In November 2023, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced $73 million in grant awards to establish Small Business Support Hubs across the state. A group of local economic development organizations collaborated to apply for funds and were awarded a total of $3,426,015 over three years to set up and operate the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (“the Hub”), covering Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft counties. This page provides updates on the status of the Hub to keep all interested stakeholders informed and ready to access its resource once it is operational. 

The Hub is made possible through collaboration with many partners including the LSCP, Accelerate U.P., Innovate Marquette SmartZone, Northern Michigan University, Small Business Development Center Upper Peninsula Region, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Sault Tribe Thrive.

Get Connected!
Contact the Hub

PURPOSE

The purpose of establishing hubs across the state is to streamline delivery of resources and support to small businesses in Michigan. Far too often, small business owners simply don’t have time to use the resources which already exist due to confusion about which organization to go to, a lack of time to even research options, a lack of match for grants, or programs that are too narrow to help with general needs for business growth. The Hub aims to address these by placing boots-on-the-ground in seven counties throughout the central upper peninsula and custom tailoring services to each county. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE HUB AND DIRECT GRANTS

Eligibility

Businesses that participate in the Hub’s programs, events, support and services within the 6 months prior to the Award are eligible to apply for Hub Direct Grants. 

To receive support and services from The Hub, a business must be in Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, or Schoolcraft County, be defined as a small business, and qualify as disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Independently owned and operated businesses that have less than 500 employees AND are not dominant in their field of operation are considered small businesses. All seven counties in The Hub’s coverage area are designated as Rural Michigan Counties that qualify as disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Therefore, all small businesses within them, including start-ups and those recently established, also qualify as disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Eligible Applicants

To be eligible to apply for a Direct Grant, a business must:

  • Meet SBSH Program eligibility guidelines; AND
  • Have participated in one of The Hub’s events or services within the six months before the award

**Nonprofit organizations and businesses in the cannabis or casino gaming industries are not eligible to receive support and services from The Hub.

What can Hub Direct Grant funds be used for?

Hub Direct Grand Funds may be used to:

    • purchase equipment, inventory, software, hardware up to $4,999 per unit; 
    • pay for highly specialized consulting services, or other services Hub cannot provide or directly contract for;  
    • pay certification or licensing fees (for certification or licensure received by 9/30/2026); 
    • Pay for any other HUB-approved cost (that is not an Ineligible Cost) related to supporting the business’ operations or growth needs 

Are there things Hub Direct Grant funds cannot be used for? 

Yes, Hub Direct Grant Funds are not permitted to be used to pay for: 

  • general overhead: rent, lease payments, utilities, personnel costs, professional memberships, certifications, and license renewals
  • general infrastructure projects 
  • building–based construction or renovation 
  • eligible costs to be reimbursed or that have been reimbursed by another MSF, MEDC, or federal program 
  • projects contrary to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 

All Direct Grant Award contracts must be signed by February 1, 2026, and all funds awarded must be spent by September 30, 2026. 
Businesses may only receive one Direct Grant Award from all Small Business Support Hub Program Grant funding sources. 

When and how can I apply for a Hub Direct Grant for my business? 

The first Direct Grant application window is currently open: it extends from September 13, 2024 to October 11, 2024. Eligible businesses, those that have participated in The Hub’s programs or services within the past 6 months, are being emailed notification and application information.

View the Hub’s Direct Grant Guidelines and Fact Sheet

HOW DO I CONNECT WITH THE HUB AND A SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE NAVIGATOR?

Click on the GET CONNECTED button to submit your business’ information and your contact information. Upon receipt of your submission, a Hub Small Business Resource Navigator will contact you to get you connected! 

NAVIGATOR OFFICE HOURS & LOCATIONS

Questions related to the Hub may be directed to the Hub’s Program Manager or any of the Hub’ Small Business Resource Navigators.

BARAGA COUNTY & TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

Navigator: Robin Chosa
rlchosa@mtu.edu
(906) 370-6480

 

BARAGA COUNTY & TRIBAL COMMUNITY
Office Hours (ET): Tuesday & Thursday 9 am-12 pm & 1-4 pm
Michigan Works
2 South Main St. #A
L’Anse, MI 49946

DELTA COUNTY TRIBAL COMMUNITY
Office Hours (ET): Wednesday 9 am-noon & 1-4 pm
Hannahville Vision Center
N16315 A-1 Rd.
Bark River, MI 49807

MARQUETTE COUNTY TRIBAL COMMUNITY
Office Hours (ET): Monday by appointment only
Sault Tribe Thrive Office
TBD
Harvey, MI

DICKINSON AND MENOMINEE COUNTIES

Navigator: Jose Laynez
jlaynez@mtu.edu
(906) 370-6563

 

DICKINSON COUNTY
Office Hours (CT): Tuesday 9am-noon & 1-4 pm, Wednesday 9am-noon & 1-4 pm
MI WORKS
127 S. Stephenson Ave Suite 211
Iron Mountain, 49801

MENOMINEE COUNTY
Office Hours (CT):  Monday 9am-noon & 1-4 pm, Thursday 9am-noon & 1-4 pm
MI WORKS
461 1st St.
Menominee, MI 49858

ALGER, DELTA, & SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTIES

Navigator: Ilana Minor
iminor@mtu.edu
(906) 370-1576

 

ALGER COUNTY
Hours (ET): Thursday 9 am-noon & 1-4 pm
MI WORKS
413 Maple Street, Suite 6. Room 101
Munising, MI 49862

DELTA COUNTY
Hours (ET): Monday 9 am-noon & 1-4 pm, Tuesday 9 am-noon & 1-4 pm
MI WORKS
2950 College Ave.
Escanaba, MI  49829

SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY
Hours (ET): Wednesdays 9 am-noon & 1-4 pm
MI WORKS
300 Walnut St #264
Manistique, MI 49854

MARQUETTE COUNTY

Navigator: Liam Goetz
liam@accelerateUP.com
(906) 250-0288

 

MARQUETTE COUNTY
Hours (ET): Monday-Thursday 9 am-noon & Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1-5 pm
Accelerate UP
102 West Washington Street, Room 224
Marquette, MI 49855

By appointment:
West End Economic Hub
910 US-41 W
Ishpeming, MI

HUB IMPACT

Hub Metrics

Information accurate as of 12/9/2024

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Download all FAQs listed below here.

Is my business eligible to use the Hub?

If you consider yourself a small business, then you are likely eligible to utilize the Hub. The MEDC uses a definition of any business with less than 500 employees which covers 99% of businesses in Michigan. The Hub will work with businesses in any industry and at any stage of its development. Program requirements also include that all businesses must have been impacted by COVID-19; the entire seven county region of the Hub falls within a geographic definition of impacted communities.

How much of the Hub funds are going to administrative support?

Administrative overhead is common in grants and a real cost to any organization implementing a grant-based program. However, due to federal restrictions, no funds from the grant can be used for administrative overhead. Instead, the LSCP will operate the Hub as an essential part of its 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan focus area for Retaining and Growing Businesses. Over the course of the three years, approximately 14% of the funds will flow directly to five strategic partners in return for expanding access to their programming to support the Hub’s efforts; those funds may end up in operational budgets depending on each organization’s financial processes and strategies.

When will the Hub be operational?

As of 8/12/2024, the Hub is fully operational. A Hub Program Manager and four Small Business Resource Navigators have been hired to cover all seven counties in the Hub. The Hub Advisory Council meeting occurred in July and will be meeting again in August to finalize the direct grant criteria and application. The Main Street Academy, developed by Northern Michigan University’s College of Business, will be collaborating with the Hub’s Navigators to match interns with Hub participants to receive assistance and support.

How long will the Hub operate?

Funds from the MEDC are committed for three years so the Hub will operate at least through the end of 2026. Part of our mission is to sustain as much of the Hub as possible following expiration of the funds.

How will the Hub operate with other local economic development and business development organizations?

The Hub is intended to complement, not replace, local economic development organizations. Oftentimes in rural areas, a local EDO is staffed by a single individual who is focused on strategic economic goals and simply doesn’t have enough capacity to support every single business. The Hub will help local EDOs expand their capacity to support local small businesses specifically. Local EDOs will have regular communication with their Hub Navigator and work hand-in-hand to plan local events and customize resources. Several EDO’s and affiliated agencies will supply Small Business Resource Navigators with office space to work out of when in their County.

What is the review process for my application?

Applicants will be notified whether their application has been selected to receive a reward within 45 days of the application window closing. The Hub reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject an application if it:

  • Does not meet the program requirements, including scope, eligibility, and allowable grant dollar use.
  • Is received after the deadline.
  • Is incomplete or missing any of the required forms, narrative, and budget.
  • Does not follow the outlined application requirements.

Where can I learn more about the overall Small Business Support Hub program?

You can learn more directly from the MEDC.

Do businesses need to have been operating before March 2020 in order to receive a direct grant from the Support Hub?

No.
For the purposes of this program, the MEDC is defining disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 a business that meets one or more of the following:

  • A business located in CDFI Investment Areas, Qualified Census Tracks, or rural areas of Michigan (map). All 7 Central UP Counties within in The HUB’s coverage area are designated Rural Michigan Counties. Thus, all small businesses within them that otherwise meet the Hubs program criteria, including new businesses, are eligible to participate in The HUB to qualify to apply for it’s Direct Grants.
  • A business that meets the definition of SEDI-owned
  • A business that can demonstrate a disproportionate negative economic impact as a result of COVID-19

How does the MEDC define a Non-Profit?

A non-profit is defined as an organization that has non-profit tax status such as (but not limited to) a government entity, a 501(C)3 or 501(C)6.

If a capital expense exceeds $4,999 can we pay the difference out of pocket or does the item itself have to cost less than that?

No. Individual capital expenses cannot exceed $4,999. Grantees may not cover the difference.

Are expenses incurred prior to the grant being awarded eligible for reimbursement?

No. Expenses incurred prior to the grant agreement execution are not eligible.

Are businesses who received COVID-19 relief funding through PPP or other federal programs eligible to receive a direct grant through the Small Business Support Hubs funding?

Yes. Eligible businesses who have received other COVID-19 related small business relief funding can still receive additional grant support through the Small Business Support Hubs program.

Where can I find the minority-owned definition?

Definitions for Disproportionately Impacted by COVID-19, Minority-owned business, Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individual (SEDI) can be found in the Small Business Support Hubs Program Guidelines, on the Small Business Support Hubs website.

How will direct grants be allocated to small businesses?

To be eligible to receive direct grants from the Small Business Support Hub, a small business will have to have completed an eligible program or service provided by the Hub within the previous six months in order to receive a grant. Grants must support small business operations or growth needs as identified by the Hub. Grants will be sub-granted by the Support Hub to the small business owner directly.
Finally – The Entrepreneurial Hub must adhere to the ARP imposed obligated and expenditure deadlines. Direct grant funds awarded to small businesses through the Hubs must be identified and under contract by 2/01/2026.

Can a client who hasn’t connected since a previous round still apply for the current round if they re-engage with their Navigator prior to the grant window opening?

Yes, if a HUB participant had an initial business development consultation with their Navigator before the application window opened but has not been actively engaged or attended an event in the past four months, they can re-engage with their Navigator’s services or attend a qualifying event to become eligible to apply for the current round.
However, if a business did not meet with their Navigator for an initial consultation before the current application window opens, they cannot apply for the current round. Any meetings or events from today onward will count toward eligibility for the next application window.

Can the small business be in the process of starting their small business to receive direct grant support?

Small businesses receiving direct grants from Hubs are considered eligible beneficiaries are not required to have an EIN/TIN or be registered in SAM.gov in order to receive the grant.
Note: Direct grants dollars are taxable income. Hubs are required to provide any necessary financial documentation to the business for the purposes of tax filings (example – issuing a 1099).

Can a Small Business Support Hub use funding to support a small business that is in the tech industry?

Yes. Small businesses, regardless of industry*, are eligible to receive support through the Hub as long as they meet the MEDC’s definition of having been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
*Nonprofit organizations and businesses in the cannabis or casino gaming industries are not eligible to receive support and services from The Hub.

Many of our businesses received previous Covid relief grants. Would those businesses be eligible for these direct business grants?

Yes. A business previously receiving support for other federal, state, or local COVID-19 programs has no impact on eligibility for this program. With that said, a Hub may identify their own eligibility requirements based on their local or regional priorities and program goals.

How will tribal entities confirm their eligibility?

All applicants will self-certify that they meet eligibility requirements.

Is there a match requirement for this program?

No.

Is it my responsibility to be connecting with the Hub even if my Hub Navigator is not reaching out to me?

Yes! It is your responsibility to maintain your business’s eligibility for the direct grants. We encourage you to make the most of our program beyond just the funding. The grant money is available for a limited time, so take full advantage of the Hub’s programs, services, and events. These resources can help you learn where to find and who to contact in your community for small business support and continuing access to all available resources. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable practices to improve various aspects of your business, benefiting you throughout your entrepreneurial journey!

Businesses can apply for Direct Grant funds for new furniture, tech, etc., but not for the construction cost to renovate a space?

That is correct.

In the example of creating a kitchen incubator, would general overhead such as rent/leasing of space and/or utilities be an eligible expense?

For eligible businesses, general overhead such as rent, lease payments, or utilities are not an eligible use of direct grants.

Does the capital expense limit of $4,999 apply to direct grants to small businesses, as well as The Hub? For example, can a small business who receives a $10,000 direct grant from an eligible support hub use it to purchase a $20,000 piece of equipment?

The capital expense limit of $4,999 applies to direct grants to small businesses as well as to operational and programming expenses of the Hubs.

Does the business have to be incorporated when Covid started?

No. To qualify for programs, services or direct grants, a business must qualify as disproportionately impacted by COVID19, this is defined in the program guidelines.

Are entrepreneurs located outside of The HUB’s 7-County coverage area, who wish to establish a business within The HUB’s coverage area, eligible to participate in The HUB and apply for The HUB’s Direct Grants?

No. Businesses and entrepreneurs located outside of The HUB’s coverage area are not eligible to participate in The HUB’s Programs, Services, or Direct Grants to establish a business within the HUB’s coverage area. They are encouraged to connect with the Economic Development Agencies and (EDC, DDA, Chamber) and municipalities (County and City managers…) in the Counties they are considering for their start-up to obtain infrastructure and strategic planning information for the locale as well as information on any local or state grant funding or tax breaks available to attract new businesses.

If a person operates multiple LLC’s, can each of their LLC’s apply for the grant?

Yes. Direct Grants may be applied for by each of the LLC’s owned by an individual. However, the SBSH Program’s purpose is to extend support, services, and resources to the most businesses and owners possible in underserved rural areas and the SBSH’s Direct Grant funds are limited. Therefore, applicants whose business(es) haven’t received an award may be prioritized over Awardees that apply for a Direct Grant for another of their businesses.

What if I can’t attend a Webinar or event?

If the event has a virtual component, the presentation recording and slide deck of the presentation will be posted to the Hub website under the Resources dropdown within a day or two of the event. This does not replace the grant requirement to attend one of the HUB’s events, programs or training sessions. Attending one of the events listed as “Other Qualifying Events” on the HUB’s website would work toward the grant requirement for attending a HUB event.

What is the difference between a match (which should be entered into the match being supplied box on the application) and just you investing in your business (which can be explained in the "additional information" box of the application)?

Matches are directly related to the grant project you are requesting. A match may be something that you or an investor are paying for that is directly related to the project you are requesting. It IS NOT required but is encouraged. If you are entering that you are supplying a match, you need to enter that amount in the “match being supplied” box and in the amount being matched box on the budget. Please ensure that the total you are requesting on your budget is the amount you are requesting from the grant, not the total with the match. If you are investing in your business outside of the specific project you are asking for help with, this is not considered a match but is helpful info for us to have. Please enter more details about this in the additional information box at the end of the application.

HUB Hosted Events

Summer 2025 Direct Grant Overview with Erica Huss

Wednesday, April 16th | 10 a.m. EST

This is a virtual event.

Details & Registration

Introduction to HUB Resources

Delta County – Tuesday, May 6

Schoolcraft County – Wednesday, May 7

Alger County – Thursday, May 8

More details to come.

OTHER QUALIFYING EVENTS

SMART Sessions

SMART Sessions is a weekly series of free, 1-hour Zoom Q&A and info sessions designed to provide business owners and their team members with practical advice they can use right away. Sessions are led by Michigan business experts and offer clear, actionable steps to help businesses become stronger and more stable.

SMART Sessions are hosted by Headwaters North as part of the Eastern U.P. Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) program. However, they also qualify as events for the Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub, provided that attendance is verified by the hosting organization.

For questions about SMART Sessions, please contact your county’s Navigator or email erica@centralupsmallbizhub.org.

View Upcoming Events

Direct questions related to the Hub to erica@centralupsmallbizhub.org. 


This project supported by federal award number [SLFRP0127] awarded to Lake Superior Community Partnership by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Partners

Content