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Small Business News from the South Haven Regional Business Hub:
- Growth Series Businesses Announced
- Meet Our Mentors
- Client News
- Events in the Area
| | Free services for business owners in Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien County. | | |
Growth Series Welcomes 7
Growth-Oriented Entrepreneurs
The South Haven Regional Business Hub's Growth Series welcomed 7 new participants on June 4 for the 2025 Growth Series. Business and participants include:
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Amy Underwood (Health Elevated) is Southwest Michigan’s premier Pelvic Health Occupational Therapist.
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Mary Ann Scott (Land of Light Community) facilitates spiritual growth and community building through various programs and events, fostering a supportive environment for personal development.
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Lisa Miller (Forever Clean Soapworks) creates handmade soaps and bath products using natural ingredients, offering a variety of scents and formulations for personal care. Forever Clean Soapworks is a producer of natural soaps and bath products.
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Sam Dustin (Siren’s Rose) offers unique and custom designed tattoo art and is known for her sleeve work.
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Brian Tufnell (Munchie Man) operates a food truck and catering business and travels to area locations daily.
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Jason Deibler-Love (The Lucky Wolf) is a Paw Paw theater and cafe offering entertainment, wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates.
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Paula Jean Camp (Carriage House Ciders) produces European-style cider using traditional methods and locally sourced apples, offering a unique craft beverage experience.
Along with one-on-one individual mentoring during the coming weeks participants will attend in-person workshops focusing on additional processes for consistency and growth not identified through the Growth Wheel. Participants may qualify for up to $8,000 in services grant funds after successful completion of the 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!
Pictured above: 2024 Participants and Mentors
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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.
Mentors provide valuable guidance across key business functions. Their combined expertise encompasses business strategy, sales and customer engagement, operational efficiency, financial planning and funding, and digital marketing. They also offer insights in market analysis, product development, supply chain management, and leadership.
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.
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Photos: Clockwise from top left - Michele Coy, Bruce Gobdel, Michael Medema, and Bob Jank.
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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.
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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.
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Prince Covington (MovePortz) is a retired corporate trainer and professor, co-founding MovePortz, and specializes in management/supervision, adult education, and soft skills.
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Michele Coy (Michele Coy Enterprises) is a Business and Leadership Strategist, empowering clients with NLP techniques, business administration, and accountancy for sustainable success.
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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.
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Paul Hansen (Retired) is a third-generation laundromat owner, still deeply involved in the laundry industry through his board positions with industry foundations.
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Arthur Harrison (Retired) is an executive with 45 years in manufacturing, expert in ERP implementation, operations, production planning, and business development, driving significant growth.
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Bob Jank (Consultant/Investor) focuses on economic development, assisting entrepreneurs with business plan development and securing financing as a Certified SCORE Mentor.
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Mike Medema (Keono Corporation) is a serial entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in big data, digital marketing, and scaling rapidly growing companies.
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Kathy Merchant (Kathy Merchant Consulting) is a Certified Full Focus Goals Coach, helping business owners transform their operations into highly successful, scalable businesses.
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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.
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Kevin Whiteford (Whiteford Wealth Management) owns Whiteford Wealth Management, providing investment and financial planning services, leveraging his tax and international business expertise.
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Debra Zabloudil, FACHE (The Learning Studio) specializes in organizational/individual growth through strategic assessment, product/service portfolio development, and impactful leadership development.
Read more on our website.
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The Primal Outfitters has been awarded a $10,000 grant from 100 Women Who Care - South Haven. Part of our mission at The South Haven Regional Business Hub is to advocate for deserving organizations in our community. We were delighted to see The Primal Outfitters announced as the winner following our presentation to the 100 Women Who Care. Established in 2022 by Marine Corps veteran Josh Gunneson, The Primal Outfitters is a military-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit which helps active duty military, veterans, first responders, and Gold/Blue Star families find solace and escape life's challenges through outdoor experiences.
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Hostel SoHa had a devastating sewage spill just before opening day, and is raising funds to cover the cost of cleanup not covered by the city. A note from Nadia "After 4 long years of work, one week before grand opening, our city's sewage system backed up and flooded our entire building with sewage through our floor drains. There were some areas in the building that were up to 6" deep when I discovered it and water was already pouring out the doors. Our building is now getting professionally treated for raw sewage damage including cutting off the bottom of every wall up to 24" to treat the wood on the inside." Donate here
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Munchie Man Food Truck has announced its summer schedule in and around St. Joseph area - including new deep fried treats. Get Updates Here
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Vintage Inn at Veritas Estates announced a new patio and was recently featured on "If Vines Could Talk."
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Body Bliss Studio has announced three new locations for classes in Allegan, South Haven, and Kalamazoo at Zenlightenment Business, Body Bliss Studio (hot spin), and DayDreamer Domes & Dine Restaurant.
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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.
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FREE Virtual Workshops on AI
If you need less hands-on time writing, editing, or researching, see how AI can help.
We'll bring AI to life with a focus on small business marketing and planning. You can streamline your research, writing, and even buying decisions using Gemini from Google. Hands ON - virtually on Zoom.
- Introduction to Gemini and Prompting
- The Power of Gemini in writing and research
- SEO Optimization for better google search results
- Learn how to use Gemini for small business marketing.
- Explore using Gemini for blogs and social media posts.
- Discover how to optimize website content with Gemini.
Sign up for one or both parts. Part 1 will introduce you to Gemini and its basic uses. Part 2 will focus on using Gemini in small business marketing!
Ask questions. Get answers from Google High Impact Partner Cheri Bales, M.A., of Hannah/Gold Communications.
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Financial Plan
Event by Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance
80 W Main St, Benton Harbor, MI, United States, Michigan 49022
Free to attend.
Learn how to develop a detailed financial plan, covering budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow. Explore options for securing funding and managing financial risks.
Trainer Molly Vincent, CPA will guide you through creating a comprehensive financial plan to ensure your business thrives. Sponsored by Stearns Bank.
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NextGen: Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Young Professionals
June 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Berrien County Animal Services
Join NextGen for a rewarding afternoon at the Networking Event with Berrien County Animal Services! Come donate your time by spending it with some furry friends and learning about the incredible work being done right here in our community. Volunteers must register in advance.
| | Celebrating Our Successes! | | | | See what we accomplished in 2024 by reading our Progress Report. This year, we became a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, helped more than 60 businesses, contributed to 96 small business jobs, and provided educational content to more than 120 South Haven region small business owners. | | |
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.
We've already supported more than 120 businesses in the Cass, Berrien, and Van Buren County regions. The Hub aims to make the South Haven region a prime location for entrepreneurs by combining community knowledge, connections, and resources to create initiatives and partnerships, supporting local entrepreneurs.
Support South Haven's small businesses. Invest in the Regional Business Hub's proven success. Scan or click to donate
| | | The South Haven Regional Business Hub works with small businesses throughout the region with support from the City of South Haven, Emerge Innovation Hub, Lake Michigan College - South Haven, Market One, MEDC, Michigan Manufacturing Alliance, Michigan State University Agriculture Extension, SBDC Michigan, South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Southwest Michigan First, Women's Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance. | | Share this news by clicking one of the social links below and using the hashtag #smallbizsupport | | Connect with us on social or web. | | | | |
