Michigan Small Business Spotlight
Your weekly look at the people building Michigan from the ground up
Something I have noticed over the past few weeks is that when you give Michigan residents a chance to show up for a local business, they do not hesitate.
hundreds of votes cast for Business of the Month. A UP Hidden Gem voting page collecting nominations from people who actually live up there. And a community that keeps growing because it believes Michigan's best stories are not being told anywhere else.
That is what this is all built for. Let us get into this week.
INTRODUCING THE MICHIGAN ADVENTURE PASS
We just finished building something I am genuinely proud of.
The Michigan Adventure Pass is a 49-page digital guide to the Michigan you would never find on TripAdvisor. Not the same ten tourist stops everyone already knows. The real Michigan. The one locals keep to themselves.
Six complete guides inside:
Hidden gems Michigan locals keep to themselves and why. Twenty small town Main Streets worth slowing down for, with real local picks at each stop. Twenty-two waterfalls worth chasing with nearby food stops. Weekend itineraries for the best Up North destinations in the state. The best fall color routes and timing for every corridor. And a Michigan Foodie Trail covering the small, local, legendary spots worth driving for.
This is the guide your most well-traveled Michigan friend would hand you if you made them swear to give you the real list.
It is $9.97 and it is yours instantly.
Get the Michigan Adventure Pass here:
Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a Michigan friend using your personal link and earn rewards for every new subscriber you bring in.
VOTING FOR BUSINESS OF THE MONTH CLOSES IN DAYS
We have businesses nominated across all five regions of Michigan and some of these races are still wide open.
West Michigan is a two-business war. The Sippin Station and His Creations LLC are separated by votes that could flip tonight if the right people show up.
Northern Michigan is one vote apart. One vote.
If you have not cast yours yet, go do it now before it closes.
THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHTS
These businesses are currently in first place in our vote for Business of the Month
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
LuxeDog Waste Removal | Bloomfield Hills, MI
Most businesses talk about premium service. LuxeDog Waste Removal actually delivers it.
This Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business out of Bloomfield Hills is redefining what pet waste removal looks like in Oakland County. Background-checked, fully insured technicians. Organic kennel-grade disinfectant on every piece of equipment after every visit. Waste double-bagged and discreetly disposed of on-site. Weekly and bi-weekly plans, no contracts.
This is what it looks like when a veteran brings that same discipline and commitment to serving their community.
WEST MICHIGAN
The Sippin Station | West Michigan
Sometimes a business finds a way to bring people together that just makes sense.
The Sippin Station is a mobile drink experience bringing good vibes to events across West Michigan. Their motto says it all: Sip into Happiness. West Michigan has spoken loudly about what this business means to the community. That kind of loyalty does not come from a marketing budget. It comes from showing up and doing the thing you love.
MID-MICHIGAN
Williams Dye Co | Burton, MI
Right outside of Flint, in the City of Burton, a home-based business is creating something you genuinely cannot find anywhere else.
Hand-dyed adult tees, hoodies, crewnecks, kids clothing, and fabric — each piece one of a kind. Their upcycled line gives existing garments a second life with bold color and real artisan craftsmanship. Every item is made by hand. If you are looking for a Michigan-made gift that no one else will have, start here.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
CrestPointe Coverage LLC | Northern Michigan
After 12 years in the insurance industry, the founder of CrestPointe Coverage kept seeing the same problem. People were walking away from conversations about their coverage more confused than when they started. That frustration became a mission.
A family-owned independent agency built on one idea: every family and small business deserves someone who will explain things clearly, honestly, and without an agenda. No pressure. No jargon. Just real guidance from someone who genuinely cares whether you are protected. Your family's legacy. Their peak of protection.
Search CrestPointe Coverage LLC on Facebook
UPPER PENINSULA
Grandma's Little Peddler | Iron River, MI
Tucked into the lower level of a former health department building on Washington Avenue in Iron River, Grandma's Little Peddler is exactly the kind of place you stumble upon and never forget. Jewelry, clothing, handmade local items, UP souvenirs, gifts you will not find anywhere else. Small but packed with unique finds and surprising variety.
Iron River is lucky to have it. And now the rest of Michigan knows it too.
601 Washington Avenue, Iron River, MI
ONE MORE THING
If you are in the Upper Peninsula or know someone who is, go nominate your favorite local hidden gem at topchoicediscover.com/up-hidden-gem-vote. The businesses with the most votes will be featured in the Michigan Adventure Pass as the community-voted UP hidden gems. The guide grows as Michigan votes.
And if you have not grabbed your copy yet, it is waiting for you.
Thank you for being part of this. See you next week.
Dave Baca
Michigan Small Business Spotlight
topchoicediscover.com