The Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (the HUB) has awarded $109,974 to 16 small businesses across the Upper Peninsula, marking the successful completion of its third Direct Grant cycle. Combined with the $218,975 awarded during the first two cycles, the HUB has now distributed $328,949 in grant funds to support 59 small businesses across the region.
The HUB is a collaboration of regional economic development organizations, with the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) serving as the coordinating entity. These collaborating organizations are dedicated to empowering small businesses by providing resources, guidance, and funding to foster economic growth in the Upper Peninsula. Throughout the program, more than $400,000 will be awarded in direct grants to eligible businesses that work with their county’s designated Small Business Resource Navigator and participate in at least one HUB program, event, or service within six months prior to the award.
“While the LSCP has proudly supported Marquette County businesses for over 25 years, serving as the coordinating entity for the Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub has allowed the LSCP to assist in expanding access to critical resources for our small business community across seven counties,” said Christopher Germain, LSCP CEO. “The direct grants are just one tool in the Hub’s toolbox, and I encourage businesses in the Hub’s coverage area to connect with their local Small Business Navigator to learn more about all the resources available through the Hub, including technical assistance, networking, and connections to other partner organizations.”
The third grant cycle supported a diverse range of competitive small businesses. Awards were distributed as follows:
Alger County:
- No Roots, LLC
Baraga County:
- LaRose Wellness Retreat
Delta County:
- KIN Salon & Boutique
Dickinson County:
- Print BLVD
- The Moose Jackson Cafe & Co.
- Preferred Powersports LLC
Marquette County:
- Bri Creative Photography, LLC
- The Living Well MQT LLC
- Lyon Quality Assurance LLC
- Four Swords Retropub LLC
- Northern Lights Veterinary Service
- Paint Pony Studios
Menominee County:
- Wind Rose North Ltd.
Schoolcraft County:
- Flatiron Brewing, LLC
- The Paper Mill Bookstore, L.L.C.
- Manistique Computers LLC
- The Mustard Seed
“We’re excited to work with this next round of grantees. Each cycle has become increasingly competitive as more businesses refine and focus their projects and applications, drawing on The HUB’s Direct Grant and Grant Writing 101 Webinars and the feedback they’ve sought out. This round features a diverse group of small businesses with thoughtfully crafted projects designed to make the most impact within modest budgets,” said Erica Huss, Small Business Support Hub Project Manager. “As we collect feedback from past awardees, we’re continuing to strengthen the program and connect businesses to as many resources as possible, regardless of whether they’ve received grant funding from us.”
The final grant cycle opens October 10 and closes November 7, 2025. To help businesses prepare, Erica Huss will host a Fall 2025 Direct Grant Overview Webinar on Tuesday, September 9, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Between grant rounds, businesses are encouraged to use the myriad of other resources available through the Hub.
Businesses can find their County’s Small Business Resource Navigator at marquette.org/thehub-contact. Learn more at marquette.org/thehub or follow the Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub on LinkedIn.
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