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.

‍

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 Event

EUP Exchange

Sep 14, 2026 1:00 PM
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Sep 14, 2026 4:00 PM
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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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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.
Operations
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September 9, 2026

SMART Workshop#12 | Marketing Bootcamp

Close the gaps in your marketing and strengthen your brand and messaging. We work with you to bootstrap your way to improved communication through a series of activities, including core concepts like segmentation, targeting, and placement.
Marketing & PR
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September 15, 2026

SMART Workshop#11 | Quickbooks Financials & Cashflow Mastered

Let's be honest: Financial management can feel like a foreign language. Many of us started our businesses because we're good at what we do, not because we're expert accountants!
Finance & Funding
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On-Demand SMART Sessions

February 25, 2025

SMART Session #6 | Getting Past QuickBooks Road Blocks

Need a little help with some of the QB basics?
Learn More
February 19, 2025

SMART Session #5 | How To Set SMART Goals & Solve BIG Issues

Is your business running you? In this session, you'll learn how to effectively solve important issues during status meetings, minimize distractions and emergencies, and build a culture of teamwork and accountability.
Learn More
February 11, 2025

SMART Session #4 | Solve your Biggest HR Headache

“Solve Your HR Headaches” is a session that will help you deal with some of the biggest HR problems you face as a business owner, including compliance, recruitment, and retention.
Learn More
February 5, 2025

SMART Session #3 | Small Business Financial Planning

This session will provide an overview of the key aspects of financial planning for small businesses, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and achieve long-term success.
Learn More
January 29, 2025

SMART Session #2 | Earned Sick Time Act: Deciding What To Do and When

Attendees will walk through a decision tree type process to better understand how the law may affect their business and its employees.
Learn More
January 21, 2025

SMART Session #1 | Setting up and Negotiating Business Contracts 101

In this session, attendees will hear critical components to any solid business contract and learn the most important components to negotiating a good contract.
Learn More

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.