What makes Headwaters North stand out from other small business supports is its equal emphasis on innovation and startups, as well as small businesses. \u201cHealthy economic development needs tech, labs, and innovation as well as small businesses to thrive. And that\u2019s why we support both, through our two streams of support at Headwaters North,\u201d said Storey.<\/p>\n
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\nNick, Olivia, and Braydon Huyck came to Headwaters North for help with the\u00a0patent process for Nature\u2019s Acre Organics
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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said Storey.<\/p>\n
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\u201cBeing 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,\u201d shared Storey.<\/p>\n
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\u2026and Headwaters North was right there with them, helping fund their work and guiding them through the patent process for Nature\u2019s Acre Organics, a growing business focused on specialized soil blends designed for northern growing conditions.<\/p>\n
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\nLacey and Adam Ingrao came to Headwaters North to expand Bee Wise Farms
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\u201cOur SmartZone helped move the Huyck’s idea from concept to market-ready innovation, highlighting the region\u2019s growing culture of entrepreneurship and locally driven solutions,\u201d said Storey.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cTheir SBSH direct grant and new Vibe Board have completely upgraded how Lacey and Adam Ingrao teach, connect, and grow,\u201d said Storey. \u201cBee Wise Farms are now impacting women-owned businesses in Africa and farmers integrating beekeeping into their work!\u201d<\/p>\n
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\nDr. Ashley Moerke at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre
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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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we have supported initiatives like MIWaterNet<\/a> and expanded collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and economic development partners to help turn freshwater technology and research into real opportunities for the region,\u201d explained Storey.<\/p>\n