigan District Office’s Lender Relations team since 2015, supporting lenders and small businesses with SBA loan programs. She also manages the district’s microlender network. With over 25 years in economic development, her previous roles include Deputy Director at Tejara Global and Senior Consultant at the Michigan SBDC. Latifa holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Accounting from Wayne State, and has received multiple awards for leadership and service.
SMART Session #4 | Prep for Selling to the Government (Cities, Counties, States and Federal)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Learn how the APEX Accelerator program can help your business navigate the government marketplace. From market research, registrations, and finding opportunities, find out about the tools that are available to you at no cost.
Expert - Chris Kangas - Northern Michigan APEX Accelerator
Chris was born and raised in Marquette, Michigan and has spent most of his life in the Upper Peninsula. As a Procurement Counselor and U.P. Program Representative with the Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, Chris specializes in helping businesses understand and navigate the complex world of government contracting. Drawing on years of experience in workforce development, government-funded programs, and contract management, he provides tailored guidance to help companies pursue and win federal, state, and local contracting opportunities. In addition, he is also the secretary for the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators.
SMART Session #5 | Branding Inside and Out
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Back by popular demand, Matt Monte returns to help you step back and gain real perspective on your brand — what it stands for, how it’s perceived, and where it’s headed. He’ll guide you in building clear, compelling messaging rooted in that brand, explore smart considerations for place and placement, and walk you through defining and monitoring the key performance indicators that actually matter.
Expert - Matthew Monte, Monte Consulting
Matt has worked in sales and marketing since 1997, and supports his team of writers, designers, and developers in generating high level branding for businesses across the U.S. Educated in engineering, communications, and theater, he has substantial expertise in product development and industrial marketing. He often focuses on product naming, business storytelling, and photo/video.
SMART Session #6 | Your Business Will (Who and How is Your Business Going to Survive You)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Most people don’t think seriously about succession planning until they’re nearing retirement — but preparing the next CEO or owner takes far more time, intention, and clarity than most realize. In this insightful and practical session, longtime business strategist and visionary Dave Haviland will help you understand what goes into a strong succession plan, what to start lining up now, and how to ensure your business thrives long after you step back. Come ready to get your ducks in a row — or at least finally figure out which ducks you need — so your business can truly outlast you.
Expert - Dave Haviland
Dave is a business coach and strategy advisor to about a dozen companies, and serves on the board of directors or advisors at several Stage 2 companies. His focus is on “ROI with heart,” emphasizing good business decisions while honoring each company’s culture and relationships. His clients either are family businesses or act like them, and his smallest client has 6 people and his largest has 200.
SMART Session #7 | Compensation Systems Simplified
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Compensation feels simple — until your team starts to grow and the questions start to multiply. How do you set pay that’s fair, competitive, and sustainable? What should change as roles evolve? And how do you make these decisions with clarity instead of guesswork?
In this session, UP HR expert Robin Chapekis of Svelte HR will walk you through practical ways to think about building compensation packages as your organization expands. You’ll learn approachable frameworks, smart considerations for different stages of growth, and how to balance people, performance, and budgets. Bring your real-life questions — Robin will offer thoughtful, grounded answers to help you chart a path forward with confidence.
Expert - Robin Chapekis
Robin Chapekis, SHRM-SCP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, is the founder of SVELTE HR, specializing in HR efficiency and effectiveness. With a passion for transforming HR into a competitive advantage, she collaborates with organizations to enhance education, networking, and global HR standards. Based in Escanaba, MI, Robin is also working with ISO/TC 260 on the development of international standards for Human Resource Management.
SMART Session #8 | Introduction to Vet Entrepreneurship
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
We’re excited to have Abron, from the VetBiz Center in Flint, lead this SMART Session to help Vet owned businesses be more sustainable and successful. There will be time for questions, so bring it on!
Expert - Abron Andrews
A U.S. Navy veteran, Andrews brings extensive experience in leadership, banking, and investment advisory to his work. Andrews is currently pivoting into the education sector to leverage his skills in coaching and mentorship. With a focus on the future, Andrews aspires to impact economic development and inspire others by teaching business and entrepreneurship.
SMART Session #9 | Terminating Business Contract the Smart Way
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 9-10 am
Letting go of a contractor, vendor, or even a customer doesn’t have to be messy — but the details do matter. Even if you don’t have a formal contract, there’s a smart, professional way to wrap things up. Zach Meyer, longtime expert in this area, will walk you through practical steps to end agreements cleanly and confidently, so you can move forward without headaches.
Expert - Zach Meyer from Varnum
Zach is a seasoned business attorney with over 14 years of experience advising clients in many industries. He prioritizes problem-solving through meaningful counselling. He is eager to assist clients in navigating the risks of business and legal compliance.
Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett
See Zach on LinkedIn
Special SMART Session #2 | Business Planning for Busy People
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Transform your business idea into a structured strategy using the Business Model Canvas. Whether you are preparing a formal business plan for a financial lender or simply organizing your thoughts, this versatile tool provides the clarity needed to move forward. To build your own canvas during the session, you can download and print a blank copy of the Business Model Canvas here.
Expert - Mariah Goos | Michigan SBDC Business Consultant
Mariah Goos has provided counseling and training to small businesses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula for the past three years as a consultant with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Throughout her professional experience of over thirty years, Mariah has come to appreciate that small businesses are the backbone of the Upper Peninsula. Economic growth across the region cannot happen without building strong locally owned businesses.
SMART Session #10 | Performance Reviews
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - 9-10 am via Zoom
Performance reviews don’t have to be painful — for you or your team. In fact, they’re essential as soon as you have even one employee. Miche Rayment, longtime organizational development and design specialist, will guide you in creating a simple yet powerful ongoing dialogue that keeps you and your employees aligned, moving toward stronger performance, and contributing to the bigger vision of your company.
Expert - M. Miche Rayment
Miche has been in organizational design and development for over 30 years and published her book The Hire EffectTM | Hire for Culture and Skill in 2017. She is focused on always adding value, being genuine and guiding business owners to solutions that work for them.
Summer 2025 SMART Sessions
SMART Session #1 | Branding Inside and Out
June 11, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Topics will include a brief recap of session 1, how to get perspective on your brand, build your messaging around this brand, considerations for place/placement, and defining and monitoring your key performance indicators.
Expert - Matthew Monte, Monte Consulting
Matt has worked in sales and marketing since 1997, and supports his team of writers, designers, and developers in generating high level branding for businesses across the U.S. Educated in engineering, communications, and theater, he has substantial expertise in product development and industrial marketing. He often focuses on product naming, business storytelling, and photo/video.
SMART Session #2 - HR Paperwork Stinks | Stay out of hot water with these simple processes.
June 18, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Starting with a few policies will get you on track to being compliant with employment rules. Robin will walk you through a guide to HR paperwork you can build on over time. This session will give you plenty of time to ask your questions no matter where you are in the process and get 1on1 help later if you need it.
Expert - Robin Chapekis
Robin Chapekis, SHRM-SCP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, is the founder of SVELTE HR, specializing in HR efficiency and effectiveness. With a passion for transforming HR into a competitive advantage, she collaborates with organizations to enhance education, networking, and global HR standards. Based in Escanaba, MI, Robin is also working with ISO/TC 260 on the development of international standards for Human Resource Management.
SMART Session #3 | 5 Mistakes to Avoid Managing Your Cashflow
June 25, 2025 9-10 a.m.
The #1 reason small businesses fail is poor cashflow management. Diana Goode, a long time small business financials expert, will get you thinking differently about cashflow and give you practical advice you can put in place now - not just in next year's planning.
Expert - Diana Goode
Diana Goode is the Chief Finance Officer of TechTown Detroit and Finance Director at Wayne State University. She has been involved in the TechTown and Wayne State University ecosystem for years and was previously with TechTown as CFO/COO from 2015-2016. She then joined in various roles across Wayne State University over the last eight years including the CFO of Wayne Health and the Sr. Associate Vice President of Finance and Treasury for Wayne State University.
SMART Session #5 | Business Contracts 201: Dissecting Your Vendor’s Terms and Conditions for Negotiation
July 16, 2025 9-10 a.m.
This SMART Session is here to help you make sense of those legal documents—and learn how to protect your business in the process. We’ll cover what really needs to be in a vendor agreement, how to think about short-term vs. long-term deals, what warranties and guarantees actually mean for your business, and how to handle risk, and plan for problems before they happen.
No legal degree needed—just bring your curiosity and your questions. Perfect for any small business owner who signs contracts (or will be soon).
Expert - Zach Meyer, Varnum Law
Zach is a seasoned business attorney with over 14 years in experience advising clients in many industries. He prioritizes problem-solving through meaningful counselling. He is eager to assist clients in navigating the risks of business and legal compliance.
SMART Session #6 | SBA’s Access to Capital
July 23, 2025 9-10 a.m.
The SBA’s Access to Capital Information Session provides established and aspiring small business owners with insight into the criteria used by loan officers to evaluate a loan request along with an overview of SBA’s Financing Programs. This training demystifies the lending process by walking participants through the key criteria that financial institutions use to assess creditworthiness and risk. Participants will learn about the "Five Cs of Credit": Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions and how each factor plays a role in a lender’s decision making process. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped to assemble more compelling loan applications and improve their chances of approval.
Expert - Latifa Bradwell, SBA Lender Relations Specialist
Latifa has served on the SBA Michigan District Office’s Lender Relations team since 2015, supporting lenders and small businesses with SBA loan programs. She also manages the district’s microlender network. With over 25 years in economic development, her previous roles include Deputy Director at Tejara Global and Senior Consultant at the Michigan SBDC. Latifa holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University and a BS in Accounting from Wayne State, and has received multiple awards for leadership and service.
SMART Session #7 | Strategizing While Your Hair is On Fire
July 30, 2025, 9-10 a.m.
You don’t need a fancy business plan or a weekend retreat to have direction. This session is for business owners who are too busy doing the work to pause and map out strategy—but know they probably should. We’ll show you how to get clear on where your business is heading without needing a binder full of charts. It’s not about getting it “right,” it’s about getting it working for you.
Expert - Dave Haviland
Dave is a business coach and strategy advisor to about a dozen companies, and serves on the board of directors or advisors at several Stage 2 companies. His focus is on “ROI with heart,” emphasizing good business decisions while honoring each company’s culture and relationships. His clients either are family businesses or act like them, and his smallest client has 6 people and his largest has 200.
SMART Session #8 | Managing Your Hybrid Workforce
August 6, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Running a hybrid team adds extra hurdles—but they don’t have to slow you down. In this practical session, operations expert Tyler shares clear, approachable advice to help you tackle hybrid challenges and streamline your team’s workflow.
Expert - Tyler Sharette - Sharette Consulting
Tyler is an operations leader with over 13 years of experience driving growth across diverse industries, including marketing, nonprofit fundraising, and manufacturing. As an expert in EOS and the Six Key Components of Traction, he helps small to mid-sized businesses streamline operations, align around a shared vision, and develop proven processes and customized playbooks that bring clarity and structure to their organizations.
SMART Session #9 | Get Prepared to Sell to The Government
August 13, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Learn how the APEX Accelerator program can help your business navigate the government marketplace. From market research, registrations, and finding opportunities, find out about the tools that are available to you at no cost.
Expert - Chris Kangas - Northeran Michigan APEX Accelerator
Chris was born and raised in Marquette, Michigan and has spent most of his life in the Upper Peninsula. As a Procurement Counselor and U.P. Program Representative with the Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator, Chris specializes in helping businesses understand and navigate the complex world of government contracting. Drawing on years of experience in workforce development, government-funded programs, and contract management, he provides tailored guidance to help companies pursue and win federal, state, and local contracting opportunities. In addition, he is also the secretary for the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators.
SMART Session #10 | Advisory Boards can be Powerful
August 14, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Everyone has advice—but not everyone knows what it’s like to run a small business from the ground up. This session is for business owners who could use real support when making tough decisions. You’ll learn how to create an advisory board that’s informal, useful, and tailored to you. By the end, you’ll walk away with a few key names and a clear, simple approach to building your own trusted circle.
Expert - Miche Rayment, Headwaters North SBSH Liaison
Miche has been in organizational design and development for over 30 years and published her book The Hire EffectTM | Hire for Culture and Skill in 2017. She is focused on always adding value, being genuine and guiding business owners to solutions that work for them.
Winter 2025 SMART Sessions
SMART Session #1 | Setting up and Negotiating Business Contracts 101
January 21, 2025 9-10 a.m.
In this session, attendees will hear critical components to any solid business contract and learn the most important components to negotiating a good contract.
Expert - Zach Meyer from Varnum
Zach is a seasoned business attorney with over 14 years in experience advising clients in many industries. He prioritizes problem-solving through meaningful counselling. He is eager to assist clients in navigating the risks of business and legal compliance.
Zach Meyer
Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett
See Zach on LinkedIn
SMART Session #2 | Earned Sick Time Act: Deciding What To Do and When
January 29, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Attendees will walk through a decision tree type process to better understand how the law may affect their business and its employees. Key takeaways include knowing which employees may be eligible for the leave, how the leave accrues, how much may be used annually, how to rollover, what types of absences are covered, and when an employer can ask for a doctor’s note.
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Expert - Robin Chapekis
Robin Chapekis, SHRM-SCP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, is the founder of SVELTE HR, specializing in HR efficiency and effectiveness. With a passion for transforming HR into a competitive advantage, she collaborates with organizations to enhance education, networking, and global HR standards. Based in Escanaba, MI, Robin is also working with ISO/TC 260 on the development of international standards for Human Resource Management.
SMART Session #3 | Small Business Financial Planning
February 5, 2025 9-10 a.m.
This session will provide an overview of the key aspects of financial planning for small businesses, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term success. We will review budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial statements.
Expert - Diana Goode
Diana Goode is the Chief Finance Officer of TechTown Detroit and Finance Director at Wayne State University. She has been involved in the TechTown and Wayne State University ecosystem for years and was previously with TechTown as CFO/COO from 2015-2016. She then joined in various roles across Wayne State University over the last eight years including the CFO of Wayne Health and the Sr. Associate Vice President of Finance and Treasury for Wayne State University.
SMART Session #4 | Solve your Biggest HR Headache
February 11, 2025 Noon to 1 p.m.
“Solve Your HR Headaches” is a session that will help you deal with some of the biggest HR problems you face as a business owner, including compliance, recruitment, and retention. We’ll walk through some tips and tools to ensure you are setting your business, employees, and yourself up for success!
Expert - Erica Bachran
Erica Bachran is the Associate Director of Business Operations and Strategy at TechTown Ops+. She has a B.B.A in Finance and Human Resources Management from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Erica is passionate about helping the small business and entrepreneur community, with a focus on developing company culture, team member development, and organizational success.
SMART Session #5 | How To Set SMART Goals & Solve BIG Issues
February 19, 2025 Noon to 1 p.m.
Is your business running you? In this session, you'll learn how to effectively solve important issues during status meetings, minimize distractions and emergencies, and build a culture of teamwork and accountability. We'll explore how to set quarterly goals that stay on track and directly impact the growth and sustainability of your business, all through the lens of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and supporting philosophies.
Expert - Tyler Sharette
Tyler is an operations leader with over 13 years of experience driving growth across diverse industries, including marketing, nonprofit fundraising, and manufacturing. As an expert in EOS and the Six Key Components of Traction, he helps small to mid-sized businesses streamline operations, align around a shared vision, and develop proven processes and customized playbooks that bring clarity and structure to their organizations.
See Tyler on LinkedIn
SMART Session #6 | Getting Past QuickBooks Road Blocks
February 25, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Need a little help with some of the QB basics? Attend this session and we'll cover some basics that often trip-up QB users like: an effective chart of accounts, difference between customers and venders, storing vender data, adding credit card an bank accounts and uploading receipts to your account. Attendees will be able to as questions and if you are part of the Easter UP SBSH hub, arrange for one-on-one help with QB.
Expert - Diana Goode
Diana Goode is the Chief Finance Officer of TechTown Detroit and Finance Director at Wayne State University. She has been involved in the TechTown and Wayne State University ecosystem for years and was previously with TechTown as CFO/COO from 2015-2016. She then joined in various roles across Wayne State University over the last eight years including the CFO of Wayne Health and the Sr. Associate Vice President of Finance and Treasury for Wayne State University.
SMART Session #7 | Technology and Your Data are Your Secret Weapons
March 4, 2025 noon - 1 p.m.
Don't hire another person just yet. Seeing how you use technology and store your business data could get you a much better idea of what you would need a new person to do if you need a new person at all. Once you have this figured out, growth will be easier.
Expert - Tom Meloche
Tom co-founded Menlo Innovations LLC, a leading Agile software development firm featured in Joy Inc., and was instrumental in creating workplace transformation techniques studied by tens of thousands worldwide. As an Agile pioneer, Meloche taught Michigan's first public Agile class and helped design courses that trained over 20,000 people. Tom has a 25-year history of helping leaders, companies, and teams.
Special SMART Session | Balancing Cashflow and Tax Liability
March 6, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Tax time is here—are you prepared? Many small business owners underestimate their tax liabilities, leading to last-minute stress and unexpected hits to cash flow.
Join this Special SMART Session to get clear, practical guidance on managing taxes and balancing cash flow. Learn how to plan ahead so tax season doesn’t catch you off guard. This session is a must for business owners who want to stay in control and avoid surprises.
Expert - Kristy McPherson of Northshore Tax & Accounting
Kristy, a St. Ignace business owner, graduated with a Bachelor of Science from LSSU and a Masters in Finance from Baker College. She has been doing taxes and tax planning for over 25 years and opened Northshore Tax & Accounting in 2023 to specialize in assisting small businesses.
SMART Session #8 | Marketing: Exploiting your Truth
March 12, 2025 9-10 a.m.
Join a marketing discussion on how to uncover, exploit and communicate your business truth. This approach focuses on distilling the value your business creates and making it visible to the key players.
Expert - Matthew Monte, Monte Consulting
Matt has worked in sales and marketing since 1997, and supports his team of writers, designers, and developers in generating high level branding for businesses across the U.S. Educated in engineering, communications, and theater, he has substantial expertise in product development and industrial marketing. He often focuses on product naming, business storytelling, and photo/video.
SMART Session #9 | Lead your Jr. Leaders so you can Retire One Day
March 19, 2025 noon to 1 p.m.
Coaching your team every step of the way so that your retirement doesn’t get delayed. If you are thinking about retirement and you want your business to move into the future, protecting your legacy and your assets, learning how to coach the next leaders without adding more to your plate each day is important. Come and find out how you can take care of the future and the present at the same time.
Expert - Dave Haviland, Phimation
Dave is a business coach and strategy advisor to about a dozen companies, and serves on the board of directors or advisors at several Stage 2 companies. His focus is on “ROI with heart,” emphasizing good business decisions while honoring each company’s culture and relationships. His clients either are family businesses or act like them, and his smallest client has 6 people and his largest has 200.
SMART Session #10 | Don't Make These Hiring Mistakes Again!
March 25, 2025 9-10 a.m.
In this session, attendees will hear about the four biggest hiring mistakes made in small businesses and solutions that can be implemented to get great at hiring for their own culture and the skills they absolutely need.
Expert - M. Miche Rayment
Miche has been in organizational design and development for over 30 years and published her book The Hire EffectTM | Hire for Culture and Skill in 2017. She is focused on always adding value, being genuine and guiding business owners to solutions that work for them.