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Supporting small business startup and growth in Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien Counties with no-cost mentoring and business training. | |
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, November 5, from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. Lake Michigan College, South Haven
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Join in this annual event to celebrate in our clients' growth and get energized by their visions. Hear each business leader take the stage to share in their plans for their company's growth.
Networking starts at 5:15; program begins at 6 p.m. Take this opportunity to meet the business owners and our supporting partners before and after the event. Appetizers and beverages provided by our clients! Come meet the graduates and help us celebrate their amazing accomplishments.
Sponsorships for this event are still available. Email Elizabeth Bernhard to learn more at elizabeth@southhavenregionalbusinesshub.org
| | | | Leadership Accelerator Deadline Extended to Oct. 4! | |
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Applications for the 2025 Leadership Accelerator, hosted by the South Haven Regional Business Hub, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and Lake Michigan College, are open through October 4. Develop the practical skills and strategic insights you need to lead with greater impact.
Apply or Learn More Here
| | | | What past Leadership Accelerator Participants Say About the Series |
- The Leadership Accelerator equipped me with transformative leadership skills and a deeper sense of purpose. The comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning make it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their leadership abilities. Mary Nykamp, Wightman, 2023 Graduate
- Thanks to Leadership Accelerator, I’ve become a more confident, adaptable, and influential leader. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking leadership development in our community. Guy Miller, Berrien County Health Department, 2022 Graduate
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- I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for the incredible Leadership Accelerator classes you taught. Your guidance, understanding of strengths, and insightful examples made the learning experience fun and impactful. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to my (and the class’s) growth and for sharing your passion for all things’ Clifton, leadership, and pickleball. You have inspired me and equipped me with the tools to become a better leader. Thank you, Kristin Noack, Wightman 2024 Graduate
- I wholeheartedly don’t think I would have ever had the courage to make the next steps of “Dare to Lead,” if it weren’t for your belief in me. It means more to me than you know – truly. Anonymous, 2023 Graduate
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Growth Series Nears Completion
- The PITCH is Nov. 4
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In September, Growth Series participants learned about process and succession planning from two of our Subject Matter Experts.
First, Developing Your Internal Processes for Consistency and Success was led by Steven Cummings, Managing Partner at SPC Consulting, focused on how to create and implement standardized processes for improved efficiency and operational excellence. Attendees learned to streamline operations, reduce errors, and lay the foundation for scalable growth.
Then in week nine, Brad Scoffin, CEO of Advanced Business Brokers (pictured) shared insights on how to build a business with a clear exit strategy with "Starting with the End in Mind." The session highlighted key value drivers that can improve cash flow and give owners more time back, ultimately creating better options for a successful business exit.
| A special thank you to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for their financial support, which makes this program possible. The Growth Series is a true testament to the power of partnership, bringing together various organizations to support our small business community. | | 2025 Growth Series Participants |
- Paula Jean Camp, Carriage House Ciders, Benton Harbor
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Jason Diebler-Love, The Lucky Wolf, Paw Paw
- Sam Dustin, Siren's Rose Tattoo Studio, South Haven
- Lisa Miller, Forever Clean Soap Works, Inc., St. Joseph
- Mary Ann Scott, Land of Light Community, Paw Paw
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Brian Tufnell, Brian the Munchie Man Food Truck, St. Joseph
- Amy Underwood, Health Elevated, St. Joseph
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Hostel SoHa has opened its doors. Following an extensive renovation period, Hostel SoHa is delighted to announce its official reopening to travelers. The hostel invites guests to discover its updated indoor amenities and engaging social environment. So far, the hostel has had 442 visitors from 16 countries.
- The Behind The Business podcast with Samantha Haas featured Sarah Vochaska, co-owner of Paint Haven on a recent episode. It will air on Apple Podcasts at the end of September.
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ReCharge South Haven is the newest vendor at downtown South Haven's Haven Market, currently serving specialty coffee, smoothies, and gelato. Ultimately, ReCharge South Haven aims to provide essential EV infrastructure alongside quality refreshments for both travelers and locals.
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Support Our Work
Support the South Haven Regional Business Hub's Work with Small Businesses. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowering small businesses in Southwest Michigan to launch, expand, and thrive. More than 40 local experts volunteer, providing entrepreneurs with free education, mentoring, and resources.
The Hub combines community knowledge, connections, and resources to create initiatives and partnerships, supporting local entrepreneurs.
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SAVE THE DATE
Business Startup Series - 6 Workshops
January 15 - March 26, 2026
Attend one or all 6! Registrations open soon. For anyone wanting to start a new business or grow a startup!
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A Community-Driven Partnership
Leading with Vision: The South Haven Leadership Accelerator Partnerships
The South Haven Leadership Accelerator launching in October is a seven-month program designed to equip emerging and established leaders with the skills and insights needed to transform their organizations and communities.
According to Jeremy Burleson, Associate Dean of the South Haven Campus and Select Academic Programs at Lake Michigan College, the program’s success is a direct result of its strategic partnerships.
“The Leadership Accelerator is a transformative initiative that leverages the unique resources of Lake Michigan College and key community partners,” Burleson states. “The partnership with the South Haven Regional Business Hub, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Purpose Partners, and the South Haven Area Community Foundation ensures our curriculum is rooted in the real-world needs of the region.”
The long-term vision for the Leadership Accelerator, as shared by Burleson, is to establish a continuous pipeline of skilled leaders dedicated to the economic and civic growth of Southwest Michigan. The program is designed to be adaptable, with each cohort and partnership strengthening its curriculum and expanding its influence.
Read more about the Partnerships below.
| | Get Free Templates and Guides on Our Website | | |
We get asked quite often if we have a template for business plans, marketing plans, P&L, and profit projections and the answer is YES. We even have a small business startup checklist to guide you. See all our free resources on our website or click below.
Browse our Free Resources Library:
| | South Haven Regional Business Hub News | | |
Our Executive Director, Elizabeth Bernhard (2nd from left), recently had a chance to meet with area community leaders at ThinkBar in South Haven. She spoke about the upcoming Strategic Planning process and gave appreciation to Debi Howe (far left), the Hub's Board and Mentors, and the Startup Supporters like Cheri Bales (far right) and Jen Cohen (not pictured). Thanks to Sheri Welsh (2nd from right) for joining us and taking the photo. Watch for more news on the Strategic Planning process and our newest initiative, Succession Planning, and the return of The PITCH and our popular Startup and Development Series.
Clients and Startups By the Numbers
- Became a client in 2025: 87
- Became a client in 2025 + is a startup: 26
| | | Learn to do Business With the Government | | |
Apex Accelerator Upcoming Classes
Registration is required for all sessions (click the blue link for details) and attend in person at Cornerstone Alliance, 80 W Main St., Benton Harbor, or virtually.
For questions, you may contact Kim Bourner (above) at 269-491-6585 or Theresa Chaney-Huggett at 269-243-2787.
| | The South Haven Regional Business Hub works with small businesses throughout the region with support from the City of South Haven, Lake Michigan College, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the South Haven Area Community Foundation, and individual investors like you. | | | Share this news by clicking one of the social links below and using the hashtag #smallbizsupport | | Like and Follow Us on Our Social Channels and Group | | | | |
