Headwaters North SmartZone

05/26/2026

Real talk from a real room.

Headwaters North, CEO Nikki Storey was at the table this month with Governor Rick Snyder, Marty Fittante and the team at Invest UP, and our sister SmartZones from Marquette and Houghton. Three founders. One former Governor. A lot of straight talk about what it actually takes to build a company in the U.P.

We brought Dr. Ashley Moerke from LSSU's Center for Freshwater Research and Education. She and her team are doing the kind of Great Lakes science that puts the Eastern U.P. on the map.

Here is what stuck with us. Innovation in the U.P. does not start in a lab. It starts on the trails, on the water, and in the workshop. Founders here are wired different. Our job is to back them with
the support, the network, and the people who have already done it. That is the work.

Big thanks to Governor Snyder, who started Michigan's very first SmartZone, for showing up and getting in it with us.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Lake Superior State University Invest UP Governor Rick Snyder
Innovate Marquette SmartZone MTEC SmartZone LSSU Center for Freshwater Research and Education

05/13/2026

2nd ANNUAL EASTERN UP EXCHANGE
June 16 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM

LSSU - Lakes Rooms | Sault Ste. Marie, MI

The Eastern UP Small Business Support Hub is bringing back the EUP Exchange - and brewing up an afternoon of real dialogue, expert guidance, and practical tools for YOUR business. Shape policy, connect with specialists, and give your business a healthy boost. Let's turn policy potholes into growth lanes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

-Active dialogue on current small business legislation and the real hurdles it creates
-A feedback session on regulations you think should be repealed or reformed
-Consultant's Corner: connect with subject matter experts ready to help you navigate challenges
-Confidential one-on-one time with experts to build your business capacity
-Networking with about 100 fellow small business owners
-A look at Small Business Support Hub grant programs and how YOUR business can benefit

WHY YOU SHOULD BE THERE

-Make your voice heard on legislation that affects your daily operations
-Get practical, confidential guidance tailored to your needs
-Build real connections with peers and specialists
-Learn how to leverage grant programs to fuel your next milestone

Open to Michigan small business owners who want to influence policy, gain expert insights, and grow their network.

If you want a productive afternoon that blends policy, expertise, and real business sustainability - this is your room. Tag a colleague who needs to be there and we will see you June 16!

Date: June 16 | Time: 1:00–4:00 PM Location: LSSU - Lakes Rooms, Sault Ste Marie, MI The Eastern UP SBSH is bringing back the EUP Exchange and brewing up an afternoon of dialogue, feedback, and hands-on guidance. It’s your chance to shape policy, connect with experts, and give your business a he...

04/23/2026

The past few days have been an absolute "blastoff" into all things space!

Tuesday’s trivia night at Bird's Eye Outfitters ignited some friendly competition for bragging rights as guests battled it out over cosmic facts. On Wednesday, Great Lakes Space Alliance and partners hosted Great Lakes Orbit. Attendees got to hear directly from space‑industry professionals and experts, diving into everything from today’s cutting‑edge discoveries to what it really takes to launch a space‑focused business.

Thank you to all those who sponsored the event, making this possible for the EUP community and beyond! Don't forget! Northern Sand & Gravel will be hosting Space Rocks this Saturday - an event all about space for kids and families!

04/21/2026

It's space week here in Sault Ste. Marie! Be sure to join us at Bird's Eye Outfitters at 6 p.m. tonight for space themed trivia! If you're attending Great Lakes Orbit tomorrow, stop by the event's early registration table we'll have set up at Bird's Eye!

There is still time to register for Wednesday's Great Lakes Orbit Event! Visit https://headwatersnorth.org/news/great-lakes-orbit-your-launchpad-space-innovation to register!

Can't make it to trivia or Great Lakes Orbit? No worries! Be sure to check out Northern Sand & Gravel's Space Rocks family and kids event this Saturday!

04/15/2026

Sorry you are missing out!

This marketing bootcamp brought to you by Monte through the Small Business Support Hub grant program is really thought provoking.

More SMART Workshops coming soon. :)

04/15/2026

We are one week out from Great Lakes Orbit! Hear from experts about current space technology, projects, and what the future of the space frontier looks like! Innovators, entrepreneurs, trades people, and more - there is a place in space for the EUP community! There is still time to register, so be sure to get your ticket today!

https://headwatersnorth.org/news/great-lakes-orbit-your-launchpad-space-innovation

Thank you to all of the event’s sponsors for making Great Lakes Orbit possible!
Northern Sand & Gravel, Headwaters North SmartZone, Chippewa County EDC, Lockheed Martin, BRPH, Great Lakes Space Alliance, OTMV Holdings LLC, Homestead Space LLC, Sault Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, ATLAS Space Operations, IQM Research Institute, M. Carey Consultants, and Peninsular Hussar Technologies!

04/10/2026

Hey you! You've got just a couple days left to register for the SMART Workshop on Marketing from the SBSH grant program.

Be honest, are you an expert at marketing your business? If you have any hesitation in answering, you should attend.

Wednesday, April 15, 8:30 am- Noon O'clock
Center for Freshwater Research and Education (LSSU - Sault Ste Marie)

We're footing the bill for Matt Monte (UP based Marketing Consultant) to bring his years of expertise and tools so that you can get better at marketing. You'll be able to get the help in the workshop to tailor the tools he brings to your business. And, if you are a EUP business and need a bit more help so the tools fit like a glove, it's possible we can also pick up the tab for him and his team to work with you 1on1. How cool is that?!

DM us if you have questions.

We hope to see you registered soon!

The Eastern UP SBSH grant program provides opportunities for business owners to get practical advice, meet business experts, and get stuff done! Any questions about programming can be directed to the SBSH Liaison, Miche Rayment, [email protected]. SMART Workshops are 3.5 hour, in-person prac...

04/09/2026

Enjoy a week of space innovation in Sault Ste Marie! On April 22, come spend a day learning about space innovation and how the EUP plays a role in the space frontier! You’ll hear from individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations who are actively involved in current and upcoming initiatives and projects. Be sure to register!

https://headwatersnorth.org/news/great-lakes-orbit-your-launchpad-space-innovation

Events like these are made possible by great sponsors. One of Great Lakes Orbit’s sponsors, Northern Sand & Gravel, will be hosting another space-focused event, Space Rocks!, on Saturday, April 25. This event is for kids and families - be sure to check it out! For more information, visit

https://www.facebook.com/share/14Wcqkxz4L5/

04/07/2026

Join us at Great Lakes Orbit, an event spotlighting the space economy, tomorrow’s space innovations, and your place in this growing frontier! With a strong foundation in advanced manufacturing, a proud legacy of research and invention, and some of the clearest views of the night sky, the Great Lakes region is rapidly emerging as a hub for space research, technology, and opportunity.

Come explore the wonders of our universe and discover the next generation of space innovation happening right here in the Great Lakes region! Visit https://headwatersnorth.org/news/great-lakes-orbit-your-launchpad-space-innovation to register!

Great Lakes Orbit: Your Launchpad for Space Innovation Great Lakes Orbit: Your Launchpad for Space Innovation Events April 22, 2026 | 8 AM - 5 PM | Sault Ste. Marie Country Club, 1901 Riverside Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI A celebration of space day, built to ignite discussions and partnerships between...

04/03/2026

If you watched the space launch this week and it got you curious about space, then this event is for you! Come explore the wonders of our universe and discover the next generation of space innovation happening right here in the Great Lakes region and EUP!

Registration is required to attend the event. For more details and to register, visit https://headwatersnorth.org/news/great-lakes-orbit-your-launchpad-space-innovation

Be sure to join us at Bird’s Eye on Tuesday night, April 21, for space-themed trivia! Trivia is open to the community!

A big thank you to our many sponsors for making this event possible!