Forty-six small businesses across the Eastern Upper Peninsula have received more than $215,000 in direct grants through the final round of the Small Business Support Hub program.
Applications were accepted from June 16 to August 15, 2025. Notifications of awards were issued October 3. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Locally, the program was managed by the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with Headwaters North and regional EDCs.
“This program shows what’s possible when local expertise and state resources align,” said Nikki Storey, CEO of Headwaters North. “We’re helping small businesses grow, hire, and innovate right here in the EUP.”
Chris Olson, Executive Director of the Chippewa County EDC, said the recognition program spotlights the power of collaboration across the region.
In addition to funding, the SBSH program provides training to business owners through SMART Sessions, UP Exchange, and new SMART Workshops. “This program isn’t just about grant dollars—it’s about real results for real businesses,” said Miche Rayment, SBSH liaison with Headwaters North.
Regional partners include representatives from the Bay Mills Indian Community, Sault Tribe, Chippewa County EDC, Luce County EDC, Sault Ste. Marie EDC and the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission.
Grant recipients include the following businesses: Andy’s Feed Station; Barbeaux Fisheries; Bayside Coin Laundry; Bear Creek Tree Service LLC; Bee Wise Farms LLC; Belonga Plumbing and Heating; Byce’s Michihistrigan Campground Bar and Cabins; Canusa LLC (Bins Ahoy Overstock); Parish Creations; Cup of the Day; Kisro’s Lakeside Market; North Winds Farm; Famous Soo Locks Cruises Inc.; Five Water Realty; Floor Masters; HomeBaked by Kate LLC; Lake Effect Inn; Laura Lee Outfitters LLC; Lil Lavender Acres LLC; Mackinac Fudge Shop S.I.; Mackinac Straits Fish Company; Mangiamojo’s Kitchen & Catering LLC; Moses Concrete Company LLC; Mosquito and Pest Authority UP North LLC; Murphy’s Dumpsters; Northern Shirt Co; Penny Wise Technologies; Pesola Logging; Pine Stump Junction CE LLC; Pizza Tree Foods LLC; Postma Brothers Maple Syrup; Precision Edge Outdoor Services LLC; Prim Aesthetics; Proper Apparel Boutique; R&K Lawn and Snow; RW Laitinen Professional Land Surveys; Straits Heating & Cooling Inc.; Superior Coffee Roasting Co. Inc.; T&K King Fisheries Inc.; The Apex Center Massage & Bodyworks; The Ash LLC; The Beauty Shop; The Del-Mar Restaurant; UP Creations; Vital Signs Michigan Inc.; and Yooper Running Company LLC.
“These are the businesses keeping the EUP’s economy strong and vibrant,” Rayment said.
