MTEC Smartzone, Lake Superior Community Partnership, and Headwaters North Awarded $850,000 to Strengthen Small Businesses Across the Upper Peninsula

Houghton, MI – [August 4, 2026] – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has awarded MTEC SmartZone $850,000 through its Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) 2.0 Program to serve as the Region 1 Hub in partnership with The Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) and Headwaters North. Together, these organizations will provide business support across all fifteen of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) counties to create a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem and advance economic development in the region.

The SBSH 2.0 Program builds on the success of the original Small Business Support Hub initiative. While the SBSH 1.0 Program focused on assisting businesses who were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2.0 initiative is designed to promote the expansion, operation, and scaling of small businesses.

The Program received over 100 applications, making the selection process highly competitive. Out of those 100 applicants, only 33 advanced to review by a 24-member Joint Evaluation Committee. Ultimately, only 11 organizations were selected to serve as Small Business Support Hubs 2.0. MTEC SmartZone will serve as the Region 1 Hub Lead, coordinating regional efforts with the LSCP and Headwaters North to offer cohesive coverage and leverage resources across the UP.

What Does This Mean for Upper Peninsula Business Owners?

By connecting each organization's strengths, entrepreneurs will gain access to an expanded volume of resources, programming, and professional opportunities throughout the UP. No matter what type of business support you're looking for, and no matter where you are in the Upper Peninsula, business owners will now have access to a stronger, more connected support system than ever before.

The Collaborative Effort

Leveraging the success of SBSH 1.0, this new regional partnership reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the entire Upper Peninsula.

"MTEC is pleased to collaborate closely with our partners at the LSCP and Headwaters North to offer essential services to small businesses throughout the Upper Peninsula. Our teams worked closely together during the application and planning process. We will build upon that effort to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services and programming to our region."– David Rowe, CEO of MTEC SmartZone

As the Region 1 Hub Lead, MTEC SmartZone will coordinate efforts while working closely with Headwaters North, serving the Eastern UP, and LSCP, serving the Central UP. Together, the organizations bring decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses.

"This is truly a collaboration of equals. Acting as 'sub-hubs' all three of these organizations will be able to focus on geographic regions we are most familiar with. Likewise, we will combine efforts to offer UP-wide programming when and where it is most appropriate."– David Rowe, CEO of MTEC SmartZone

While all three entities share the same goal, each organization will leverage its local expertise and relationships to provide tailored support to its communities.

"We are thrilled for the continued investment by MEDC to support the small businesses and entrepreneurs who anchor our communities. The Lake Superior Community Partnership is proud to serve as the Central Upper Peninsula sub-hub, along with our regional partners, to provide critical resources for businesses across the Upper Peninsula. At LSCP, we've built our work around the connections that matter, and this program gives us the resources to deepen them."– Natalie Chmiko, CEO of Lake Superior Community Partnership

Headwaters North will serve as the Eastern Upper Peninsula sub-hub, supporting entrepreneurs across Chippewa, Mackinac, and Luce counties while continuing to build upon the regional partnerships established through SBSH 1.0.

"The Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 program represents a strategic shift from pandemic recovery to sustained investment in the small businesses that will drive Michigan's growth. Headwaters North is honored to serve as the Eastern Upper Peninsula sub-hub, working alongside MTEC SmartZone and the Lake Superior Community Partnership to bring coordinated, growth-focused business support to all fifteen counties of the Upper Peninsula. We are here to back the bold."– Nikki Storey, CEO of Headwaters North

With the program beginning October 1, 2026, the partnership is looking forward to expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs across Michigan's Upper Peninsula. By combining regional expertise, partnerships, and a shared commitment to small business success, MTEC SmartZone, Headwaters North, and The Lake Superior Community Partnership are working together to provide growth opportunities for small business owners across the UP. Not only to start a business, but to build one that lasts.

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