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Supporting small business startup and growth in Southwest Michigan with no-cost mentoring and business training. | |
| Register for Startup Series Workshops Now! | |
Launch and Grow Your Business with Free 2026 Startup Series Workshops!
Your dream business won't wait. Secure your spot now in the South Haven Regional Business Hub's comprehensive 2026 Small Business Startup Series. We invite entrepreneurs ready to launch and small business owners (up to five years in business) across Kalamazoo, Allegan, Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien Counties to register immediately for this essential training.
Workshops take place January through March of 2026 and registration is required for each session. Attend as many as you want!
Each session is focused and practical, helping you:
- Sharpen your business acumen and improve operations.
- Develop robust marketing strategies.
- Find new sources of funding and investment to support growth.
- Work toward completing a Business Model Canvas (a core tool provided in the first workshop).
All workshops will be held at Lake Michigan College, South Haven from 6-8 p.m. Light snacks provided. Registration is open now!
Click below to sign up for any session you'd like to attend.
| | | | Succession Planning - Starting in February | | February 18, March 18, April 22 | | |
We understand the unique challenges and opportunities in our community, and our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to secure your business's future, on your terms.
That's why we're offering a series of individualized workshops specifically designed for small business owners like you – especially those with 5-100+ employees.
Workshops will be held February 18, March 18, April 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Lake Michigan College, South Haven, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven, MI.
There is no charge to attend thanks to our generous sponsors: Small Business Association of Michigan, Lake Michigan College South Haven, City of South Haven, and South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.
Come get free expert advice if you're planning to exit your business.
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Succession Planning 101: Where to start
Wednesday, February 18
Whether you’re considering retirement in a few years, planning for a smooth transition, or simply want to maximize your business’s value, planning ahead is crucial and we’ve got the expert advice you need.
Start YOUR Next Chapter:
- Learn how to plan ahead for a smooth transition.
- Understand your options for turning over daily operations.
- Secure your business’s future by starting the process now.
Sign up today and get the expert guidance you need.
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The Exit Strategy Playbook
Wednesday, March 18
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.
Register now to secure your spot.
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Insider's Guide to Buying & Selling a Business
Wednesday, April 22
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.
Register now to secure your spot.
| | South Haven Regional Business Hub News | | Presenting our Strong Leader Series Cohort! | | |
The Strong Leader Series™ is a professional development experience designed to help leaders at every level increase their influence and think strategically.
By blending CliftonStrengths® with real-world tools, the program helps participants:
- Lead Authentically: Apply natural strengths to everyday leadership challenges.
- Communicate with Influence: Build trust and alignment across teams.
- Think Strategically: Make faster, more confident, and more intentional decisions.
- Empower Others: Focus on what makes individuals thrive to drive collective success.
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Quotes from 2025 Participants:
- I enjoyed learning more about myself, what motivated me, and see how I approached problem solving. Very good series.
- This has been a great series and I hope that it will continue to be offered in South Haven.
- This was very enjoyable. I feel like I learned a lot about myself and my leadership method.
| | Take a look at these smiling faces! Our 2025 Strong Leader series graduates. Watch for great news about this batch of emerging leaders! | | Presented in cooperation with South Haven Area Community Foundation, Lake Michigan College South Haven, The Purpose Partners, and the City of South Haven. | | Following a productive strategic planning retreat with our Board, we’re refining priorities and setting the stage for the next chapter of the Hub. Stay tuned—we’re energized by what’s ahead and can’t wait to share more soon. Big thanks to the Michigan Maritime Museum for hosting our group and to Cafe Julia for the amazing food! From left: Debi Howe, Trevor Brooks, Cheri Bales, Elizabeth Bernhard, Steve Whittington, Michael Neiss, and Michael Medema. Missing from photo: John GB Richmond, Marc Ugol, and Scott Whiteford. | | Partnership Makes it Possible | | 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. | | | | Tiffany Wood of Precision Syrups was featured in an interview with Second Wave Media. They now sell six flavors and plan to add another later this year. The six are MI Blueberry Spice, Cranberry Santé, Hibiscus Mango Ginger, Smoldering Mango, Strawberry Ginger Lime, and Raspberry Crescendo. Watch the interview here. | | Events by Strategic Partners | |
Last Food Mile Grant: Funding for Local Food Logistics
The Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) is offering one-time grants to help Michigan farmers and food businesses bridge the "last mile" of distribution. Funding supports transportation and infrastructure to get locally grown food to more markets and consumers.The project must establish or expand at least one partnership with another business or organization to address local food distribution challenges regionally or locally.
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Deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
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Eligibility: Michigan-based farms or food organizations working directly with local producers.
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Next Steps: Review guidelines and apply via the MIAgGrants Portal.
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| | Join the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber on Thursday, February 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. as Health Elevated, PLLC welcomes us for an evening of connection and conversation for Business After Hours! Meet Amy Underwood (pictured at The PITCH event), learn more about her inspiring work and the services Health Elevated offers, and catch up with fellow professionals from across the region; all while enjoying great company, light refreshments, and meaningful networking. | | | |
Marketing & Research for Government Success
Thursday, Feb 5, 2026, 10:30 a.m. to noon
Online and in person at Cornerstone
Learn how to effectively research your market and position your business for government contracting success.
Success in the public sector starts with knowing where you fit. Our February 5th session on Marketing & Research is designed to take the guesswork out of government contracting. Whether you are new to the Apex Hub or looking to refine your strategy, this workshop will teach you how to:
- Identify your target agencies: Find exactly who is buying what you sell.
- Analyze the competition: Understand the landscape and discover your competitive edge.
- Position your brand: Learn the language of government buyers to make your business the obvious choice.
Don't leave your growth to chance—join us to build a data-driven plan for 2026.
Register for the February 5th Workshop Here.
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Show Me the Money Day
March 7, 2026
Fettig Youth Campus | Boys & Girls Club | 600 Nate Wells Sr. Dr., Benton Harbor, MI
Join Emerge Innovation Hub for a free event on March 7, 2026, for a day of financial workshops, resources, food, and prizes. All ages welcome.
Learn practical skills in the Financial Fitness Bracket Challenge covering:
- Round 1: Financial Foundations (Credit Repair | Budget Basics)
- Round 2: Grow Your Money (Investing 101 | Smart Money Moves)
- Championship: Future Wealth (Homeownership | Assets)
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2026 Michigan Craft Beverage Summit
March 23 – 25, 2026
Muskegon Delta Hotel
The annual summit brings together Michigan craft beverage producers, farmers, suppliers, retailers and industry supporters for three days of networking, education and collaboration. Registration is now open. Email Jennifer Weitzel WeitzelJ1@michigan.gov for more information.
| | 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:
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Max Transportation and Car Service.
Over the past year, we’ve traveled more than 50,000 miles, joined the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, actively participated in South Haven Regional Business Hub events, and provided transportation to everything from the South Haven Icebreaker Festival to weddings, winery tours, airport transfers, and corporate events.
Most importantly, we’ve had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people along the way.
Thank you for your help! - Max G.
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Click any month below to review that month's email message including success stories, news, and more.
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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 like the Growth Series (and the PITCH) and the Startup Series.
| | | 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 | | | | |
