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March News and Events!

Small Business News from the South Haven Regional Business Hub:


  1. Celebrating Our Successes
  2. Startup Series Next Up
  3. Client News
  4. Events in the Area

RESCHEDULED to March 27.


The Value Proposition workshop originally scheduled for Feb. 20 has been postponed until March 27. Registration is open for new registrations, but you do not need to register a second time.

Register for This Session

Celebrating Successes!

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MEDC Services Grant Awarded to Two Growth Series Clients


Up to $8,000 is services was awarded to two businesses completing the 2-Hub's Growth Series. Both Precision Syrups and Creative Catering/GG Sweets received the funding in 2024 after meeting all the Growth Series milestones and presenting at The PITCH event.

Next Startup Series Session is March 6

Register for This Session

Are you dreaming of starting your own business?


The South Haven Regional Business Hub is excited to invite you to join us for any or all of the Startup and Development Series. This program is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to launch and grow your business successfully.


Next up:

March 6 Set Up Your Books for Success: Accounting Basics

Michele Coy, Michele Coy Enterprises, and Jacob Christensen, Great Lakes Bookkeeping

  • How to determine cash flow 
  • What are P&L and the balance sheet?
  • How do the numbers correlate to profitability?


Who is the Startup and Development Series for?

This series is open and available at no charge to anyone in Southwest Michigan who is considering starting a business or in the early stages of launching a business.

Win Small Business Support Services

Attend Startup Series Sessions


One Small Business Startup Series participant will win $1,500 for approved small business services (accounting, marketing, legal, website design, social media, video, etc.). Each event attended earns one entry, increasing your chances to win so sign up for and attend all the remaining sessions.


Two additional grants will be awarded to participants: One year of QuickBooks Plus with 1 hour of support (must attend the accounting session March 6) and Google Business Profile setup and verification (must attend the marketing session March 20).

Don't Forget To Register For These!

Marketing 101: How Much Do You Really Need?

Thursday, March 20

6-8 p.m.

Lake Michigan College


Presenter: Cheri Bales, Hannah/Gold Communications


You'll learn about:

  • The importance of strategy and branding for a new business
  • Maximizing social media with automation 
  • Optimizing your website for SEO
  • Marketing planning

Attend and be entered to win a free Google Business Profile Setup and Verification (Must be present to win).

Sign Up Now

Creating a Dynamic Culture to Attract and Retain Top Talent

Thursday, April 3

6-8 p.m.

Lake Michigan College


Presenter: GB Richmond, Goodbye Money Stress


  • What is the MOST significant part of your business?
  • Everything built for your team
  • Empower, flexibility, hiring (culture first).
Sign Up Now
 

Client News

Christine Velasco

I Heart Spanish is keeping busy with 6 vibrant virtual classes, and the self-paced Canvas course has been a real game-changer. In-person classes and our popular Spanish Storytime at local libraries are still going strong. I even got to share my entrepreneurial journey at the Women's Business Center, which was such a rewarding experience. This fall marked our 9th year in business, Exciting times are ahead as we prepare to launch 16 new online courses next year!


Sarah Cox

GG Sweets & Eats is a new venture opening on February 4, inspired by The Garden Griddle restaurant. It will offer a rotating menu of lunch features Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with their signature sweet treats. Customers can expect takeout and delivery options through DoorDash. The new bakery will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Call ahead for pickup.


Max Gleis

Max Transportation & Car Service has launched with transportation in Southwest Michigan, specializing in seamless airport pickups and drop-offs. Private car service is available for trips throughout Southwest Michigan.


Big thanks to Nichole with Gulotta Imagery for our PITCH photos and others throughout the year. We appreciate your support!

Read More Client Successes

Area News & Events

Show Me The Money Day

Saturday, March 8 · 10am - 2pm


Join financial and community resources fair to help you reach your money goals.

By Emerge Innovation Hub

Boys & Girls Club-Benton Harbor

600 Nate Wells Sr Drive Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Get Tickets

Emerge Innovation Hub is excited to introduce a new loan opportunity to support small businesses. Learn more about how to apply and get the funding you need to grow. We are the Hub of West Michigan for Innovation. All are welcomed into this inclusive culture that stimulates creativity and fosters collaborations. We provide business support and the resources you need to succeed.


Learn More

-Moody on the Market Article

"South Haven group helps turn ideas into successful businesses, one pitch at a time"


The Hub is dedicated to helping area entrepreneurs start and grow their business ideas into successful economic growth activity. Their volunteer members provide business mentorship, ideas, and pathways to resources that will help their businesses take root and eventually thrive. Founded in the wake of the pandemic, the South Haven Regional Business Hub is a group of successful business professionals, led by executive director Debi Howe.


Read the full story here.

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

Support Our Work

Support the South Haven Regional Business Hub's Work with Small Businesses

The South Haven Regional Business Hub, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, empowers small businesses in Southwest Michigan to launch, expand, and thrive. More than 40 local experts volunteer, providing entrepreneurs with free education, mentoring, and resources.


Having already supported more than 50 businesses in the Van Buren County region, the Hub aims to make the South Haven region a prime location for entrepreneurs1By combining community knowledge, connections, and resources to create initiatives and partnerships, the Hub supports local entrepreneurs.


Scan or click to donate to the South Haven Regional Business Hub today and support our mission!

Support Our Work - 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.

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