SMART Programming

These aren’t “sit-and-listen” training sessions. They’re get-it-done-together workshops for small business owners and teams in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Simple. Measurable. Actionable. Real. Tangible.

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Who it’s for:

Any EUP small business that wants to work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re brand new to “getting expert help” or you’ve just never had time to set up good systems, these programs are designed with you in mind.

What makes them different?

  • You don’t just learn about systems — you build them.
  • You’ll leave with real tools and documents ready to use in your business tomorrow.
  • Expert guides (local and approachable) walk you step-by-step through the stuff you usually put off.
  • We keep it fun, plainspoken, and useful — no jargon, no boring slides.

What you get:

  • Suggestions for sustainable systems.
  • Hands-on help from experts who speak human, not textbook.
  • Connections to other small business folks doing the same thing.

Workshops will be available at The Sault Ste Marie SmartZone - Headwaters North on Meridian. If you have questions about the programs, complete the contact form below, and someone will get with you pronto!

You can also sign up to receive the weekly news flash as new programs become available.

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Upcoming SMART Programming

SMART Sessions
1-hour virtual meetings
SMART Workshops
‍3.5-hour in-person sessions
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On-Demand SMART Sessions

August 26, 2026

SMART Session #12 | When "People Stuff" Becomes HR | Knowing When to Call in an Expert

Join Robin Chapekis of SvelteHR for a straight-talking hour about managing the people side of your business, spotting the warning signs before they become real problems, and knowing exactly when you need expert help. Even very small businesses need HR support sometimes, and this is your chance to meet someone you can actually trust before you ever need to call her.
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August 18, 2026

AI in 40 Minutes, A Small Business Starter Guide

This session cuts through the noise and gives you a plain-English tour of what AI tools are, what they're genuinely good at, and how businesses just like yours are already using them to save hours every week. No jargon. No hype.
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August 11, 2026

Managing Your Public Identity

This session explores how personal branding and public relations principles intersect to shape reputation, influence opportunity, and build trust.
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August 4, 2026

Business Planning for Busy People

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.
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July 28, 2026

Making a Vision Happen

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.
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July 21, 2026

Understanding Your Customer Contracts

This plain-language walkthrough covers the provisions that matter most, from payment terms and liability caps to indemnification, dispute resolution, and termination rights, so you know what you're signing and when to call a lawyer.
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July 7, 2026

Your Local SmartZone and Innovation

Join Nikki Storey, CEO of Headwaters North (Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone), for a casual 1-hour conversation about our SmartZone and how it intersects with what small businesses aim to accomplish.
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June 30, 2026

Prep for Selling to the Government (City, County, State and Federal)

Learn how the APEX Accelerator program can help your business navigate the government marketplace.
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June 23, 2026

Quickbooks Quick Clinic

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.
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Can’t find what you need?

Our team has access to the statewide MEDC library and SBDC market research tools. If you are looking for specific data or a specific template, just ask.

Request a Resource
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What does support look like?

If we aren't failing at some things, we aren't trying to succeed.
Ken from Northern Natives used an SBSH grant to upgrade to satellite internet and a commercial printer. It wasn't glamorous, but it was a game-changer. It allowed him to stop fighting with technology and start selling wholesale native seeds across the region. That’s what this toolkit is for.