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We serve aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Southwest Michigan, with a focus on the critical first years of business—when access to guidance, capital, and community support is most essential to long-term survival and success. | |
| Succession Planning - March, April Sessions | | |
We had a full house for February's Succession Planning 101 with presenter Brad Scoffin of Advanced Business Brokers. Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first session!
Our next two Succession Planning sessions will provide practical strategies and guided planning to help you move forward—on your timeline and your terms. These sessions are designed for stablished business owners with 5 to 100+ employees who are thinking seriously about transition, continuity, and long-term impact.
You’ve built something valuable. Now let’s make sure its future is secure. Seats are limited, please book your free tickets for session 2 and 3 today!
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The Exit Strategy
Playbook
Wednesday, March 18, 4-6 p.m.
This workshop helps you prepare for a successful exit. You’ll learn how to maximize your business’s value in the current market and what to expect during the transition process.
Ready to begin your succession plan?
- Discover what drives business valuation today.
- Explore different succession
planning options.
- Learn how to be well-prepared
when you decide to exit.
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Insider's Guide to Buying & Selling a Business
Wednesday, April 22, 4-6 p.m.
Gain direct access to a panel of trusted advisors, attorneys, CPAs, bankers, and business brokers, who will provide comprehensive guidance on transactions. Understand the process before costly mistakes happen.
Get the Inside Scoop…
- Understand the buying and selling process from start to finish.
- Learn to avoid common pitfalls during a transaction.
- Bring your questions for our panel
| | Don't Miss the Final Startup Series Workshops | | |
At our second Startup Series Session - Accounting Basics, with Michele Coy, Michele Coy Enterprises we asked participants one simple question:
“Overall, how would you rate this session?”
91.7% said Excellent.8.3% said Very Good
The results speak for themselves!
When 100% of attendees walk away rating a session at the top of the scale, you know something meaningful is happening in the room.
If you haven’t joined us yet, the remaining sessions are your opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Photo: Michele (left) with 2024 Growth Series participants Sarah and Zach Cox of Creative Catering Services & GG Sweets and The Kitchen at The Lucky Wolf Paw Paw.
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To Apply for The
2026 Growth Series
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Scale Your Business with the Hub
The Growth Series is designed to boost Southwest Michigan business owners with businesses that generally meet the following criteria:
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Business Age: Between 3–5 years old.
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Experience: Minimum 3 years in business.
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Revenue: At least $100,000 in sales.
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Team: At least one full-time employee (in addition to the owner).
Are you ready to transform your business into a sustainable powerhouse! Apply to join our upcoming 26-week Growth Series at Lake Michigan College soon. This high-level intensive is designed to equip established entrepreneurs with the strategic framework necessary for long-term success.
The Growth Series provides intensive education, one-on-one mentorship, technical assistance, and access to critical business resources. The program is offered at no cost to participating business owners, made possible through grant funding secured by the Hub.
Watch for applications to go live by April 1. Applications are due by May 13, with all accepted applicants contacted by May 27.
Save the Date: The PITCH 2026 on December 2, 2026.
Pictured: 2025 Growth Series participants.
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Partnership Makes it Possible
Empowering Entrepreneurs, Elevating Southwest Michigan
| We couldn’t do this work without the partners who collaborate, contribute, and believe in our mission. Their support and expertise help turn purpose into impact for entrepreneurs and our broader community. | | Partners gathered at the February Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber 2026 Recognition Breakfast | | Hub ED at State of Economic Development Summit | | |
Health Elevated PLLC Recognized: Huge congratulations to Health Elevated PLLC and Amy Underwood (pictured) for receiving a 2026 Micro Business Award from the Small Business Association of Michigan! She will be recognized at the annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards gala on April 22.
Max Transportation & Car Service: New partnership - Local entrepreneur Max Gleiss recently secured a major partnership as the official winery tour partner for Under Canvas and The Fields South Haven. Guided by Hub Mentor Steve Whittington, Max’s professional approach has paved the way for exciting new growth.
Craig Farms Expansion: Innovation is growing at Craig Farms. The team recently secured new contracts for their flock of Katahdin Hair Sheep, expanding conservation grazing initiatives across 24 solar sites and 570 acres in Michigan. Through targeted vegetation management and conservation grazing services, Craig Farms is advancing environmentally responsible land stewardship at scale.
Legacy Wine and Spirits: Cheers to Legacy Wine and Spirits in Hudsonville on successfully securing funding through Northern Initiatives to launch their operations.
| | Events by Strategic Partners | | |
SH Chamber Give Back Program Accepting Applicants!
The South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce Give Back Program is designed to support and encourage the growth of new businesses in our community by providing access to Chamber resources, connections, and increased visibility.
This program helps local entrepreneurs establish strong roots, build relationships with fellow businesses, and become active contributors to the South Haven area business community.
To qualify for the Give Back Program, applicants must:
- Own or operate a business located in the South Haven area or surrounding communities
- Have been in business for three years or less at the time of application
- Not be a current or past Chamber member
- Commit to participating in at least one Chamber event during the complimentary membership year through attendance (ticket purchase), sponsorship, or involvement.
Applications open March 2. Learn More Here.
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Apex Accelerator: Government Contracting: Capability Statement
- March 5, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
- This session covers the creation of Capability Statements, which are vital for marketing your business to the government.
- Master your business resume for the government sector. Join the Southwest Michigan Apex Accelerator workshop to learn how to stand out to government buyers. Register here.
| NextGen Young Professionals: Save the date for March 18 for a development event with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber tailored for leaders ages 21–40. Interested in hosting a NextGen Networking Event or would like to receive NextGen specific emails? Email Jasmine Here. | |
Maximize rebates and grants available with SBAM Energy Solutions! SBAM is currently offering a free energy assessment designed to not only identify the energy saving opportunities but to also help you identify the rebates and grants that are available for your business based on your industry and location.
Get Your Free Assessment Here
| | Free Templates and Guides | |
We often get asked if we have a template for business plans, marketing plans, P&L, and profit projections? YES. We even have a small business startup checklist to guide you. See all our free resources below.
Browse Free Resources:
| |  | Join the Hub: Become a Mentor or SME | |
Whether you are a specialist or a strategic leader, your expertise can be the catalyst for a founder’s success. Help us move entrepreneurs from risk to resilience by joining our network:
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Become a Subject Matter Expert (SME): Share your knowledge in finance, HR, marketing, or operations by teaching a session or providing targeted advisory support.
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Serve as a Mentor: Provide the accountability and strategic guidance founders need to scale, directly contributing to higher business survival and regional stability.
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Support Our Work
Invest in Local Entrepreneurs. Strengthen Our Region.
The South Haven Regional Business Hub is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping small businesses in Southwest Michigan succeed at every stage—from startup to scale. With the support of 40+ volunteer experts, we provide free workshops, mentoring, and hands-on programs like the Startup Series, Growth Series, and The PITCH. When you give, you’re investing directly in the people building our local economy.
| | | The Hub’s mission is to drive regional economic prosperity by growing and sustaining successful small businesses through innovative education and critical connections to capital, mentorship, and community for entrepreneurs across Southwest Michigan. The 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 | | | | |
