Competition offers $5,000 for local food and beverage entrepreneurs

Competition offers $5,000 for local food and beverage entrepreneurs

MUSKEGON — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has partnered with Greater Muskegon Economic Development, The Right Place and its partners in Lake, Mason, Oceana, and Newaygo counties on an initiative to provide launch and business growth opportunities to small businesses specializing in food and beverage product development.

The in-person pitch competition will take place at the Muskegon Farmers Market on May 16.  This event is only open to businesses geographically located in Mason, Muskegon, Lake, Oceana, or Newaygo counties.

Businesses interested in participating must complete an application before March 16 by clicking here.

Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Be located in Muskegon, Mason, Lake, Oceana or Newaygo counties.
• Have under $750,000 in annual revenue
• Have 10 employees or fewer
• Operate a food business under the Michigan Cottage Food Law or Michigan Food Law (if business is already in operation)

Up to 10 selected applicants will be invited to pitch their business in the competition on May 16.

Final awardees will receive customized support service packages valued at $5,000 each.  Support packages may include consulting services, marketing & branding, production or processing space, technical assistance and buyer connections. All applicants will also receive access to free business services from partners such as SBDC-Michigan, MEDC, and The Right Place.

For more information, visit here or contact Curtis Burdette, executive director of Oceana County Economic Alliance at 616-307-1985 or burdettec@rightplace.org.