Upper Peninsula Region
Michigan Technological University
Serving Alger, Baraga, Chippewa, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties
Michigan Technological University
Academic Office Building G008
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, MI 49931
Daniel Yoder, Regional Director
Email: sbdc@mtu.edu
Phone: 906.487.2469
Hours: 8am-5pm ET Monday-Friday
Your business journey starts here.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing your company, or navigating challenges, we’re here to help. Our expert team provides no-cost consulting, market research, business education, and the resources you need to succeed.
Serving small businesses across the Upper Peninsula Region, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you build strong, resilient businesses. Let’s take your next step—together. Ready to get started?
Upper Peninsula Team
We’re more than just business consultants—we’re your partners in success. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance, no-cost consulting, and valuable resources to help your small business thrive. Whether you’re starting, growing, or overcoming challenges, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Let’s build something great—together!
Daniel Yoder
Regional Director
Daniel serves as the Regional Director for the Upper Peninsula Region. His professional expertise includes commercial lending, business development, organizational leadership, financial analysis, valuations, strategic planning, and market research. He builds relationships with economic development organizations and lenders across the U.P. to support small businesses. He holds an MBA from Michigan Technological University and is actively involved in various regional business and economic development initiatives. He lives in Michigan’s rural northernmost county, Keweenaw.
Lance Wolfe
Senior Business Consultant
Lance is a seasoned business consultant with the Michigan SBDC, offering three decades of experience supporting small businesses throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He helps companies achieve their goals, whether they’re startups, looking to buy or sell, planning for growth, streamlining operations, or maximizing profitability. His expertise covers strategic business planning, financial forecasting, business valuations, and more. Lance’s broad industry experience spans hospitality, professional services, engineering, medical, and transportation. With 10 years of military experience in maintenance, logistics, and operations, he brings a unique perspective on efficiency and execution.
Kevin Manninen
Senior Business Consultant
Kevin brings over 25 years of university-level experience, teaching marketing, international business, and management in Michigan and overseas in Finland. Before joining the SBDC, Kevin served as the academic dean of the International School of Business at Finlandia University. He has extensive experience coaching and advising entrepreneurs locally and internationally and has worked in regional economic development in both Michigan and Finland. Kevin is a member of the statewide SBDC Export Team and the AI Special Interest Group.
Nicole Young Potvin
Regional Marketing Specialist
Nicole brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and strategic marketing expertise to the SBDC team. As a former hospitality industry business owner, she understands the challenges and triumphs of running a small business firsthand. This practical insight is complemented by a background in corporate marketing and in her current role as a marketing specialist within the SBDC. Nicole is currently pursuing an MBA from MTU, further enhancing her business acumen. Outside of professional life, Nicole is an accomplished author of three novels and a fiddle player on the praise team.
Mariah Goos
Business Consultant
Mariah’s ability to connect with people has fueled her career choices in fields ranging from social media marketing to economic development. Her ability to form meaningful relationships and bring people together has created a strong regional network throughout the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Throughout her professional experience of over thirty years, Mariah has come to appreciate that small businesses are the backbone of the Upper Peninsula. Economic growth across the region cannot happen without building strong locally owned businesses.
Jordan Craven
Business Consultant
Jordan is a technology expert who loves supporting small businesses. With a degree from Michigan Technological University in the disciplines of business management, information systems, and computer science, she is well equipped to make business planning and technology adoption simple. With her clients, she strives to create business plans that maximize technology and minimize the never-ending task list. She believes that with good planning and technology, business owners can own their time instead of their time owning them.
Marguerite Goldman
Intern
Marguerite is a senior at Michigan Technological University, pursuing a degree in Finance with minors in Financial Technology and Economics. She currently serves as a finance and intake intern. Marguerite finds it deeply fulfilling to serve entrepreneurs in her community and contribute to their growth and success.
Kalle Keranen
Sabrina Loftus
Maia Nelson
Intern
Maia Nelson is a sophomore at Michigan Technological University majoring in Marketing. She currently serves as a marketing and intake intern, gaining hands on experience and developing a strong understanding of marketing fundamentals.
Andrew Weir
Intern
Andrew is a fourth-year finance major with a FinTech minor at Michigan Technological University. Having grown up in Calumet, he understands firsthand the vital role local businesses play in strengthening the community. He applies the knowledge and skills gained through his academic studies in his role as a finance and accounting intern, where he supports and advises local businesses to help them thrive.
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