MSU Product Center launches new introductory seminar for prospective clients
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EmailVirtual sessions offered twice monthly will prepare entrepreneurs before registering as clients with the MSU Product Center.
The Michigan State University Product Center is offering a new introductory seminar designed for packaged food and beverage business owners who are interested in becoming clients. Beginning October 1, 2025, the seminar will be offered twice a month in a virtual format, with attendance at one of these offerings a requirement prior to registering as an MSU Product Center client.
The 1.5-hour sessions will help prospective clients determine whether the MSU Product Center is the right fit for their business needs. By providing a clear overview of services, expectations, and requirements, the seminar ensures that participants are prepared to take the next step toward building a successful packaged food or beverage business.
Topics covered include:
- MSU Product Center services and client expectations
- Products the MSU Product Center does not work with, including baby food, THC or cannabis products, pet food, beauty products, supplements, and foodservice businesses
- Licensing and regulations for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs)
- Recipe standardization
- Food safety requirements and costs
- Production requirements
- Pricing and financial management
- Marketing strategies
The seminar will also include a review of the MSU Product Center’s Business Concept Form, illustrating the level of preparedness expected from businesses when they become clients. After completing the seminar, participants will receive useful resources and clear next steps to register as an official MSU Product Center client.
“By requiring this seminar, our goal is to help entrepreneurs better understand the regulatory, financial and operational realities of launching a packaged food or beverage business,” said Mollie Woods, director of the MSU Product Center. “This step ensures our clients come in prepared and able to take full advantage of the support we provide.”
How to register
The introductory seminar will be offered virtually twice a month. For upcoming dates and registration details, visit events.anr.msu.edu/MSUProductCenterIntroductorySeminar.
MSU Product Center
MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses with development of products and services in the packaged food and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consults with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging, and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling, please visit their website at canr.msu.edu/productcenter.
