In November 2023, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced $73 million in federal grant awards to establish Small Business Support Hubs across the state. Seven Central UP strategic partners, with Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) serving as the coordinating partner, 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. 

In October 2026, LSCP launched the second iteration of the Hub (SBSH 2.0) through a regional collaboration with the MTEC SmartZone and Headwaters North SmartZone. Together, the partners applied to the MEDC and were awarded $850,000 in state SBSH 2.0 funding for the Upper Peninsula region, with the Central UP receiving $318,750. MTEC serves as the region’s Coordinating Hub, with the Central UP and Headwaters North Hubs as its spokes to deliver small business resources and support throughout the region. The funding supports the development and delivery of programs and technical assistance designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and succeed while strengthening the local economy. 

This page provides updates on the Hub’s progress and highlights available resources, upcoming opportunities, and program impacts as they become available. We are committed to supporting the success of local entrepreneurs and small businesses by expanding access to tools, guidance, and opportunities that foster long-term growth and economic vitality. 

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. 

UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS TRAININGS, WORKSHOPS, AND WEBINARS

Through The HUB 2.0’s hub-and-spoke collaboration with the MTEC SmartZone and Headwaters North SmartZone, and in partnership with small business resource providers across the U.P., we’ll post upcoming free and low-cost trainings, workshops, and webinars designed specifically for small business owners here. Each offers practical tools, tips, and best practices covering the many facets of running a small business, all ready to put to work in yours.

Check back often for newly scheduled events!

 

Let’s Talk Pitch Decks
Tuesday, November 17
11AM-12PM
Register via Zoom

Join angel investor and consultant Vince for a free Innovate Marquette webinar on how to build or refine a pitch deck that clearly explains your business, shows its potential, and makes your funding ask clear. We’ll cover which slides to include, what different funders look for, how to prepare a data room, and common mistakes to avoid.

Events Calendar – Michigan SBDC

The Michigan SBDC Events Calendar offers valuable webinars and workshops designed to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed. Topics range from marketing and financial management to business planning and cybersecurity.

HUB RESOURCES

Introducing the HUB Presentation

Webinar Recording Links

 

Business Planning

Financial

Grants

Legal/Cybersecurity

Marketing

Business Resource Guides
Alger County Business Resource Guide
Delta County Business Resource Guide
Schoolcraft County Business Resource Guide

External Newsletters and Websites

*These resources do not replace the grant requirement to attend a HUB sponsored event, program, or training

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE HUB AND DIRECT GRANTS

Eligibility

To receive support and services from The HUB; a business must be in Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, or Schoolcraft County, and be defined as a small business. Independently owned and operated for-profit businesses that have less than 500 employees are considered small businesses. Nonprofit organizations, franchises, and businesses in the cannabis or casino gaming industries are not eligible to receive support and services from The HUB.

Funding will be available for direct grants in 2027. 

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 the Hub’ Small Business Resource Navigators.

  • Liam Goetz, MBA 

Central UP Small Business Resource Navigator 

906-226-6591 EXT. 108 

liam@centralupsmallbizhub.org 

Book with Liam 

Office hours: 9-5 M-F (earlier by appointment only)

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Questions? Contact Erica Huss at erica@centralupsmallbizhub.org. 

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