MSU Product Center

Michigan Food & Beverage Entrepreneurs: Ready to learn what your customers really think about your product?

Join us on August 5 at 10:00 AM for a free 1-hour webinar introducing the fundamentals of sensory and consumer science and how these tools can help you make informed product and business decisions.

Led by Dr. Emily Mayhew and the MSU Sensory Lab, this session will also explain how to apply for the MSU Sensory and Consumer Research Program—a unique opportunity for Michigan food entrepreneurs to receive a student-led, faculty-guided consumer sensory research study for just $160.

✅ Learn the basics of sensory and consumer research
✅ Discover how consumer insights can strengthen your products and business strategy
✅ Understand the application process and selection criteria
✅ Get tips to maximize your chances of being selected for the Fall 2026 program
✅ Participate in a live Q&A to support your application development

Participants selected for the program will be paired with an MSU student team to design and conduct a consumer research study, culminating in a final presentation and detailed report of results.

🎟️ Register today: https://pears.io/events/msuext/8090/

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable customer insights and take your food business to the next level!

🚨 Don’t miss this opportunity, Michigan entrepreneurs! 🚨

The Start Garden 100 application deadline is quickly approaching — July 12 at 11:59 PM.

If you have a business idea or an existing product you’re ready to grow, this is your chance to connect with funding, partners, and valuable support. This statewide competition brings together multiple capital opportunities—including grants, loans, and even retail connections—all in one place.

✔ Submit a 100-second video pitch
✔ Get feedback and mentorship
✔ Compete for access to funding and growth opportunities

With more than $500,000 in capital opportunities available and a track record of launching and scaling Michigan businesses, this is one program you don’t want to miss.

👉 Apply now: https://contests.startgarden.com/start-garden-100/

💡 Tip: Food and CPG entrepreneurs—this could be a pathway to not only funding but potential retail connections as you scale.

Ready to build a brand that stands out—and actually sells?

The Branding and Marketing Self-Guided Course for Food and Farm Businesses from the MSU Center for Regional Food Systems is a free, flexible resource designed to help you strengthen your marketing strategy from the ground up.

Through five short, self-paced modules, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Define and build your brand
✔ Understand the basics of marketing
✔ Use social media effectively
✔ Create a simple, actionable marketing plan

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your message, this course is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward with confidence.

👉 Start learning at your own pace: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/branding-and-marketing-self-guided-course-for-food-and-farm-businesses