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Headwaters North Selected for Small Business Support Hubs 2.0
It’s official. Headwaters North will serve the Eastern UP using this follow-on funding to keep backing local businesses through expert guidance, hands-on programming, and direct grants aimed at real, measurable growth. Same territory, same commitment.
$255K
15 Months
Oct 2026
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A New Chapter for Small Business Support in the Eastern UP
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has selected MTEC SmartZone as the Region 1 Hub for the Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 program. Headwaters North serves as the Eastern Upper Peninsula sub-hub, covering Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties along with Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Tribe.
SBSH 2.0 represents a new approach to small business support in Michigan: focused programming designed to help businesses positioned for real, measurable growth. We're here to connect you with expert guidance, practical resources, and a community of peers who understand what it takes to build something that lasts.
What We Offer
- One-on-one business owner guidance from a local liaison
- SMART Sessions: free virtual workshops on topics that matter
- Another round of direct grants for qualifying businesses
- Expert connections in critical areas of businesses such as marketing, HR, operations and strategy
- Peer networking through the annual EUP Exchange
Program at a Glance
Program Period
Service Area
Direct Grants
Regional Partnership
Growth Focus
State Investment
What's Different About SBSH 2.0
Frequently Asked Questions
SBSH 2.0 launches on October 1, 2026 and runs through December 31, 2027.
Yes. Business advising, expert sessions, and other services continue through the current SBSH 1.0 program period, which concludes September 30, 2026. Reach out through our website or general contact information for assistance during this period. There is no gap in support.
SBSH 2.0 is a different program than SBSH 1.0. The original SBSH 1.0 was federal pandemic recovery funding at approximately $73 million statewide over roughly three years, designed to reach businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. SBSH 2.0 is a state economic development investment at $11.3 million statewide over 15 months, roughly two-thirds less funding than the pandemic-era program. The shift reflects Michigan's move from one-time federal recovery funding to sustained state investment in growth-oriented small business support. For Eastern UP small businesses, that means tighter programming and a focus on businesses positioned for measurable growth.
SBSH 1.0 was funded by a one-time federal appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act dollars, structured for COVID-19 recovery. SBSH 2.0 is funded by a state appropriation through the Michigan Strategic Fund. The $11.3 million statewide pool reflects a shift from time-limited pandemic recovery money to sustained state economic development investment: smaller in total scale, but with a longer-term outlook.
SBSH 2.0 is designed to serve small businesses positioned for measurable growth, including businesses pursuing revenue growth, job creation, capital access, market expansion, operational improvements, and technology adoption. Businesses at all stages remain eligible for navigation and referral, but sustained programming resources concentrate on those most likely to achieve documented growth outcomes.
Direct grants are available for qualifying businesses in our service area (Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties, Bay Mills Indian Community, and Sault Tribe). Eligibility is oriented toward businesses positioned for measurable growth. Application timing, criteria, and process details will be announced through this website and the HUBbub email list once finalized following contract execution.
Previous participation in SBSH 1.0 does not automatically disqualify you from 2.0. However, eligibility rules are set by MEDC's program guidelines and the sub-hub's growth-oriented focus. Not every business supported under 1.0 will fit the 2.0 framework. Connect with us and we'll help you understand whether 2.0 is the right fit for your current stage.
Expert programming will continue to be part of what Headwaters North offers under SBSH 2.0. The specific format, cadence, and content are being redesigned to align with the 2.0 growth focus and actual funding level. Updates will be shared through this website and the HUBbub email list.
Region 1 is served by three sub-hubs under MTEC SmartZone as the Regional Hub Lead: MTEC (Western UP), Lake Superior Community Partnership (Central UP), and Headwaters North (Eastern UP). This coordinated structure means businesses across the entire Upper Peninsula have access to local support.
Contact us through our website or subscribe to The HUBbub, our email newsletter. We'll send updates as the program takes shape and reach out directly when applications or programming become available. This page will be kept current as details are finalized.