Looking to grow your food business? Harvest these opportunities with PMBC

Though Michigan’s official Agriculture Month has ended, PMBC is committed to supporting our state’s food and agriculture businesses throughout the year, providing opportunities to get connected to buyers, start or scale your business, expand into new markets and more.

Check out our recent and upcoming initiatives to support small businesses from Southeast Michigan all the way to the Westernmost corner of the Upper Peninsula:

Virtual Pitch Competition Events

Following the success of the Shiawassee Small Batch Support Program, the PMBC and Community Development teams at MEDC, along with local business support services launched an effort to assist small batch food businesses across the Upper Peninsula to start or scale operations. As a result, 11 small batch food businesses were recently awarded critical support services through a competitive pitch competition. Meet the 11 awardees here.

Virtual Matchmaking Meetings

“Michigan is so supportive of its local food industry, and if you take advantage of those resources that are out there, like Pure Michigan Business Connect, it’s amazing what it will do for you.” – Laura Romito, chef and founder of High 5 Salts.

Watch Here's the Deal to see how PMBC helped Michigan suppliers and buyers connect:

April 14: Webinar: Prepping for the Big Buyer Meeting

An opportunity to impress buyers at the next level doesn’t come around all the time. You’ve got high-quality products that people love, and you’ve already reached a level of scale and operational excellence working with small retailers. And now you’re ready for a great opportunity to meet with a big-box retailer – but are you really prepared? Come hear from CPG packaging expert Skidmore Studio on how to get the most out of your big meeting.

May 6: Making It In Michigan Matchmaking

PMBC and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are excited to partner with the MSU Product Center on the 2021 Virtual Making It In Michigan event. As a part of the Making It In Michigan event, PMBC and MDARD will host one-on-one matchmaking meetings bringing together purchasers including grocers, retailers, distributors, institutional buyers, or anyone looking to procure Michigan-made food, with Michigan food and agriculture businesses from around the state - all with one common goal to strengthen Michigan’s food supply chain. Submit your supplier application to meet with buyers like Chartwells, Cherry Republic, Kellogg, Meijer Capital City, Michigan Fields and more.

Michigan Food Service Products Initiative

Calling all Michigan packaging suppliers! Restaurants and other food service businesses are in need of packaging, equipment and other items that are currently in short supply or being sold at a high markup, due to COVID-19 challenges. PMBC is working with local partners and economic development organizations throughout the state to help respond to demand from these businesses for these products. Purchasing needs include items such as takeout packaging, single-serve condiments and utensils, seating and tents for outdoor dining, and more. If you are a supplier of any of these items or have products you think may be helpful for these supply chain challenges, submit an intake form below.

Upcoming PMBC Events

April 8: BuyDetroit Pre-habilitation Opportunity Sessions (PROS)

April 13: Virtual Healthcare Summit
Supplier application closing 4/2

April 29: Reverse Trade Fair - Meet the WMPPA Buyer
Supplier application closing 4/7

May 12: Virtual Boeing Day

May 13: Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium

Partner Opportunities and Events

BuyDetroit Pre-habilitation Opportunity Sessions (PROS)

The BuyDetroit Pre-Rehabilitation Opportunity Sessions (PROS) are for Detroit-based contractors interested in renovation, rehabilitation and redevelopment projects. If you're looking for construction opportunities in Detroit, we're looking for you! On April 8th, DEGC and Liftbuild will host a PRO Session that will consist of one project totaling over $60 million dollars in investment!

*To join you must represent one of the trades listed on the registration page.

Asian Leadership Panel

In celebration of the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce's 20th Anniversary and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, APACC presents Asian Leadership Panel on May 4th sponsored by PNC. The panelists will discuss the scarcity of Asians in Leadership roles and how the panelists have been able to succeed, creating a pathway for future Asian Leaders.

Happy Hour with Ford Motor Company Supplier Diversity Team

Please join us on May 7th for an evening of making great connections! This Virtual Happy Hour is part of APACC’s 20th Anniversary month-long celebration during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event will provide diverse supplier businesses an opportunity to network with the Supplier Diversity Team from Ford Motor Company.

Virtual COLOURS Conference & Pride Awards

The Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Diversity Council are proud to present the Virtual COLOURS Conference and Pride Awards, Michigan's #1 LGBTQ Business Diversity Conference. As leaders in workplace Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Business Development, this two-day conference will be offered on Thursday and Friday, May 13-14 and will end with an LGBTQ Career Fair. The conference will offer best practices and educational support to attendees on the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace and supplier diversity.

Congratulations!

PMBC is excited to announce that our Development & Operations Manager, Tanya Markos-Vanno, has received the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC)'s Minority Business Advocate Award, in recognition of the difference she makes in the supplier diversity community and various industries that Michigan diverse businesses support.