News
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Funding for start-up and growing businesses
Published on October 28, 2012
Individual Development Accounts provide matched funding that entrepreneurs can use as seed money to start or expand their business. -
Starting a community conversation using the World Café format
Published on October 17, 2012
Explore how community members from Lowell, Michigan’s 2012 Community Visioning Process did just that. -
Business resources available through Michigan State University Product Center-ShadeFund Partnership
Published on October 16, 2012
ShadeFund, through its field partnership with Michigan State University Product Center, provides small loans to Michigan entrepreneurs connected to the land and food system. -
Great Lakes farm market expo offers educational opportunities for local food producers
Published on October 15, 2012
Michigan expo is one ofthe largest gatherings of fruit and vegetable producers in the nation. -
Potential member input is vital for establishing cooperatives
Published on October 9, 2012
Cooperatives serve the needs of members and provide for mutual benefits. Open communication allows for free expression of ideas and expectations. -
Proper pricing provides profits
Published on October 3, 2012
Business sustainability relies on matching costs with the market environment. -
Can a first-time entrepreneur do it alone?
Published on October 3, 2012
Going it alone can be done, but at the risk of leading to burn out and poor business performance. Learn more about how to avoid this through networking and relationship building. -
Direct marketing of locally produced meats offers opportunity for livestock producers
Published on September 28, 2012
Understanding meat inspection is important to comply with regulations -
Grand Rapids' new “Downtown Market” continues making progress
Published on September 21, 2012
The new market was named on Sept. 17 and will feature indoor and outdoor stalls for fresh food vendors, restaurants, event space and a youth demonstration kitchen among other attractions. -
Michigan food business combines a socially beneficial mission with for-profit enterprise
Published on September 20, 2012
Learn more about the business venture of one Michigan entrepreneur who’s using her product to make a difference. -
Attention absentee voters: Follow voting rules so your vote counts
Published on September 20, 2012
Kent County’s Director of Elections offers valuable tips for absentee voters. -
Food business tips: Changing condiment trends influence new products
Published on September 12, 2012
Condiment sales rise as consumers cook more meals at home to save money. Adults ages 18-24 and Hispanics use more condiments and drive product development toward spicy, healthy and convenient options. -
Turning the family recipe into a business: Labeling food products when they’re not cottage food
Published on September 10, 2012
If your family recipe is not a cottage food, labeling it correctly to sell it at the farmer’s market or grocery store means following guidelines developed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. -
Successful strategies for engaging the Latino and Hispanic population
Published on September 10, 2012
Explore lessons learned from 10 years of Oregon State University Extension’s 4-H Latino Outreach Project. -
Turning the family recipe into a business: Labeling your cottage food products
Published on August 29, 2012
Labeling your cottage food correctly to sell at farmers markets means following special guidelines developed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. -
Turning the family recipe into a business: Licensing starts with food safety
Published on August 23, 2012
To ensure your family recipe will be free from C. Botulism once it’s on the grocery shelf, it must be classified and receive a Process Authority Review to ensure it will be produced in a food-safe manner. -
Grand Rapids area farmers make the leap to restaurant ownership
Published on August 19, 2012
Eastown’s Trillium Haven Restaurant contributes to a local food system. -
Breakfast on the Farm in Kent County provides hands-on learning about local agriculture
Published on July 27, 2012
MSU Extension and Partners Sponsor Saturday, August 4, 2012 Breakfast on the Farm Event at May Farms in Sparta, Mich. -
Herbal and organic over-the-counter pain relievers rubs and wraps are on the rise
Published on July 24, 2012
For businesses, the growing consumer interest in treating only the area that hurts instead of the entire body is likely to be a compelling brand position. -
Food hubs offer hope and help to agriculture producers
Published on July 13, 2012
Building an integrated agriculture production and distribution system that understands and meets the needs for local food is essential for all to prosper.