This opportunity for help may be of interest to any growers interested in starting a marketing coop.  This program I is offered through MSU product center, there to help you check out our business dream and make it happen.

 

 

 

Dear Road to Independence participant:

 

You may be interested in this business opportunity.  The MSU Product Center is now offering free business counseling services to form a cooperative, and, as part of a USDA rural development grant, we have  funding available to help you get started.  Want to learn more?   Attend one of these workshops.  A complete brochure is attached.   You can register online, by email, or by phone.  Your registration is covered by the grant.

 

Feb. 21 in Frankenmuth at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant

Feb. 23 in Grand Rapids at the Holiday Inn Select

Feb. 28 in Gaylord at the University Center

 

Groups that may want to explore the benefits of marketing products/services as a cooperative include:

-farm marketers within the same community

-small, independent retailers; artisans, bakers, prepared foods, wool fibers

-rural residents looking for new housing

-commodity producers not already organized as a co-op

-specialty producers; meats, alpaca or emu, organic vegetables, herbs, bee-keepers

 

The primary advantages of the cooperative business model are that small businesses 1) find market strength in collaborating on a single brand and pooling supply year round, and 2) potentially save money by group-buying of commonly needed supplies or products, even fuels.

 

-Barb

 

Barb Fails, Assistant Director

MSU Product Center

82 Agriculture, East Lansing, MI  48824

(517) 432-3287

www.aec.msu.edu/product/