Live Workshops and Tools
Startup Series 2026
Strengthen Your Startup Business with 2026 Startup Series Workshops, January - March
Don’t Wait: Launch and Grow Your Business with the Free 2026 Startup Series!
Your dream business won’t wait. Secure your spot now in the South Haven Regional Business Hub’s comprehensive 2026 Small Business Startup Series. We invite entrepreneurs ready to launch and small business owners (up to five years in business) across Van Buren, Cass, and Berrien Counties to register immediately for this essential training.
What You’ll Gain: Six Free Professional Workshops
This series consists of six professional, standalone workshops designed to build a more solid business foundation. You’ll gain access to expert guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, valuable networking opportunities, and a supportive community.
Each session is focused and practical, helping you:
- Sharpen your business acumen and improve operations.
- Develop robust marketing strategies.
- Find new sources of funding and investment to support growth.
- Work toward completing a Business Model Canvas (a core tool provided in Session One).
“The Startup Series workshop was easy to understand and I’m already implementing the things I’m learning.” – Max L., Local Small Business Owner
Focused, Free, and Flexible Learning
We know your time is valuable. Our flexible format allows you to choose the standalone sessions that best address your current business needs.
- No Cost to Attend: Thanks to the generous support of grants and private donations, the entire Startup Series is offered at no charge.
- Convenient Timing: All sessions are held from 6–8 p.m. at Lake Michigan College, South Haven. Light snacks will be provided.
- Choose Your Focus: Pick and choose from six popular small-business-focused topics. Attend one or all six.
Ready to turn your idea into reality? Don’t miss this window of opportunity. Register to attend at no cost today! Just select the session(s) you want to attend and register now to save your space!
Schedule of Sessions and Speakers
Session 1: January 15 Startup Success Simplified: A Guide to the Business Model Canvas
Steven P. Cummings, Partner, SPC Consulting
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 6–8 p.m., Lake Michigan College, South Haven. Light snacks provided.
This session is for anyone with a business idea ready to build a company customers actually want. Learn to use the Business Model Canvas to analyze your core value proposition and create a dynamic strategy that proves why your business is the best solution to your customer’s problems.
Key Takeaways
- How do you identify the specific problem you solve for a customer, and why is that the most critical part of your business?
- What if you could see your entire business from your customer’s perspective, from the value proposition you offer to how you reach them?
- Leave this session with a single-sheet birds-eye view of your business.
Map out your business strategy to grow. Sign up today.
Session 2: January 29 Accounting Basics for Your Small Business
Michele Coy, Michele Coy Enterprises
Thursday, January 29, 2026, 6–8 p.m., Lake Michigan College, South Haven. Light snacks provided.
This session helps small business owners with sound financial management, insights, tools, and proactive financial strategies so businesses and organizations can improve internal cash flow, reduce business risk and increase the value and efficiency of their business or organization.
Key Takeaways
- How to determine cash flow
What are P&L and the balance sheet? - How do the numbers correlate to profitability?
Session 3: February 12 Sales Skills for Non-Salesy Business Owners
Dan Cubr, Sandler/EAM Consulting Group
Thursday, February 12, 6–8 p.m., Lake Michigan College, South Haven. Light snacks provided.
Many new business owners are surprised to discover that success hinges not just on their product or service, but also on their ability to sell it—and this workshop will give you the tools to confidently navigate that crucial aspect of entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways
- Acquire strategies to overcome the fear of prospecting and networking for new business.
- Learn to lead the buyer-seller dynamic and take control of the sales process.
- Gain confidence in your own selling style.
Session 4: February 26 Business Structure and Financing Opportunities
Debi Howe, Board Chair, South Haven Regional Business Hub
Panel discussion
- Bill Deckinga, The Huntington National Bank
- Chris Moraitis, Schuitmaker, Moraitis Law Office
- Vernard Robinson, Northern Initiatives
- Sarah Snoeyink, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
- Janiece Stewart, Michigan Women Forward
- Stephanie Timmer, Sturgis Bank & Trust Company
- Jonathan Westfall, Honor Credit Union
- Sean Winters, Chi-Ishobak
Session 5: March 19 Website and Social Media Marketing for Startups
Cheri Bales, Owner, Hannah/Gold Communications
Key Takeaways
- What tools do you really need (channel selection)?
- What do you need to watch out for (avoid pitfalls)?
- How can you streamline (automate) your marketing?
Session 6: March 26 Case Study: From Startup to Three Decades - Meet the Owner
GB Richmond, Goodbye Money Stress
From the business founder, you’ll hear:
- How his business was mapped out well before it started
- About his funding and marketing steps, and missteps
- Why working “on” the business is as important as working “in” the business
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: If Lake Michigan College South Haven’s campus is closed due to weather or other circumstances at the time of the Startup Series (typically 6 p.m.), then the session will either be rescheduled or offered virtually. You will receive notification in your inbox at the email you used to register. Contact GB Richmond: (517) 745-9899 with questions.