As shifting trade policy create uncertainty for companies in the twin Saults, Headwaters North is helping entrepreneurs on both sides of the border stay afloat.
Headwaters North is here for businesses on both sides of the border. With the know-how and funding to do business in both Michigan and Ontario, entrepreneurs across the twin Saults have support for their new businesses, their innovative ideas, and their patents from this startup accelerator and Small Business Support Hub.
“We exist to grow the entrepreneurial community, leverage resources and support early-stage economic development by creating and growing new and existing companies in the Eastern Upper Peninsula,” explained Nikki Storey, CEO, Headwaters North.
What makes Headwaters North stand out from other small business supports is its equal emphasis on innovation and startups, as well as small businesses. “Healthy economic development needs tech, labs, and innovation as well as small businesses to thrive. And that’s why we support both, through our two streams of support at Headwaters North,” said Storey.
Nick, Olivia, and Braydon Huyck came to Headwaters North for help with the patent process for Nature’s Acre Organics
Importantly, Headwaters North also helps Canadian companies navigate the ins and outs of the American market, patents, and more, as well as accessing funding that is available through both the Canadian and American governments.
That cross-border work matters more than ever right now. Tariffs and shifting trade policy have thrown real uncertainty at companies on both sides of the river, and while Headwaters North cannot rewrite what happens in Washington, it can help businesses find another way through.
“We are not going to pretend we can fix tariffs, because we cannot. What we can do is help a company find a new market, a new supplier, or a new source of funding so one policy change does not sink a good business. There is almost always another path, and finding it is exactly what we are here for,” said Storey.
“Being a boutique hub means no red tape and no runaround. A founder can walk in with an idea on the back of a napkin and walk out with a real plan, real funding, and a real person who answers the phone. That is hard to find anywhere else,” shared Storey.
Nick Huyck and his two kids, Olivia and Braydon, wanted to grow blueberries in their backyard. They discovered that there was a lot more to it than just sticking a blueberry bush in the ground. This led them down a rabbit hole of soil discovery, and innovation…and Headwaters North was right there with them, helping fund their work and guiding them through the patent process for Nature’s Acre Organics, a growing business focused on specialized soil blends designed for northern growing conditions.
Lacey and Adam Ingrao came to Headwaters North to expand Bee Wise Farms
“Our SmartZone helped move the Huyck’s idea from concept to market-ready innovation, highlighting the region’s growing culture of entrepreneurship and locally driven solutions,” said Storey.
Lacey and Adam Ingrao came into Headwaters North through the Small Business Support Hub, seeking support to expand and better their Bee Wise Farms business. Bee Wise Farms is a Newberry-based farm connecting people with bees and nature through sustainable agriculture, innovative beekeeping education, apitherapy and wellness experiences. “Their SBSH direct grant and new Vibe Board have completely upgraded how Lacey and Adam Ingrao teach, connect, and grow,” said Storey. “Bee Wise Farms are now impacting women-owned businesses in Africa and farmers integrating beekeeping into their work!”
Dr. Ashley Moerke at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
Headwaters North works closely with the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre on the Canadian side of the border, as well as Lake Superior State University, Algoma University, and Sault College. A key partner is the Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE), a growing leader in freshwater innovation and applied environmental research, and home to the Headwaters North office.
“Together, we have supported initiatives like MIWaterNet and expanded collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and economic development partners to help turn freshwater technology and research into real opportunities for the region,” explained Storey.
For more information and support on both sides of the border for your small business or startup in the Eastern Upper Peninsula area, check out the Headwaters North website today.