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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. | |
| Strong Leader Series Coming Soon! | | |
Build Confidence. Strengthen Connections. Lead with Clarity.
The Strong Leader Series™ is a three-part professional development experience designed to help leaders at every level increase their influence, think strategically, and bring out the best in others.
- Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven
- Investment: $500 for all sessions
Whether you’re stepping into leadership for the first time or scaling a team and making high-stakes decisions, this series will help you:
- Understand and apply your natural strengths to everyday leadership challenges
- Communicate with influence and build trust across your team and organization
- Think strategically to make better, faster, and more aligned decisions
- Inspire and develop others by focusing on what makes each person thrive.
Through engaging discussions, practical exercises, and self-reflection, leaders learn how to communicate more effectively, make confident decisions, and motivate their teams with clarity and focus. Participants will complete the CliftonStrengths® Assessment before the first session to personalize their learning experience.
Watch for more details coming soon!
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Curious about the Strong Leader Series?
Join our informational lunch on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from noon to 1 p.m. at Lake Michigan College South Haven. You will hear directly from past participants, get your questions answered, and enjoy free pizza. More details coming soon!
| | 2025 Impact Report Summary | | |
The past year was about more than just starting up—it was about scaling up.
The South Haven Regional Business Hub (SHRBH) 2025 Impact Report highlights significant achievements in supporting Southwest Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem, achieving a 92% business retention rate for its clients. This substantially outpaces the national average, where nearly half of new businesses fail within five years.
Check out the full 2025 Impact Report Here to see how we’re helping small businesses grow and why our regional partnerships have never been stronger!
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Growing Our Impact Through Community Investment
As the South Haven Regional Business Hub continues to expand its programming and regional reach, we remain committed to building a sustainable foundation for long term impact through diversified community investment and partnership.
We are grateful for the growing network of supporters who believe in the Hub’s capability and capacity to strengthen entrepreneurship, leadership development, and small business growth across our region.
Recent investments include:
- A $10,000 grant from the South Haven Area Community Foundation to support the 2026 Growth Series and Strong Leader Series
- A second consecutive $10,000 “Friends of the Hub” contribution from an anonymous donor, who is committed to advancing entrepreneurial support in our region
- A $2,500 contribution from the Lighthouse Fund through an anonymous Donor Advised Fund
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Early sponsorship commitments from Historic Hotel Nichols, Sturgis Bank, Huntington Bank, and the Allegan County Community Foundation supporting this year’s Growth Series Capstone Event The PITCH.
These investments directly support local founders, emerging leaders, and small businesses working to grow and thrive in Southwest Michigan. Thank you to the organizations, partners, and individuals helping us build a stronger and more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem for the region.
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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. | | Carla Sones, Elizabeth Bernhard | | Debi Howe, Kimberly Pichot | | Mike Neiss, Elizabeth Bernhard, and Ross Stein | | |
Regional collaboration matters. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with Carla Sones, President and Interim CEO of Southwest Michigan First, and for conversations with Kimberly Pichot, Dean, College of Professions at Andrews University during the Cornerstone Alliance Annual Meeting.
Strong partnerships across Southwest Michigan are essential to building a more connected, resilient, and entrepreneur-friendly region. The Hub partners with municipal leaders like South Haven Township to strengthen support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses across Southwest Michigan.
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We had a great time launching our Founders Circle in May!
The Founders Circle brings together Growth Series Graduates who are actively building and scaling their businesses in a trusted peer forum for honest conversation, strategic insight, and real-time problem solving. This is a space where founders move beyond learning into decision making, using the experience of the room to navigate growth, address constraints, and lead at a higher level.
A sincere thank you to Paula Camp, from cohort three, for hosting and creating such a great environment for the evening at Carriage House Ciders.
We also were fortunate to hear an update from cohort one graduate Jeremiah Smith, who shared his growth journey and what it looks like to continue building after the Growth Series.
What stood out most was the level of candor in the room. Founders showed up ready to engage, share real challenges, and support one another in meaningful ways. This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue building a space worthy of the founders in our region.
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Southwest Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem is growing - and people are taking notice. Read out latest feature in Second Wave Media
The Hub behind Southwest Michigan’s next wave of entrepreneurs
By MIKE WENNINGER ● ENTREPRENEURSHIP ● APRIL 29, 2026
This story is part of Momentum: The people and companies shaping what’s next, a weekly series that explores new ventures, founder support, and the resources powering entrepreneurship and small businesses across seven counties in Southwest Michigan. This project is sponsored by Southwest Michigan First.
| | Meet the Subject Matter Expert | |
Korey Force, Force Field Applied Solutions
Korey Force is the founder of Force Field Applied Solutions, where her mission is to empower the growth and success of small to mid-sized businesses. Drawing on deep roots in agriculture, broad industry experience, and formal training as an MBA and certified Project Management Professional (PMP), she brings a 360, wrap-around approach to marketing.
Korey works from the top down, helping organizations align strategy, messaging, and execution so marketing investments stay lean, focused, and high impact. She is a board member at Tillers International and a consistent sponsor of Milwood Little League and the Kalamazoo Nature Center, reflecting her commitment to community, stewardship, and long-term value.
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New Age Laboratories was featured in FarmFlavor.com’s website with a story on innovation.
Innovation is taking root at New Age Laboratories. Headquartered in South Haven, the team is revolutionizing crop management through advanced plant sap analysis. By providing a "blood test for crops," they help farmers identify nutrient imbalances before they become visible.
This proactive technology allows growers across Michigan and beyond to optimize fertilizer use, improve plant health, and ensure a high return on investment for a more sustainable agricultural future. Meet Sierra Wall, chief operating officer at NEW AGE Lab and read more here.
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Max Transportation and Car Service on Second Wave Media
South Haven entrepreneur Max Gleiss is growing Max Transportation into a trusted Southwest Michigan travel service, offering stress-free airport rides, tours, and event transportation while earning support from the South Haven Regional Business Hub. See the Second Wave Media story here.
| | Events by Strategic Partners | |
Michigan Downtown Association Summer Workshop
June 3 & 4, Kick-off June 3 (Tour); Workshop June 4 (All Day) Downtown South Haven & Michigan Maritime Museum A two-day workshop focused on connecting downtowns to natural resources, understanding retail shifts, and using design to create safe, desirable streets. Includes a walking tour of South Haven and multiple expert sessions.
Get tickets here.
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Marketing Class
June 9, 10:30 a.m. to noon Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce (Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person) A hybrid session teaching business owners how to research government data to effectively market products and services to government agencies.
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Orientation Class
June 11, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Marshall District Library (Hybrid: Virtual/In-Person) An introductory class covering the fundamental requirements and first steps for businesses interested in government contracting.
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State Contracting Overview
June 25, 9 a.m. to noon Macomb APEX (Hybrid): A comprehensive look at how the state manages multi-year contracts. Learn to navigate Central Purchasing and uncover opportunities within state contracts.
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June 11, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. South Haven (Specific venue varies monthly) A monthly social hour designed for young professionals to meet, build connections, and network in an informal setting.
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Start Garden Pop-Up Event
June 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cornerstone Alliance, Benton Harbor An interactive pop-up where entrepreneurs can record their pitches and receive the support needed to enter the Start Garden $20K competition.
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Stop the Leaks, Build the Pipeline:
How to fix the Human and Financial Problems Draining Your Business Growth
June 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Michele Coy, Michele Coy Enterprises
Envision Design, Advertising, and Video Production, 6395 Technology Ave, Suite A, Kalamazoo
When you get busy, you stop following up. When an employee leaves, your pipeline goes with them. The result is burnout, turnover, and a leadership botteneck that caps your growth.
At this Lunch and Learn, we will show you exactly how to identify the hidden financial leaks in your business, and how to fix them using a predictable, AI-driven marketing system that doesn't rely on paid ads.
Registration is Required. Get Tickets Here
| | Michele Coy is a Business and Leadership Strategist and Hub Mentor who empowers clients to build strong relationships and achieve sustainable success. | |
Chamber Management Accelerator
Applications are officially open for Cohort 2 of the Management Accelerator! Following a successful inaugural launch, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Lake Michigan College, and Legata Leadership Solutions are ready to help local managers level up.
- Where: LMC Todd Center, Benton Harbor
- Dates: August 13, September 10, and October 8
- Deadline: Apply by June 26, 2026
Space is limited to 25 participants. Tuition for Management Accelerator is $1,500. Secure your spot to lead with clarity and confidence! Learn More Here
| | Download 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. Click here to donate online.
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Did you Miss an Issue of our Newsletter?
Take a look back at our monthly email message including success stories, news, and more.
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Empowering Entrepreneurs, Elevating Southwest Michigan
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.
Our target audience includes aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in the startup and early growth stages.
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 | | | | |
