Food Pitch Competition

2023 Food Prize Pitch Competition Finalists

$40,000 ways to make an impact

Food Prize, hosted by the Sprout BC, Battle Creek Food Reimagined, Kellogg Arena, City of Battle Creek Small Business Development Office and other regional partner groups*, are seeking food and beverage businesses looking for support to start or scale operations.

Successful applicants will be selected to complete in two tracks: Food & Beverage Business/Food Service, and Food Manufacturing/Production (Packaged Foods and Food Technology included). Six awards will be presented, three in each category.

Selected finalists will be invited to a pitch competition in Battle Creek on Saturday, October 7th, with awardees receiving 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place awards worth $10,000, $7,000 and $3,000 respectively. Prizes will be cash and may also include technical services. These services may include but are not limited to:
• Consulting Services and Strategic Planning
• Marketing & Branding
• Production/Processing Space
• Technical Assistance
• Buyer Connections

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

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.

*Regional partner group includes: Pure Michigan Business Connect, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Battle Creek Unlimited, Binda Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Eligibility

 

Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Be located in Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Jackson, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Branch, St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Cass or Berrien 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)
July 24th - September 1st

Applications are open.

September 15th

Finalists announced with invitation to participate in pitch competition

October 7th, 2023

IN-PERSON Pitch Competition; awardees announced at event culmination

Let the food speak for itself