2020 Summit Lightning Talks - Kendra Wills

The Michigan State University Product Center is a low cost resource for food entrepreneurs and farmers to start and grow their businesses. We utilize campus faculty, specialists, students and field based educators to work one-on-one with clients. The range of our work is vast – from concept stage to large food processors. The MSU Product Center can help guide people through the regulatory process as well as with product labeling, packaging, recipe development, pricing, marketing and distribution. To become a MSU Product Center client, entrepreneurs are asked to complete an online form, pay a one-time $50 application fee, and to sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their information. During the 2018-19 fiscal year, the MSU Product Center provided 4,690 counseling sessions and worked with 658 clients. Since 2003, the MSU Product Center has assisted in business expansions resulting in investment of $463 million and the creation of 2,636 jobs.