Business Counseling Services
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EmailThe MSU Product Center, through MSU Extension, has an extensive network of Innovation Counselors who offer services to businesses making food and beverage products in Michigan. Our counseling services are provided on a one-on-one basis. Unlimited counseling hours are available after the $100 application fee is paid and a confidentiality agreement is signed.
The MSU Product Center is not able to provide counseling support to businesses making products outside of Michigan. We also do not support businesses making dietary supplements, beauty products, cannabis or THC products. We will take on clients making pet food and treats in Michigan on a case-by-case basis depending on the services needed.
Please note that the MSU Product Center will not be accepting new clients in the months of July and December of each year.
Counseling services include:
Product Development
- Product and Market Research
- Target Market Identification
- Niche Product Development
- Batch Size/Production Amount
- Product Testing
Licensing and Regulations
- Regulator Guidelines Assistance
- Licensing Tasks for Processing
- Licensing Tasks for Storage
- Food Safety Rules and Tasks
- Food Safety Training
Marketing Strategies
- Branding
- Marketing Plan, Tools, and Channels
- Distribution
- Sampling Guidelines
- Wholesale Preparation
Production
- Commercial Kitchen Referrals
- Production Efficient
- Equipment Planning
- Ingredient Sourcing
- Storage Plans
- Co-packer Preparation
Packaging and Labeling
- Sourcing Packaging
- Labeling Rules
- Labeling Claims
- Information on ordering barcodes/UPC
Business Basics
- Refinement of the Business Plan
- Product Pricing
- Resources for Business Registration and Trademarking
