Workshop Announcements

Think Local First, Growing Hope and Whole Foods Market are presenting a series of workshops for established and budding local food entrepreneurs. The four part series addresses topics specific to creating and building a food-based business. 

Learn what markets are not being met. How to develop an action plan. How to make access to local retailers and restaurants. And how to grow your existing business with a low interest loan from Whole Foods Market. Along with each panel discussion there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience. Come learn from the experts!

Each session offers specific advice for new and existing businesses. Registration is FREE, but is required for planning purposes. Please use the link provided at the bottom of each workshop description.

We look forward to meeting you!

Monday September 23, 6pm-8pm at the Corner Brewery

Workshop 1: Recipes for Success-Business Plans and Local Market Needs

Have you dreamed of starting a food business, but didn't know how to start? This is the first step in building and creating a local food based business.  Learn what market sectors are ripe for development and determine if your plan has a future. All the basics will be discussed. 

Speakers include:

• Charlie Penner, Regional Director of the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, 
• Jessica Meissner, Economic Anthropologist of The Shed, Business & Employment Co-op,  and former entrepreneurship researcher for Washtenaw County Community & Economic Development, 
• Dave Klingenberger, Chief Fermenting Officer of The Brinery.  

Networking beginning at 6pm with panel discussion at 6:30pm. Registration is FREE and required at this link. Please note the Corner Brewery requires that all attendees for this session must be 21 or accompanied by a parent.  For further information click on this link.

Monday, September 30, 6pm-8pm at the Corner Brewery

Workshop 2: From Cottage Law to Commercial Kitchen

Learn the ins and outs of producing food for resale from this diverse panel. The Michigan State University Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high value, consumer responsive products in the agriculture, natural resources, and bio economy sectors. Learn about the Incu-Bake model that is a shared-space commercial kitchen that helps start ups take the first step. And Mary Wessel Walker of Harvest Kitchen who has experienced it all will be on hand to discuss the how to start a food based business.

Speakers include: 

• Frank Gublo, Innovation Councilor at the MSU Product Center,
• Marcy Bishop Kates, Owner of Incu-Bake in Holt, MI, 
• Mary Wessler Walker, Owner of Harvest Kitchen in Ypsilanti. 
• Dan Vernia, Chef and Founding Member of the Washtenaw Food Hub

Networking beginning at 6pm with panel discussion at 6:30pm. Registration is FREE and required at this link. Please note the Corner Brewery requires that all attendees for this session must be 21 or accompanied by a parent.  For further information click on this link.

Monday, October 7, 6pm-8pm at Riverside Arts Center

Workshop 3: Selling Products to Major Retailers

Learn what growers and producers need to know about packaging, labeling, insurance, distribution and much more relating to food production. Plus, learn how to take advantage of the Whole Foods Market Local Producer Loan Program. If you want to grow and expand your business this session is for you! 

Speakers include: 

• Carole Peterson, Whole Foods Midwest Associate Coordinator for Produce and Floral,
• Ben Hery, Whole Foods Associate Store Team Lead,
• Tim Redmond, co-founder of Eden Foods, American Soy Products, and Blue Horizon Organic Seafood Co.,
• E.T. Crowe, Owner of Wolverine State Brewing, 
• Tony Menyhart, Owner of Easy Artisan, 

Sponsored by Whole Foods. Networking beginning at 6pm with panel discussion at 6:30pm. Registration is FREE and required at this link.  For further information click on this link.

Monday, October 14, 6pm-8pm at Riverside Arts Center

Workshop 4: Selling Products to Local Co-ops, Single Store Front Retailers and Restaurants

At this session you'll learn what it takes for local products to get on the shelves and menus of small retailers and restaurants. Discussion will include which products are in demand, what kinds of quantities are needed, and how to build a relationship with these businesses. 

Speakers include:

• Kevin Sharp, Outreach & Education Manager at The Peoples Food Co-op, 
• Corinne Sikorski, General Manager at the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, 
• Robert Cantelon, Managing Partner of Arbor Farms Market, 
• Briannon English and Jeff Yoder from Triple Tree Farm,
• Johnny Gates, Chef at The Corner Brewery.

Networking beginning at 6pm with panel discussion at 6:30pm. Registration is FREE and required at this link.  For further information click on this link.