Cottage to Commercial: Ingredients for a successful food business

Cottage to Commercial training will help you understand how to turn your food business idea into a successful commercial reality.

Michigan State University Extension and MSU Product Center educators will conduct food business planning classes May 19 in Niles, and May 21 in Allegan, Michigan. 

The two-hour session will deal with basic food processing, regulatory requirements, business development resources, and related topics. The program targets individuals who are interested in starting a licensed, commercial food business. 

The MSU Product Center helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses to develop and launch new product and service ideas into food, agriculture, bioenergy, and natural resources markets. A state-wide network of Innovation Counselors is available to counsel individuals interested in starting related business ventures. Last year the MSU Product Center assisted 593 clients with business planning and guidance to launch. 

The Niles session will be held 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at the Niles Entrepreneur & Culinary Incubator (NECI) 219 North 4th Street/2nd Floor, Niles, MI 49120. NECI, a program of Niles Main Street, is designed to help local entrepreneurs start and grow food businesses. There is a $25.00 fee. Make checks payable to Niles Main Street and mail to 333 N 2nd Street Suite 303, Niles, MI 49120, or register online. To register enter “MSU Seminar Registration” in the notes section of the “contribute another amount here” area. The deadline for registration is May 15, 2015. For more information call NECI at 269-687-4332. 

The Allegan session will be held 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at the Allegan County Human Services Building, 3255 122nd Avenue, Allegan, Michigan. The fee is $20.00 and registration may be made online through May 18. For more information, call 269-944-4126.

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