Contact the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub
With over 20 years of experience in public administration and a passion for serving her community, Erica brings invaluable expertise in project management, fiscal responsibility and accountability, and fostering collaborative relationships amongst diverse stakeholders to our LSCP team. Originally from Ironwood and graduate of Northern Michigan University, Erica returned to the U.P. in 2015 after working elsewhere many years, eager get back to her roots and contribute to the well-being of those in her community. Now, as our Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub Program Manager, Erica is dedicated to assisting small businesses and entrepreneurs along in their journey to start, grow, and thrive, thereby assuring more robust, prosperous, and vibrant futures for our Central Upper Peninsula’s local communities
Liam is currently working as a Small Business Navigator in Marquette County while actively pursuing his Master of Business Administration from Northern Michigan University. Liam received his Bachelor of Science from Western Oregon University in accounting. Post graduation he got his first taste of economic development serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA right here in Marquette. He is an active member in the community serving as the treasurer of the Fred Waara Chapter of Trout Unlimited. In his free time he is an active Fly-fisherman and also enjoys biking and hiking all over the Upper Peninsula with his dog Fritz!
Cell Phone: (906) 370-1576
As The Hub’s Small Business Resource Navigator serving Alger, Delta, and Schoolcraft Counties, Ilana enjoys helping small business owners reach their true potential. She has a strong belief that anyone who wants to start their own business can be successful if they have the proper tools and support to strategically plan, analyze, and promote their business. Ilana graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) in 2020 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development & Family Studies, a degree that focuses partially on grant writing and non-profit work. During her time at MSU, she also completed a yoga teacher-training program and worked as a yoga instructor for MSU. From there, she began working for Michigan Works in Manistique, Michigan and started her own small business working as an online yoga instructor. She now offers both in-person and online yoga classes. Ilana also creates and wholesales natural candles and owns a rental property. Ilana looks forward to helping entrepreneurs in Schoolcraft, Delta, and Alger counties achieve their small business goals.
Cell Phone: (906) 370-6480
Robin serves as The Hub’s Small Business Resource Navigator for Baraga County and the Tribal Communities within The Hub’s seven-county coverage area. He is a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community located in Baraga, Michigan, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). His dedication to the college and his community is evidenced by a 15-year tenure on the KBOCC Board of Regents, including 9 years as Chairman. Robin furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Michigan Technological University (MTU) and currently contributes his counseling expertise to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Counseling. He is passionate about fostering growth and prosperity within the local communities he serves. As the proud proprietor of a successful tribal member-owned food service business for the past 8 years, Robin is eager to share knowledge, expertise, and The Hub’s support and resources with fellow small business owners.
Cell Phone: (906) 370-6563
Jose brings 4 years of marketing expertise to The Hub as the Small Business Resource Navigator for Menominee and Dickinson counties. He is pursuing a Project Management degree at Northwestern Wisconsin Technical College to further his business development knowledge and advance his career. Jose is committed to leveraging the best of his knowledge to assist local small businesses to start, grow, and expand. In his free time, Jose likes to explore the Upper Peninsula and golf with his friends.
