Free Webinar Helps Michigan Products Land on Local Shelves
Buyers and entrepreneurs share tips on getting retail-ready
Michigan entrepreneurs looking to get their products onto local store shelves will have a new, free resource this spring.
“Raise Your Shelf-Esteem,” a webinar presented by Northern Initiatives, brings together retail buyers and successful producers to demystify the process of getting Michigan-made goods in front of Michigan shoppers. The series is designed for food and consumer product entrepreneurs who are ready to grow but unsure how to break into retail.
“We coach small business owners every day, and one of the most common questions we hear is, ‘How do I get my product into stores?’” said Israel Flores, Business Services Director at Northern Initiatives. “Entrepreneurs have incredible products, but the retail process can feel opaque. This webinar series pulls back the curtain and gives them practical, real-world guidance from people who make these decisions every day.”
The webinar will be held from 2–3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, and is free to attend. Registration is available here: https://bit.ly/3QdValA
The webinar will focus on the buyer perspective and features representatives from the Marquette Food Co-op, Tom’s Food Markets, and the Michigan State University Product Center, who will share what buyers look for, common mistakes, and how entrepreneurs can stand out.
“Raise Your Shelf-Esteem” is part of Northern Initiatives’ ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses across Michigan with both capital and hands-on expertise—helping local entrepreneurs turn great ideas into products consumers can find and buy close to home.
Northern Initiatives, a Community Development Financial Institution, delivers loans and business services to small business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and enable people and communities to thrive. Learn more at northerninitiatives.org.