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Small Business News from the South Haven Regional Business Hub:
- Growth Series Update
- Leadership Accelerator
- Client News
- Hub Activities
- Meet Our Mentors
- Resources
| | Free services for business owners in Van Buren, Cass, or Berrien County. | | |
Strategy, Marketing, and More!
The South Haven Regional Business Hub's Growth Series met throughout July to tackle topics like marketing and customer strategy. 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!
In early July, Session 4 - Developing a Customer Strategy for Your Product Mix was led by Debi Howe, Board Chair of the South Haven Regional Business Hub (pictured). Participants developed a clear definition of their target audience and value proposition during this session.
Then in Session 5 the group learned about Marketing Tactics to Reach Your Target Markets from Jennifer Sistrunk, Executive Director, South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau. This session helped businesses optimize their marketing efforts and maximize their reach, leading to increased brand awareness and customer acquisition.
Between sessions, participants meet with their mentors to work on timelines and goals. The Growth Series is made possible with funding from the MEDC. Watch this space for news of The PITCH - the capstone project for the Growth Series. Coming in November.
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South Haven Leadership Accelerator Signups Coming Soon
Develop the practical skills and strategic insights you need to lead with greater impact.
Applications for the 2025 Leadership Accelerator, hosted by the South Haven Regional Business Hub, are opening soon!
This intensive seven-month program is specifically designed to provide both established and emerging leaders with practical skills, valuable insights, and essential connections. The goal is to help you excel in your current role, lead your organization more effectively, and positively contribute to your community.
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For Emerging Leaders: If you're looking to transition into a leadership role or grow your foundational skills, this program offers the essential tools and confidence to step up and lead effectively.
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For Established Leaders: Deepen your expertise, refine your strategic approach, and gain fresh perspectives to navigate complex challenges and inspire your teams with greater impact.
The Leadership Accelerator is a collaborative initiative of the South Haven Regional Business Hub, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lake Michigan College, and The Purpose Partners. These organizations understand that a thriving community relies on well-equipped leaders. Together, they deliver a comprehensive curriculum focused on personal growth, professional development, and meaningful community engagement.
Program Details:
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When: Thursdays, 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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Where: LMC's South Haven Campus: 125 Veterans Blvd, South Haven
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Investment: $1,500 for all sessions.
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Instruction: Sessions are led by a diverse group of experienced local leaders.
Don't miss this opportunity to refine your leadership skills and expand your influence. Stay tuned for details on how to sign up!
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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. Come ask us anything!!
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon through Sept. 11.
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South Haven Regional Business Hub is now in its third year as a nonprofit and has raised more than $300,000 in revenue from grants and other opportunities.
We have:
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Helped launch 24 new businesses. Read our Success Stories here.
- Supported 260 businesses. See our Trending Clients here.
- Contributed to the creation of 198 new jobs in the South Haven region
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Recruited 8 new mentors and 5 new subject matter experts. Meet the experts.
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Named a new Executive Director, Elizabeth Bernhard (pictured). Read More. A welcome event is in the works! Watch for details.
- Appreciated outgoing Executive Director Debi Howe who is now the Chair of the South Haven Regional Business Hub Board of Directors and will continue mentoring and supporting small business growth in the region. Email Debi here to connect.
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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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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.
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Photos: Clockwise from top left - mentors Arthur and Thomasine Harrison with Lacey Green and Jason Deibler-Love; of The Lucky Wolf; Paul Hansen; Janice Varney; and Kevin Whiteford.
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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 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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SBAM Foundation Support
Ready to take your business to the next level? The SBAM Foundation's Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) Grant Program is offering an incredible opportunity for established 1st and 2nd stage businesses like yours!
You can get free access to expert-led programming in areas like marketing, finance, HR, and IT – all designed to help you recover, grow, and thrive. Plus, you can earn points towards eligibility for a direct grant of up to $4,999!
No financial statements or tax returns are required to apply, and you don't even need to be an SBAM member to qualify. It's a simple application process! You'll need your EIN and NCAIS number.
Learn more and apply below. Don't miss out on this chance to strengthen your business!
| | WMed Innovation Center Offers leased space and Market Validation Boot Camp | | |
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 260 businesses in the Cass, Berrien, and Van Buren County areas. The Hub aims to make the region a prime location for entrepreneurs by combining community knowledge, connections, and resources to create initiatives and partnerships, supporting local entrepreneurs.
| | | 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. | | | | |
