Entrepreneurship

Traveling sauna creates unique opportunities along lakeshore

“We're looking at other harbor towns on Lake Superior and if it takes off, maybe working with state parks and campgrounds. Our main mission right now is to see if people want it," said Brandon Frisk, one of the founders of Sauna on Kuuma.

Latest in Entrepreneurship
Nisu Bakery & Cafe brings Finnish flair to Hancock

The owner of Nisu Bakery & Cafe in Hancock has a long connection to the U.P., even though she only recently moved to the region. Proud of her heritage, her shop will sell Finnish and Swedish baked goods and gifts. 

Marquette firm works to remove space debris

A Marquette company founded by three Northern Michigan University alumni is working to help remove debris from space, clearing the way for safe future travel and protecting humans from falling objects. 

On tap: annual Michigan Rural Health Conference

The Michigan Center for Rural Health holds its annual conference next week in Mount Pleasant. The two-day conference brings those working in rural health together to discuss a variety of issues in rural health, network and collaborate.

The former elementary school is the home of Advanced Blending Solutions. The school underwent a $2.5 million renovation.
Back to school: Entrepreneur turns his former elementary school into his company offices

Advanced Blending Solutions in Wallace has a unique ‘true north’ origin story. In a serendipitous move back to his hometown, Mike Rasner purchased his former elementary school and transformed the building into his company’s official headquarters and manufacturing operations.

The Irish Boat Shop hosted a group of students from Great Lakes Boat Building School at its downtown Harbor Springs location in early March.
Boat-building school partners to promote marine careers

“We have a long history in this area and a great reputation within the industry, and it has been difficult to find well-trained and qualified technicians. That’s why we have partnered with the Great Lakes Boat Building School to support the education that they are providing to our future workforce," says Laura Kohler, human resource manager at Irish Boat Shop.

The Newberry News was named the Michigan Press Association Newspaper of the Year for 2022 in its category.
The Newberry News bucks industry trends

Venerable newspaper embraces social media and other initiatives to thrive in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The Newberry News was named the Michigan Press Association's Newspaper of the Year for 2022 in its respective division.

Austin Gongos and Nathan Ackerman, co-founders of Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear in Hancock.
FHLBank grants help elevate local small businesses to next level

FHLBank Indianapolis believes in the power of lifting up small businesses, and the big impact it has on their communities. Four businesses in the U.P. were awarded $74,326 in Elevate grant funding. We speak with two of them, and how the funds are allowing them to level up their businesses.   

Stormy Kromer partners to make portable sauna tents

Iconic Stormy Kromer partners with Wisconsin tent manufacturer to produce portable sauna tents. “We think it makes a lot of sense for two Midwestern brands who definitely know winter to jointly put their names on this innovative product,” said Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Jacquart Thorsen.

U.P. sauna company works up a sweat

Engadine construction company finds success with hand-crafted, barrel-shaped, portable saunas. They're shipped across the country and common at homes and camps in the U.P.

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