231 Food & Beverage Pitch Challenge Forms
Small Business Application
The 231 Food & Beverage Pitch Challenge, hosted by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and a regional partner group*, is seeking food and beverage businesses looking for support to start or scale operations.
Businesses interested in participating should complete an application between February 16-March 23, 2023.
Selected finalists will be invited to a pitch competition in Muskegon on Tuesday, May 16th, with each awardee receiving a customized Support Service Package valued at $5000, that may include:
Selected participants will not receive all support services listed above; finalized packages will be customized to meet awardees' unique needs. Support Service Package costs will be covered, awardees will not be provided cash.
Eligibility
Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:
Timeline
- February 16 - March 23, 2023: Small Business Application open
- Week of April 16, 2023: Finalists announced with invitation to participate in pitch competition
- Week of April 30: Mandatory VIRTUAL Pitch Prep Workshop for finalists
- May 16, 2023, 4pm-7pm: IN-PERSON Pitch Competition; awardees announced at event culmination
Rules
Please refer to the Process & Selection Terms & Conditions, or request a copy of this document by emailing pmbc@michigan.org
*Regional partner group includes the City of Muskegon, Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED), Lake County Economic Development Alliance, Mason County Chamber Alliance, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, MSU Product Center, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, Oceana County Economic Alliance, SCORE, The Right Place, and West Michigan Food Processing Association (WMFPA)
Contact pmbc@michigan.org with any questions.
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Businesses interested in participating should complete an application between February 16-March 23, 2023.
Selected finalists will be invited to a pitch competition in Muskegon on Tuesday, May 16th, with each awardee receiving a customized Support Service Package valued at $5000, that may include:
- Consulting Services and Strategic Planning
- Marketing & Branding
- Production/Processing Space
- Technical Assistance
- Buyer Connections
Selected participants will not receive all support services listed above; finalized packages will be customized to meet awardees' unique needs. Support Service Package costs will be covered, awardees will not be provided cash.
Eligibility
Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be located in Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo or Oceana counties
- Have under $750,000 in annual revenue
- Have 10 employees or less
- Operate a food business under the Michigan Cottage Food Law or Michigan Food Law (if business is already operating)
Timeline
- February 16 - March 23, 2023: Small Business Application open
- Week of April 16, 2023: Finalists announced with invitation to participate in pitch competition
- Week of April 30: Mandatory VIRTUAL Pitch Prep Workshop for finalists
- May 16, 2023, 4pm-7pm: IN-PERSON Pitch Competition; awardees announced at event culmination
Rules
Please refer to the Process & Selection Terms & Conditions, or request a copy of this document by emailing pmbc@michigan.org
*Regional partner group includes the City of Muskegon, Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED), Lake County Economic Development Alliance, Mason County Chamber Alliance, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), MSU Center for Regional Food Systems, MSU Product Center, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership, Oceana County Economic Alliance, SCORE, The Right Place, and West Michigan Food Processing Association (WMFPA)
Contact pmbc@michigan.org with any questions.