July News and Events!

Small Business News from the South Haven Regional Business Hub:

Growth Series Launches
Hub News
Client News
Meet Our Mentors

Free services for business owners in Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien County.

Growth Series

Growth Series Kicks off with 7 Growth-Oriented Entrepreneurs

The South Haven Regional Business Hub's Growth Series welcomed 7 new participants on June 4 for the start of the 2025 Growth Series. Thank you to all our expert mentors, presenters, subject matter experts and to all the small businesses who joined and will join us over the series! Watch this space for more updates!

Photo: Sandra Cochran, Director, Innovation Center, WMed, kicked off the first Growth Series session with an overview of the Growth Wheel framework - a checklist which helps small business clients visualize business growth.

Photos by Gulotta Imagery

Lisa Miller (Forever Clean Soapworks) creates handmade soaps and bath products with natural ingredients for personal care. Mentor Mike Medema (R).

Mary Ann Scott (Land of Light Community) facilitates spiritual growth and community building fostering a supportive environment for personal development. Mentor Michele Coy (R).

Amy Underwood (Health Elevated) is Southwest Michigan’s premier Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist. Amy's mentor is Debra Zabloudil (L).

Paula Jean Camp (Carriage House Ciders) produces European-style cider using traditional methods and locally sourced apples, offering a unique craft beverage experience. Mentor Mike Cash (R).

Jason Deibler-Love (The Lucky Wolf) is a Paw Paw theater and cafe offering entertainment, wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates. Mentors Thomasina and Arthur Harrison (R).

Sam Dustin (Siren’s Rose) offers unique and custom designed tattoo art and is known for her sleeve work. Mentor Kathy Merchant (R).

Brian Tufnell (Munchie Man) operates a food truck and catering business and travels to area locations daily. They recently added a fryer to their services. Mentored by Paul Hanson.

"Virtues of Entrepreneurship: Unlocking Momentum and Success" was the topic of Session 2 led by KC Johnson, Kingdom Business Consulting E.T.C.

Session 3 focused on "Your Financials; an In-Depth Review" and was led by Angela Schultz, CPA, Value Added Accounting focusing on P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow, and Projections.

News

Thanks For The Support!

The South Haven Regional Business Hub received a $10,000 grant from the South Haven Community Foundation and as of June has served more than 145 individuals in the South Haven, Berrien and Cass County areas.

Live Mentoring Tuesday and Thursday at Think Bar

The South Haven Regional Business Hub is excited to announce a new on-site partnership with Think Bar co-working space at 610 Phoenix St, South Haven. This collaboration aims to provide enhanced in-person mentoring and support for local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon through Sept. 11.

This initiative marks a significant step in making expert guidance from the Hub’s subject matter experts more accessible to the community. Stop by and say hello and get free small business advice from our talented mentors!

Clients In the News

Carriage House Ciders Grows!

Carriage House Ciders in Benton Harbor opened its new Tasting Patio, welcoming local dignitaries to a ribbon cutting. Open weekends through October, the patio offers European-style ciders. They also launched Junius Woods, a limited-edition sparkling cider honoring Junius Brutus Woods, a respected local historical figure and entrepreneur.

Excerpt from our Interview with Michelle O’Neil,

Owner of Haven Market and SHRBH Client

"The most valuable thing [we gained from the Hub], especially heading into winter, was the profound respect and support they foster among local business owners. The genuine focus on supporting each other – it was truly overwhelming."

Q: Why did you decide to start Haven Market?

A: My husband John and I and our three boys Brennen, Keannen & Jude have been vacationing in South Haven for years, even owning a vacation home here, which we eventually sold to fund this venture. As a self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ dedicated to health, I consistently struggled to find high-quality, locally made produce, meat, and dairy outside of the traditional farm market – and I truly dislike grocery shopping. I observed that consumers often prioritize convenience over awareness when it comes to food choices, and I knew there was a better way.

Read the Full Story Here

More News From The Region

Market One connects businesses and communities with partners in Cass and Van Buren counties, resources, and incentives to support local business success. They also manage the Van Buren County Revolving Loan Fund, which offers gap financing for working capital or equipment.
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council is launching a Michigan Crafted statewide brand and social media campaign to support craft beverage businesses.
Burnette Foods in Hartford received a Food and Agriculture Investment Program grant to support expansion of their applesauce pouch line, which will create jobs and bring investment to the area.
The City of South Haven has an EPA assessment grant available for Brownfield properties, with a focus on Wards 1 and 2, but applicable citywide. The grant can fund initial environmental assessments and potentially full remediation work.

Jason Diebler-Love and the Sunflower Film Festival: Honoring a Legacy of Hope

Jason Diebler-Love, along with his late wife India, purchased a 200-year-old church in Paw Paw, MI, and transformed it into The Lucky Wolf, a community space with a café, wine bar, cocktail lounge, music venue, and theatre.

Jason and The Lucky Wolf recently hosted the second Sunflower Film Festival in honor of India. The festival combats mental health stigma, a cause India championed before her passing in late 2023, and which supports the India Love Sunflower Foundation a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health awareness through education, support, and various events.

Keep the Good News Coming!

We want to hear about your successes! To get your business news listed here, send your information to Cheri Bales by clicking the orange button.

Submit Your News or Coming Events Here

Meet Our Mentors

Did you know we currently have 13 talented mentors working with small business alongside the South Haven Regional Business Hub? We couldn't do what we do without the help of these mentors and our subject matter experts, and community supporters.

Thank you mentors! We couldn't do it without you! If you'd like to know more about mentoring for the South Haven Regional Business Hub, contact Debi Howe Here.

Photos: Clockwise from top left - Brian Bascom, Kathy Merchant, Mike Cash, Debra Zabloudil.

Brian Bascom (Taza Aya, Inc.) specializes in business development, market analysis, and strategic partnerships, driving growth for startups and established companies with 16 years of consulting.
Mike Cash (Retired from Amcor Flexible Packaging) possesses extensive global leadership experience in packaging and paint/coatings, excelling in sales growth, operational excellence, and new product promotion.
Prince Covington (MovePortz) is a retired corporate trainer and professor, co-founding MovePortz, and specializes in management/supervision, adult education, and soft skills.
Michele Coy (Michele Coy Enterprises) is a Business and Leadership Strategist, empowering clients with NLP techniques, business administration, and accountancy for sustainable success.
Bruce C. Gobdel (Retired Chairman of Crowe LLP) now advises family businesses on strategic/succession planning, executive coaching, and compensation, leveraging 37 years in leadership/HR.
Paul Hansen (Retired) is a third-generation laundromat owner, still deeply involved in the laundry industry through his board positions with industry foundations.
Arthur Harrison (Retired) is an executive with 45 years in manufacturing, expert in ERP implementation, operations, production planning, and business development, driving significant growth.

Bob Jank (Consultant/Investor) focuses on economic development, assisting entrepreneurs with business plan development and securing financing as a Certified SCORE Mentor.
Mike Medema (Keono Corporation) is a serial entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in big data, digital marketing, and scaling rapidly growing companies.
Kathy Merchant (Kathy Merchant Consulting) is a Certified Full Focus Goals Coach, helping business owners transform their operations into highly successful, scalable businesses.
Janice Varney (Retired from Lake Michigan College) has a strong background in community leadership, currently serving on various local boards focused on grants, scholarships, and conservancy.
Kevin Whiteford (Whiteford Wealth Management) owns Whiteford Wealth Management, providing investment and financial planning services, leveraging his tax and international business expertise.
Debra Zabloudil, FACHE (The Learning Studio) specializes in organizational/individual growth through strategic assessment, product/service portfolio development, and impactful leadership development.