South Haven Regional Business Hub Announces 2026 Strong Leader Series™ Curriculum & Dates
The South Haven Regional Business Hub, a nonprofit organization supporting entrepreneurs across Southwest Michigan, has announced the dates for their 2026 Strong Leader Series™. The transformative professional development experience will take place October 8, 15, and 22 from 8:15 am to 12:30 pm at the Lake Michigan College, South Haven Campus. Facilitated by local leadership group The Purpose Partners, […]
SH business hub to host strong leader series
The South Haven Regional Business Hub recently announced the dates for their 2026 Strong Leader Series. According to a news release, the transformative professional development experience will take place from 8: 15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, 15 and 22 at the Lake Michigan College, South Haven Campus.
Partnership Makes it Possible
Strong connections fuel great communities. See how our team’s engagement and local partnerships are creating lasting opportunities across the region. Teri Sue and Sean Winters with Debi Howe (Hub Board Chair) at the recent Chi-Ishobak Open House at the new Dowagiac location. Chi-Ishobak is one of our strategic partners and a Community Development Financial Institution […]
Allegan’s Eccentric Garden Joins South Haven Business Hub’s 2026 Growth Series
The downtown plant-and-art shop represents Allegan County business in this year’s cohort — a 26-week program pairing established owners with mentors. As Eccentric Garden moves to grow its own plants on-site, owner Lacey Schmitt is betting on the next chapter.
South Haven Business Hub Names 10 Business to 2026 Growth Series Cohort
From a patient-safety installer to a globally connected ag lab to a downtown plant shop, the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s free, 26-week Growth Series has matched this year’s established owners with veteran mentors — built on the idea that no one should have to scale a business alone.
Partnerships
The Hub partners with municipal leaders to strengthen support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses across the region. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with Carla Sones, President and Interim CEO of Southwest Michigan First, and for conversations with Kimberly Pichot, Dean, College of Professions from Andrews University at the Cornerstone Alliance Annual Meeting.
The Hub behind Southwest Michigan’s next wave of entrepreneurs
Applications are open for the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s 2026 Growth Series, a free 26-week program offering Southwest Michigan small-business owners mentoring, training, and resources to scale and improve long-term success.
South Haven’s Business Hub posts record numbers — and Is just getting started
There’s a quiet revolution happening for small businesses in South Haven and Van Buren County — and the numbers in the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s newly released 2025 Impact Report make the case compellingly.
Regional resource for entrepreneurs: Business Hub expands its reach
When most people hear “South Haven Regional Business Hub,” they might assume it serves a small lakeshore community. Think again. Under its new executive director, A. Elizabeth Bernhard, the hub has grown into a regional force for small business development — drawing clients from Allegan, Kalamazoo, Berrien, Barry, Calhoun, Ottawa, and Kent counties, in addition to its home base of Van Buren.
2025 Impact Report Executive Summary
Discover how the South Haven Regional Business Hub empowered entrepreneurs in 2025 through targeted support and mentorship. Learn about the Hub’s 92% retention rate, success stories like Forever Clean Soap Works, and the 2026 strategic plan to drive regional economic growth.