Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) is excited to announce a new Access and Certification Grant program designed to break down barriers preventing Michigan businesses from winning purchase orders. The program has three objectives:

• Increase supplier access to local and global procurement opportunities
• Improve competitiveness in advanced manufacturing for Michigan small businesses
• Enhance supplier capabilities and open doors to new industry verticals

Eligible companies may qualify for up to $15,000 in assistance to offset 50 percent of pre-approved expenses per fiscal year.

The PMBC Community is a free business-to-business (B2B) platform, created by Connect Space, that connects Michigan companies of all sizes and industries to facilitated matchmaking opportunities. Whether you have a product or service you would like to get in front of buyers, or a procurement opportunity you would like to discuss with a Michigan supplier, the PMBC Community is just the place to do it. With the new capabilities and needs “tags”, your company profile will connect you to more customers or a larger supply base.

Are you a Michigan chef/restaurateur looking for new and alternative revenue streams during this challenging time? 

Qurate.tech, Hometalk.com, and FoodTalkDaily.com, along with a network of foodservice industry and online community partners have created a platform to connect restaurateurs and chefs with their patrons through shoppable recipes and other interactive content. The goal is to create new revenue streams for those in the service industry that are additive, not exploitative, by empowering those in the industry to monetize their offerings in new innovative ways.

The platform will be launching in Michigan, and the Qurate business development team and developers are looking for interested parties to participate in the pilot program. Visit the Qurate Platform to learn more.

The PMBC and Community Development teams at MEDC, along with local business support services, joined forces to help small batch food manufacturers through their recovery and growth following the struggles of COVID-19. The Shiawassee Small Batch Support Program is one such effort designed to assist small batch food businesses in Shiawassee County start or scale operations, with business support services recently awarded to six local businesses through a competitive pitch competition.

The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) has awarded PMBC as Regional Resource Partner of the Year. It is presented to the organization or individual whose business practices have had a significant impact on the growth and development of the NVBDC and their certified service-disabled and veteran-owned businesses. PMBC is honored to be recognized by the NVBDC and cherishes the relationships we’ve built with NVBDC and their veterans over the years.

November 19 - MEDC eCommerce Webinar Series: Selling on Rakuten
Registration will close on November 19

December 3 - Doing Business with the State of Michigan
Registration will close on December 2

December 10 - Upper Peninsula Food Processing Support Webinar
Registration will close on December 9

December 10 - Virtual DTE Supplier Meet & Greet
Supplier application closes on November 17