Are you a farmer, agriculture entrepreneur, food hub manager or value-added agricultural producer? Then Pure Michigan Business Connect may be able to help your business grow.

Pure Michigan Business Connect is a public/private initiative that serves to help grow and enhance the competitiveness of Michigan businesses. The initiative was developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and offers businesses assistance in two major ways: 1) access to business to business (B2B) networks and 2) free or low cost professional business services.

The B2B network provides companies that would like to source Michigan products with an opportunity to do so by connecting Michigan businesses. One way that connections are made is through “supplier summits”. MEDC and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are co-hosting an invitation-only B2B matchmaking event on March 26, 2014 in Lansing, Mich. The result will be an increase in procurement opportunities between Michigan businesses and greater collective investment in Michigan’s economy.

Pure Michigan Business Connect also connects entrepreneurs or startup businesses with participating businesses that offer accounting, legal, consulting, web design and other services at no cost or reduced rates. Since the program is open to all Michigan-based businesses, agricultural entrepreneurs or value-added food processors can take advantage of these services to help launch or expand their businesses.

If you are an agricultural or value-added producer interested in participating in the program, visit www.puremichiganb2b.com and complete a “Request for Services” agreement. Your completed form will generate emails to participating professional service providers that will be in contact within 7-10 business days. For more information please visit the Pure Michigan Business Connect website or view an informative webinar on Pure Michigan Business Connect.

For more information on Michigan State University Extension, visit their webpage or contact Rob Sirrine, MSU Extension Community Food Systems educator, or visit the MSU Hops Production Website.