News
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The Grand Rapids Urban Forest Project: Building citizen advocates
Published on July 10, 2012
Project to plant 200,000 trees by 2020 depends upon the engagement of the city’s citizens. -
Cottage to Commercial: Ingredients for a Successful Food Business
Published on June 29, 2012
Cottage to Commercial will help you understand how to turn your food business idea into a commercial reality. -
Attention Michigan farmers: Schools are looking for more vegetables and beans
Published on June 26, 2012
USDA School Meals Program offers financial incentive for menus serving more beans and dark green, orange and yellow vegetables starting fall 2012. -
Michigan’s hard cider comes naturally
Published on June 22, 2012
The popularity of hard cider is stimulating the growth of new cideries in Michigan with business counseling from the Michigan State University Product Center. -
Why are social media trends important to business owners?
Published on June 15, 2012
Knowledge of social media use trends will help small business operators target their marketing efforts. -
Pricing your food product for profit
Published on June 7, 2012
It is virtually impossible for small food businesses to compete in the lower price range of the commodity market. Because of this, it is critical to highlight product attributes consumers value and will pay a higher price for. -
Senator Goeff Hansen partners with MSU Extension to promote Michigan fruits and vegetables
Published on May 21, 2012
Senator Goeff Hansen partners with MSU Extension to promote Michigan-grown food options in Fruitport community schools. -
Gardening with special needs: The benefits of horticultural therapy
Published on May 21, 2012
Gardening activities can provide horticultural therapy for those with disabilities -
Plan your fruit-related food business this summer
Published on May 18, 2012
Fresh fruit will likely be hard to find this growing season. If you’ve been kicking around a new food concept, the Michigan State University Product Center can help you develop the idea. -
Cooperatives: a unique business structure
Published on May 4, 2012
Cooperatives can offer great benefits to members but can be challenging to get established. -
Niles Entrepreneurial & Culinary Incubator: A chip off the ol’ Starting Block
Published on April 30, 2012
With the help of the Michigan State University Product Center and Starting Block Incubator, Niles MainStreet opens its Niles Entrepreneurial & Culinary Incubator in June to support local food business development. -
Economic Gardening: A Tool to Develop Local Business Leaders
Published on April 20, 2012
The 10th Annual National Economic Gardening Conference to be held in Grand Rapids, Mich. on June 12-13 -
Kent County to Offer Junior Master Gardener Program in Two Locations This Summer
Published on April 20, 2012
4th – 6th Graders can engage in unique learning opportunities as they explore the role of a master. -
MSU study: food and agriculture contributions to Michigan economy top $90 billion
Published on April 12, 2012
A new study discussed at the Michigan Agriculture and Rural Development Commission meeting indicates that Michigan agriculture experienced a 50 percent growth between 2004 and 2010. -
Cottage to Commercial: Ingredients for a successful food business
Published on April 10, 2012
Whether you've dabbled with a home-baked cookie or dreamed about bottling grandma’s spaghetti sauce, food products are serious business. The 'Cottage to Commercial' class can help you learn how to turn your food business idea into reality. -
Web and social media marketing for businesses
Published on April 4, 2012
MSU Extension offers classes for beginners and experienced business owners to improve their marketing via the web and social media. -
Food Network influences consumer food preparation and purchasing choices
Published on April 3, 2012
Popular television programming inspires viewers to seek out new foods. -
A written business plan is instrumental to success for new entrepreneurs
Published on March 27, 2012
A well-developed business plan will look three to five years ahead and outline how your business intends to reach financial goals, maintain and grow revenues, and help you think objectively about key elements of your business venture. -
An entrepreneur will exhibit special qualities
Published on March 22, 2012
Do you have the personal assets required to be an Entrepreneur? -
Taming the meeting beast
Published on March 20, 2012
Step-by-step Instructions for planning effective meetings.