The SBSH Scoop | Drop-In Business Connect
Running a business can feel like juggling flaming torches; all this while balancing on one foot!
You don’t have to do it alone. The SBSH grant programs are here to connect you with the expert help you need to keep things running (and maybe even growing) smoothly.
Start with a free, confidential 30‑minute conversation with Miche; she’s your SBSH Liaison and match‑maker extraordinaire for business brains. Together, you’ll figure out which experts could make the biggest difference for you, whether that’s in finance, marketing, strategy, HR, leadership, law, or something very specific to your type of business.
This program exists to:
- Introduce you to trusted business experts who can help you move forward.
- Give you time to build trust and get real advice from experts that fits your world.
- Talk through ideas and possibilities without judgment or jargon.
- Turn challenges into opportunities into action that helps.
Curious? Book some time with Miche and start connecting the right minds to your next big move.
Business Spotlights | Mojo's Deli
What this SBSH grant funding truly represents is an opportunity for a more sustainable business. Let us tell you about this one!
If you’ve ever seen the cheerful MoJo’s Deli & Food Truck parked around the Eastern U.P., you already know—where there’s MoJo’s, there’s good food and good vibes. Owner Jo Tranchita keeps things rolling (literally) with her Italian‑style street eats, creative catering, and signature cannolis that could melt even the most stoic Yooper heart.
This year, Jo’s adding extra sizzle to her setup with a new fire suppression system that gets her out of winter hibernation early and expands her menu to include hot dishes. That means wedding spreads, festival favorites, and even office luncheons are about to get a major upgrade.
But what really sets MoJo’s apart is Jo’s spirit of collaboration. As a proud member of the new Food Truck Association, she’s all about Conspiring for Success—teaming up with other trucks so every event is full of options and flavor, not competition. From local festivals and hospital lunch hours to private events and downstate adventures, Jo’s ready to roll wherever there’s a hungry crowd.
MoJo’s Deli is as genuine, flexible, and community‑minded as they come—a true asset to the EUP.
Stay tuned for upcoming stops and delicious opportunities,because when MoJo’s Deli rolls in, everyone eats a little happier.
Dream Up Possibilities for your Special Events
SMART Workshop #7 | Marketing Bootcamp
Don’t miss this chance to give your marketing some serious mojo (hold over from the Spotlight :)). In this fast‑paced, 3.5‑hour SMART Workshop, marketing strategist Matt Monte will help you sharpen your message, reach your best customers, and walk out with practical tools you can use right away.
It’s free, it’s focused, and it’s all thanks to the Small Business Support Hub grant program. Space is limited and trust us, these seats are hot. We’ll even serve a brain starting, tummy rubbing breakfast with coffee and tea so you can get your best work done.
Grab your spot now, get your marketing in shape, and hit the busy season with confidence.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 8:30am-Noon
Location: Center for Freshwater Research and Education
100 Salmon Run Way
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Your Turn | How Are We Doing?
You’re out there running businesses, juggling everything from inventory to snowbanks — so you know better than anyone what works, what doesn’t, and what you wish we’d do next.
Help us make our programming and communications even better.
Totally anonymous. Zero pressure.
Got a minute? Share what you are thinking.
And yes, we appreciate compliments but would hear criticism with a humble and grateful heart too!
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.
- Bob Sawruk - Sault Tribe - RSawruk@saulttribe.net
- Chris Olson - Chippewa County - admin@chippewacountyedc.com
- Nikki Radke - City of Sault Ste Marie - nradke@saultcity.com
- Miche Rayment - EUP region at large (and Mackinac County) - Miche@HeadwatersNorth.org
- Tammy Henry - Luce County - director@lucecoedc.com
- Tara Parrish - Bay Mills Indian Community - tparrish@baymills.org