MARQUETTE — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced grant recipients for its Small Business Support Hub program on Thursday, with one local organization receiving over $3 million.

Lake Superior Community Partnership received $3.4 million, with $400,000 going toward direct grants to small businesses in 2024. Funds will be used to create the Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub.

The SBSH will “amplify existing support for small businesses and entrepreneurship within Marquette County and expand that support to six additional counties — Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Menominee and Schoolcraft — by placing additional staff on the ground to meet businesses in their own communities,” a press release notes.

In addition, SBSH will offer one-on-one support, access to technical assistance, networking and education. The SBSH will also allow for LSCP to create the Northern Michigan University Main Street Academy, a program that will connect teams of students to small businesses to help solve identified issues.

The SBSH will be housed at the LSCP but overseen by an advisory council comprised of strategic partners, all assisting in the application process: LSCP, Accelerate UP, Innovate Marquette SmartZone, NMU, Small Business Development Center Upper Peninsula, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Sault Tribe Inc.

“The economic momentum in the Upper Peninsula is very real and this is yet another example of what’s possible when we collaborate as partners to bring resources back home. The LSCP is honored to bring together and lead this coalition but we’re most excited for what’s yet to come. Not only will small businesses from across the region benefit from greater access to the system we’ve already built, but we’re adding new tools to the mix and formalizing new partnerships,” LSCP CEO Christopher Germain said in a press release. “The LSCP could not have done this alone and we are grateful to all our partners for committing their own time and resources to this endeavor that will benefit us all for years to come. And of course, we are always appreciative of the investments MEDC continues to make in our region.”

State Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, said in a press release that the U.P. is a great place to live, raise a family and work.

“These funds will help to make sure opportunities to work remain available,” he said. “Our small businesses remain the foundation of our economy, and the MEDC support shows a commitment to fostering those opportunities. Ensuring future generations have the chance to remain here is great for the U.P. and the state of Michigan.”

For more information, visit LSCP at marquette.org.