February 2024
March 4-5, Kalamazoo
The Michigan Craft Beverage Council and Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) are excited to announce the early bird pricing rate for the Michigan Craft Beverage Summit will be honored through the event in an ongoing effort to remove barriers to small business growth resource access, supply chain localization and connectivity, and technical assistance.
It's not too late to register for The Summit! Connect with craft beverage producers, growers, and other industry suppliers, and create collaborative partnerships as we work together to advance an ever-growing state craft beverage industry.
Secure your hotel room at the conference site now! The cut-off date for conference room block is February 11, 2024.
During the Michigan Craft Beverage Summit on Tuesday, March 5th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., we will be hosting a buyer-supplier matchmaking activity to connect buyers with Michigan craft beverage suppliers in one-on-one meetings to discuss purchasing needs/interests for grocery/retail and restaurant/bar operations.
General and exhibitor registration, an event agenda, and hotel accommodations are available at https://medc.cventevents.com/MICraftBeverage.
Watch a video promotion for this event featuring Richard Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery and Jenelle Jagmin of the Michigan Craft Beverage Council.
Additionally, at the Michigan Craft Beverage Summit Pure Michigan Business Connect is hosting a buyer-supplier matchmaking activity connecting buyers to Michigan craft beverage suppliers in one-on-one meetings, to discuss purchasing needs/interests for grocery/retail and restaurant/bar operations on Tuesday, March 5th from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Apply to be a supplier and learn more about this matchmaking opportunity.
Attention Michigan wine growers, please join us in a crucial initiative – our inaugural survey on grape growing costs regarding Michigan winegrape pricing for the 2023 season. Conducted by Parallel 45 Vines and Wines (P45) in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension, this survey is designed to illuminate the dynamic relationship between production costs and farming practices; but at its root, to establish a Michigan-wide grape price index to be utilized regionally.
Why it matters:
- Gain insights into the relationship between production costs, farming practices, and their impact on grape pricing.
- Your insights will contribute to a comprehensive report, detailing prices per ton by grape variety and location.
What’s next:
- The final report will provide valuable data categorized regionally (North, Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast) and by American Viticultural Area (AVA).
- The results will be unveiled and discussed in the spring.
Your participation is crucial:
- Your input is vital to the growth and success of the Michigan winegrape industry.
- Your responses will remain completely anonymous.
Thank you for your dedication and support. Let's unite our efforts to propel Michigan's winegrape industry to new heights!
Follow THIS LINK to the survey or copy/paste this address into your browser:
https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rv32yUULTwRVtQ
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Craft beverage producers are invited to apply to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) grant programs for energy and waste reduction. Breweries, distilleries, wineries, and craft-beverage related businesses such as malting operations may be particularly interested in the three grant programs below currently open for applications.
Small Manufacturers Retooling Grant
- For small manufacturers to implement energy improvements in the manufacturing process (not for building upgrades or lighting)
- $50,000 max award (50% match required. e.g., for total project cost of $90,000, the grant would be $45,000 and the match would be $45,000)
- Applications are due March 3, 2024.
Agriculture & Rural Businesses Energy Incentive Program
- Open to agriculture-related businesses and rural businesses
- Funding can be used for building envelope, energy efficiency, renewable energy, etc.
- $25,000 max award (50% match required)
- Applications are due March 3, 2024.
Pollution Prevention and Sustainability Assessments Implementation Program
- These grants are for entities that have gone through some kind of assessment or audit to identify a waste reduction opportunity (energy, materials, water, etc)
- Companies can get a FREE assessment through restartMI.org
- $25,000 max award (25% match required)
- Applications due March 30, 2024.
For each of these programs, please check the program websites for details. Contact Michelle Rogers atrogersm13@michigan.gov or 517-275-1288 to discuss your project and any questions you may have.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is conducting a critical survey to better understand the challenges and needs of second-stage small businesses (10+ employees). Your involvement can make a significant impact, and partners will have access to valuable data we collect as part of this effort.
Why Your Participation Matters:
By sharing your expertise and insights, you help shape the future of Michigan’s small business resources. The survey responses will inform the MEDC on strategies and programs to better serve our state’s entrepreneurs.
Survey Highlights:
- Estimated time to complete: five minutes
- Responses are strictly confidential, and individual data will remain anonymous.
- Input will influence the support services and resources available to businesses in Michigan.
Access the Survey: 2024 MEDC Business Survey
Do you want to see your product on more bar shelves? The National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago is a great way to meet qualified domestic and international buyers in the foodservice industry. If your company adds value to Michigan’s economy and your ingredients are at least 50% (by weight) grown in the U.S., inquire about booth space. Michigan Pavilion exhibitors can take advantage of a free booth furnishing package and a possible 50% reimbursement on booth space and other show expenses. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in pre-arranged meetings with international buyers for a nominal fee.
Michigan Pavilion exhibitors at the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show projected a total of $6.2 million in additional sales and reported 272 qualified leads due to their participation in the show. For more details and to find out if you qualify, please contact Holly Gaffney at GaffneyH@michigan.gov or call 517-449-8482
The Consumers Energy Foundation is offering grant opportunities to help put your community on the map. We are seeking innovative ideas that will energize your town and create momentum that builds a stronger sense of community. If you are selected, you will be invited to present to a panel of judges during the Rural Partners of Michigan's Small Town & Rural Development Conference on April 29, 2024.
The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 15, 2024.
The top three presentations will be awarded one of three grants:
First place: $25,000
Second place: $15,000
Third place: $10,000
Learn more about this opportunity.
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