MSU Product Center client recognized as one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch” by Michigan Celebrates Small Business
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EmailFour MSU Product Center clients received statewide honors from Michigan Celebrates Small Business at their 21st annual gala in April 2025.
Three Little Birds Granola, a client of the Michigan State University Product Center, has been named one of Michigan’s “50 Companies to Watch” for 2025 by Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB). The company was honored onstage during the 21st annual MCSB Gala held on April 22, 2025.
“Small businesses in Michigan face challenges every day, yet these awardees have shown resilience, dedication, and a drive for success,” said president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), Brian Calley, in a statement provided by SBAM. “Their work benefits not only the business community, but also the neighborhoods they serve. I'm proud to celebrate their achievements.”
“We are incredibly proud to see four MSU Product Center clients recognized among the 2025 Michigan Celebrates Small Business awardees, including Three Birds Granola being named to the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch,” said MSU Product Center director, Mollie Woods. “Their success stories reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that drive Michigan’s economy forward. At the Product Center, our mission is to support innovators in the food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors, and it's inspiring to witness our clients' growth and achievements being celebrated statewide.”
The “50 Companies to Watch” award recognizes high-potential, second-stage businesses that are making a significant economic impact across Michigan.
About Stacy Sloan and Three Little Birds Granola
Stacy Sloan, a former pastry chef and founder of a recreational cooking school, launched Three Little Birds Granola in 2011 after identifying a need for natural, allergen-free food options in the industry. Based in Whitmore Lake, Michigan, the company produces granola free from GMOs, seed oils, refined sugars, and common allergens.
What started as a product for chefs in hotels and restaurants has grown into a mission-driven business. Sloan reformulated the granola to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) standards for the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Since 2017, the company has sold more than 4 million servings of its Michigan-made flavors: Apple Crisp, Cranberry Crunch, and Banana Chocolate Chip.
Today, Three Little Birds Granola serves over 60 K–12 school districts in Michigan and supplies schools in Minneapolis, Paso Robles, and San Diego. Their customers also include hospitals, childcare centers, and community programs. Products are available directly through their online store.
Certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and DisabilityIN, the company donates a portion of profits—and matches it in food donations—to fight hunger. Sloan also champions childhood nutrition and small business advocacy. Through a course she created with the Small Business Development Center, “Cooking Up a Food-Related Business,” she has mentored over 100 aspiring food entrepreneurs.
Additional MSU Product Center clients honored
Three other MSU Product Center clients were also recognized at this year’s MCSB Gala.
Peach & Honey Cake Bars
Humaira Arain, owner of Peach & Honey Cake Bars, won in the Micro Business category.
Graze Craze
Lindsey Coffelt, owner of Graze Craze, was also recognized in the Micro Business category for her work in charcuterie boards and boxes.
Sticky Spoons Jam
Aiye Akhigbe, founder and owner of Sticky Spoons Jam, LLC, received the SBC Best Small Business Award. Akhigbe was previously recognized by the MSU Product Center with the "Best Barrier Buster Award" at the 2024 Making It In Michigan Conference.
MSU Product Center
The MSU Product Center, through MSU Extension, helps entrepreneurs navigate the process of launching a food business. If you are looking for one-on-one counseling, field-based innovation counselors provide guidance on business planning, packaging, labeling regulations, licensing and compliance, marketing, distribution, and other key aspects of product development.
Since 2003, the MSU Product Center has assisted in business expansions resulting in total investments of more than $446 million and the creation of 3,729 jobs. In 2024, the MSU Product Center held approximately 3,300 counseling sessions with 655 clients, in addition to capital formation totaling more than $2 million.
Learn more about the economic impact of the MSU Product Center and the business counseling services available by visiting canr.msu.edu/productcenter.
