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Supporting small business startup and growth in Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien Counties with no-cost mentoring and business training. | |
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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 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!
Visit our website to register for each session you want to attend.
| | | | February 18, March 18, April 22 | | |
As a small business owner in Southwest Michigan, you pour your heart and soul into your work every day. You build a legacy, create jobs, and contribute to our vibrant local economy.
But have you thought about what comes next for your business?
Here’s why you should:
- 70% to 80% of Businesses Listed For Sale Never Actually Sell.
- 83% of Business Owners Have No Formal Exit Plan.
- 75% of Owners Who Sell Their Business Regret the Decision Within One Year.
- Businesses with a Comprehensive Exit Strategy Can Command Valuations 30% to 50%
We're offering a series of individualized workshops specifically designed for small business owners like you – especially those with 5-100+ employees. 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.
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.
Come get free expert advice if you're planning to exit your business. Registrations open soon.
| | South Haven Regional Business Hub News | | |
Meet Marc Ugol
Our Newest Board Member
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Marc Ugol is a nationally recognized leader in Global Human Capital Management. He served as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for multiple Fortune 200 companies, including Bechtel, United Airlines, and Constellation Energy Group. Marc provided critical Human Capital leadership on more than 40 strategic mergers and acquisitions. He has served on numerous Boards, including the Human Resources Policy Association and the Center on Executive Compensation. He is currently an Executive Advisor with Challenger, Gray and Christmas in Chicago. Marc holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University. Welcome Marc!
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Max Transportation and Car Service sent us this nice update.
"Over the past year, we’ve traveled more than 50,000 miles, joined the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, actively participated in Southwest Regional Business Hub events, and provided transportation for 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."
- Max Geiss
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Norma’s Haven is Open!
We’re excited to share that Norma’s Haven, a home-like residential assisted living community in Benton Harbor is open and has availability. They offer a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each resident. From assistance with daily living tasks to medication management, Norma's Haven ensures that residents receive the care they need to live a happy and fulfilling life.
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First Place Sleeve Work - Sirens Rose
Sam Dustin (second from left) of Siren's Rose Tattoo Studio walked away with first place in the sleeve tattoo category at the recent Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival. Sam is scheduled to appear in December at the International Puerto Rico Tattoo Convention, and at the Motor City Tattoo Convention in Detroit.
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Munchie Man is People's Choice
Brian the Munchie Man Food Truck (Growth Series graduates) captured several Best Of categories in the Herald Palladium including best food truck, best French fries, best takeout and best hamburger for 2025. Congratulations!!
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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.
| 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:
| | | Tips From Our Subject Matter Experts | | |
What Do I Need to Know Before I Build a Website?
Launching Your Website: A Strategic Approach
Guest Article: Cheri Bales, Hannah/Gold Communications
I wrote this article after the fourth client came to me with the exact same problem - their website was not what they wanted it to be and they had already paid someone to design it. Emphasis on the "someone" at times. But the "someone" they chose was not a qualified web (or marketing) person so the sites were published with very little strategy or emphasis on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) (you know you need that).
Building a successful website requires careful planning and execution. You need a marketing strategy, a lot of written content, images and logos, testimonials, and, of course your products or services. This guide outlines the key steps involved, ensuring a smooth launch and a platform that effectively meets your business objectives. Here are 6 things to think about before you build:
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Define Goals and Audience: Determine website purpose, target audience, and key visitor actions. Do you need to sell from your site?
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Secure Your Digital Foundation: Choose a memorable URL and select reliable web hosting. Cutesy names and acronyms will not make you easier to find.
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Design and Development: Plan the sitemap, hire a designer, and prioritize easy navigation and readability. Don't forget about accessiblity either!
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Content and Functionality: Create high-quality, educational content and implement essential features (e.g., forms, SEO). Most web folks are plug and play so be strategic with your writing - don't wait for them to guide you.
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Testing and Launch: Thoroughly test functionality and mobile view before strategically promoting the site. Make sure google can find it by indexing the site.
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Monitor and Maintain: Track performance with Google analytics, update and backup content monthly, and use professional services to host and manage your site.
Read the whole article below. Following these steps, from foundational planning to continuous monitoring, provides the framework for a successful website that aligns with your business goals and serves your audience effectively. Don't spend thousands on a website that doesn't do what you need it to do.
| | Events by Strategic Partners | |
Cornerstone Alliance Workshops
Cornerstone Alliance Entrepreneurial Services has opened enrollment for the 2026 Business Plan Certified program, beginning January 21, 2026. This six-month certification course is designed for entrepreneurs at all stages to transform their ideas into actionable, capital-ready business plans through guided workshops, one-on-one advising, and use of the AI-powered LivePlan platform. Space is limited, and registration is open now; interested entrepreneurs should Email Senior Manager of Entrepreneurial Services, Chrissy Meek, to sign up.
Other events at Cornerstone
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Southwest Michigan APEX Accelerator Trainings
VetBizCentral
All trainings are free to military members and their spouses.
11/5 - Preparing for Financing
11/6 - Manufacturers Webinar
11/25 - Intro to Contracting
12/9 - How to Obtain SDVOSB and VOSB Certification
National APEX Accelerator Events
The APEX Accelerators nationwide program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts. Programming is provided for all businesses at no cost for attendees..
Registration is required:
12/3 - DHRA Industry Briefing & Matchmaking
12/4 - DCAA Cost Reimbursement Requirements
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2026 Michigan Craft Beverage Summit
March 23 – 25, 2026 at the Muskegon Delta Hotel in Muskegon, MI. 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 for more information.
| | 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 | | | | |
