Headwaters North SmartZone

Headwaters North SmartZone Headwaters North is a SmartZone in Sault Ste Marie.

We exist to grow the entrepreneurial community, leverage resources and support economic development by creating and growing new and existing companies.

09/04/2026

Based in Newberry, Bee Wise Farms blends education, beekeeping, and whole‑person wellness into something truly unique. Just like honey, this farm is a lot of intentional work, and once you find it you wonder how you got along without it! With support from a $4,994 SBSH grant, founders Lacey & Adam Ingrao added a Vibe Board and it transforms how they teach, making classes more visual, dynamic, and accessible through high‑quality presentations and video instruction.

Bee Wise also received a Small Business Survival Grant during COVID‑19, helping them through a rough spot and this gem continues serving the EUP community.

How sweet is that?! (see what we did there :)) We’re proud to be home for Bee Wise Farms.

https://www.beewisefarms.com/

This month, we're breaking down what Headwaters North truly is, what we do, and how we can help you! So, let's start at ...
09/03/2026

This month, we're breaking down what Headwaters North truly is, what we do, and how we can help you!

So, let's start at the beginning: what in the heck is a SmartZone?

A SmartZone is basically a support system for people with tech and innovation ideas. It brings together entrepreneurs, universities, industry partners, and local economic development groups to help launch and grow technology‑based businesses. The state designates certain regions as “SmartZones” so entrepreneurs can get help turning early‑stage ideas into real businesses. Here in the EUP, Headwaters North is our SmartZone!

It’s not a tech campus or a fancy building. It’s a team, a toolkit, and a community built to help founders move from “I think I could…” to “I’m actually doing this.”

SmartZones help people:

Test ideas

Build early prototypes

Understand their market

Strengthen their business model

Get connected to mentors and resources

It’s all about helping local innovators grow companies right where they live. At Headwaters North, we can help with all of this! Have a tech or innovation idea? Visit our website to connect with us! Let's get started!

headwatersnorth.org



Michigan Economic Development Corporation City of Sault Ste. Marie, MI Lake Superior State University

Marketing Bootcamp is coming up, and we want you at the table!If your business messaging feels muddy or your marketing i...
09/02/2026

Marketing Bootcamp is coming up, and we want you at the table!

If your business messaging feels muddy or your marketing is all over the place, this FREE SMART Workshop (hosted on September 9) will help you tighten it up fast! It’s an in‑person working session, led by Matthew Monte, where you build real tools, make real decisions, and walk out with a blueprint you can actually use!
You’ll dig into segmentation, targeting, placement, product strategy, pricing, and the look and feel of your brand. It’s hands‑on, practical, and built for small businesses that want clarity and confidence!

So, what will you leave with?
-A clearer picture of your best buyers or customers
-A sharper read on your brand assets
-A priority list for your marketing
-Simple ways to run market research

Save your seat and get ready to build something real! Register at

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO4C7julq9_0IavT37G-6ZX6P1IRlsFqqC02uiHUhKQiscOw/viewform

Can't make this SMART Workshop? On Wednesday, September 15, Diana Goode is back for September's second SMART Workshop: QuickBooks Financials & Cashflow Mastered! Visit the website for more information and to register!

https://www.headwatersnorth.org/smart-programming



Bay Mills Indian Community Sault Tribe Thrive Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation Chippewa County EDC Luce County Economic Development Corporation Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Sault Area Chamber of Commerce Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission

Calling all small businesses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula! The Second Annual EUP Exchange is almost here and you do no...
09/02/2026

Calling all small businesses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula! The Second Annual EUP Exchange is almost here and you do not want to miss this! Join us over at LSSU on Monday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. The room is going to be packed with energy, ideas, and people who actually get what it’s like to run a business in the EUP!

What can you expect to get from the Exchange? Updates on the SBSH Grant Program, a real discussion about what is between your business and where you want to be, and connection with business experts too! Register today and make sure you are in the room!

https://www.headwatersnorth.org/event/up-exchange



Bay Mills Indian Community Sault Tribe Thrive Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation Luce County Economic Development Corporation Chippewa County EDC Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission Sault Area Chamber of Commerce

Check it out! Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently did a spotlight on Sault Ste. Marie's Superior Coffee R...
09/01/2026

Check it out! Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently did a spotlight on Sault Ste. Marie's Superior Coffee Roasting Company, Inc., a recipient of Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) resources!

Congrats Ron and crew on your spotlight and all of your success!

To learn more about SBSH and resources available to your small business, visit https://www.headwatersnorth.org/small-business-support-hubs-2-0 today!



Chippewa County EDC Sault Area Chamber of Commerce Lake Superior State University

Hey Lakers! If you’re coming back to campus with a business or tech idea rattling around in your head (or you’re brand‑n...
08/30/2026

Hey Lakers! If you’re coming back to campus with a business or tech idea rattling around in your head (or you’re brand‑new and already thinking bold) the Entrepreneurship Club is where you start turning that spark into something real!

Former LSSU student Grant Riley did exactly that. He showed up with an idea, put in the work, and with support from Headwaters North and the SmartZone, he launched SimplMobility while he was still a student. Now he’s out there building a real company that’s helping people recover from concussions.

That’s what happens when you plug into a community that backs the bold.
If you’ve got an idea, rough, half‑formed, or ready to run, come join the club.
Built at LSSU. Built by students. Built for what’s next.

Email [email protected], subject line "Entrepreneurship Club Sign Up" to join!



Lake Superior State University LSSU Lukenda School of Business The City of Sault Ste. Marie Michigan Economic Development Corporation

08/27/2026

Ugly Portraits hit LakerPalooza tomorrow at the Headwaters North booth! Bring your face… and your courage.

Visit https://www.headwatersnorth.org/ugly-portrait to skip the line!



Lake Superior State University LSSU Lukenda School of Business Michigan Economic Development Corporation City of Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Hey Lakers, we have DOUBLE the fun today!We’ve got TWO brave Lakers who already sat down for their ugly portraits… and h...
08/26/2026

Hey Lakers, we have DOUBLE the fun today!

We’ve got TWO brave Lakers who already sat down for their ugly portraits… and honestly? We’re not sure who had it worse. Two portraits. Two disasters. One question:

Can you guess who these Lakers are? It's your last chance before the event Friday!

Drop your best guesses in the comments (winner gets bragging rights for the rest of the semester)!

Want your own? Jordan West is back at Lakerpalooza turning five‑minute scribbles into unforgettable chaos.

Skip the line and lock in your time slot:
https://www.headwatersnorth.org/ugly-portrait

And while you’re there, swing by and check out Entrepreneurship Club. If you’ve got ideas, we’ve got the place to grow them.

Double the portraits. Double the chaos. Only at Lakerpalooza.



Lake Superior State University LSSU Lukenda School of Business Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Tomorrow is the day and there is still time to grab your spot!If you have been meaning to register for our SMARTSession ...
08/25/2026

Tomorrow is the day and there is still time to grab your spot!

If you have been meaning to register for our SMARTSession with Robin Chapekis of SvelteHR, this is your sign to do it right now! Tomorrow Robin is breaking down the people side of running a business in a way that is actually fun, totally judgment free, and packed with things you will use immediately!

We are talking HR basics, knowing when to ask for help, and getting answers to the questions you have been sitting on for way too long!

And do not forget, SBSH may be able to cover the cost of a private one-on-one session with Robin after the event. A confidential hour with an HR expert, potentially on them. Worth showing up for!

Spots are still open but tomorrow comes fast. Remember, SMARTSessions are virtual and free. Register today and we will see you there!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn4btz0EmhW8yFIxWdnJh1ErYkwc6st8i7eg3EgJyXl3sHwA/viewform



Bay Mills Indian Community Sault Tribe Thrive Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation Chippewa County EDC Luce County Economic Development Corporation Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission Sault Area Chamber of Commerce

⚠️ LAKERPALOOZA IS THIS WEEK, LAKERS. ⚠️Spots for ugly portraits are going FAST but we need to talk about something urge...
08/24/2026

⚠️ LAKERPALOOZA IS THIS WEEK, LAKERS. ⚠️

Spots for ugly portraits are going FAST but we need to talk about something urgent first…

Who is this Laker!? One brave soul already sat down with Jordan West and got their portrait done. We're not saying who… but we think you might recognize them. Drop your best guess in the comments.

Jordan will be set up and ready to draw the ugliest portraits you've ever loved, and yes, they're completely FREE.

LakerPalooza is THIS FRIDAY, which means your window to grab a time slot is closing. Snag your spot below!

https://www.headwatersnorth.org/ugly-portrait

And while you're at the booth, stop by and sign up for Entrepreneurship Club. Got a business or tech idea rattling around in your head? This is where it starts.

Don't wait. Don't miss it. This week only.



Lake Superior State University LSSU Lukenda School of Business Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Address

100 Salmon Way
Sault Ste. Marie, MI
49783

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