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Thrive in the Real World
We’re lucky to have the Small Business Support Hub grant program to support our local businesses. Our Hub includes two tribes (Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Tribe) and three counties (Chippewa, Luce and Mackinac).
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Why Go it Alone?
Business Owner Guides
We know how hard it is to run a business, so we’ve got a small business liaison to connect you with local experts and the support ready to boost your business.
Practical Programs
We’ve made our programs free, practical, and to help you move real tasks forward, so your business is sustainable. We don’t want to add more work for you or your team!
Peer Connections
We know you want your business and the community to be healthier; what better way to do it than together? We’ve created chances for us to come together and lift each other up toward shared success too!
Support for Every Season
Business in the EUP moves fast. We meet you exactly where you are - whether you are breaking ground or passing the torch.
Start
Starting up is exciting and sometimes terrifying! This is where a great guide and state resources might help you start to build the machine.
Includes:
Market Research
Mentorship
Business Model Canvas
Peer Connections
Costumer Discovery
Validate
Start engaging customers, test what works, and adjust your business model as you go.
Includes:
Digital Marketing
Team Building
Cash Flow Management
Customer Discovery
Product Development
Program Development
Hone
Keep honing the machine, learn the rhythms of your business, and make sure you’ve got the right people and a profit model built to last.
Includes:
Operational Efficiency
Profitability Analysis
Technology Integration
Product Evolution
Plan
Keep your business running strong while looking ahead. Plan for what the future years may bring and keep your momentum going.
Includes:
Succession Planning
Business Valuation
Operational Excellence
Strategic Visioning
Where We Win
We connect you with the programs, resources, and people that make running a business feel a little less overwhelming — and a lot more likely to succeed.
SMART Programming
The EUP Hub Programming
Every year, we bring small business owners together with experts who can help you get real things done — and build relationships you can count on along the way.
Bayside Coin Laundry
The Mission
Providing Vacationers, UP Travelers and Locals with laundry service whether you're passing through or staying a while.
The Win
Attended and updated many of the processes we need for our business to be more efficient and effective.
I’m sad when I miss a SMART program. I know how valuable they are to my business.
EUP Exchange
An annual gathering of small business owners
From the Mackinac Bridge to Canada and as far west as Manistique Lake, businesses need community and support.
Annual Gatherings
The Mission
The 2025 Exchange launched the 2nd round direct grants from SBSH.
The Win
Funded 89 companies with direct grants and many others with 1on1 help from business experts.
316 companies served and $415K+ deployed.
Connections
Building strength in business ownership and leadership through expertise
Business owners need expertise in many areas of business: marketing, strategy, HR, Operations, Customer Service and more. We service small business owners to make our economy strong.
Business Expert Connections
The Mission
Real experts. Real help. Whenever small business owners need it.
The Win
We have 100+ business experts ready to help.
Don’t go it alone. You don’t have to. Stronger together.
Beyond the Metrics
Hear how Headwaters North’s mission translates into success right from our Smart Zone and
Small Business Support Hub clients!
Upcoming SMART Sessions.
Our SMART sessions are one-hour virtual sessions.
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We are physically and strategically linked to Lake Superior State University. As a SmartZone client, you gain access to:
SBSH
Small Business Support Hub grant program
Organizations
People you should know from Chippewa County Economic Development Corp, Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp, Luce County Economic Development Corp, Sault Tribe Thrive, and Bay Mills Indian Community
SBSH Liaison
Headwaters North SBSH Liaison connects and guides small business owners.
Turn your hard work into real growth.
Looking for high-tech acceleration? Check out our SmartZone Hub instead.
