FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ENTREPRENEUR WORKSHOP TO BE OFFERED IN GAYLORD

posted on February 10, 2005 12:02pm

Contact:  Laura Probyn

EAST LANSING , Mich.—Agricultural producers, agricultural organizations and those with ideas about new food, fiber and natural resource products are encouraged to turn thoughts into reality this spring during a one-day intensive workshop offered through the Michigan Agriculture Innovation Center (MAIC) and presented by the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The free workshop, titled “Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Creating an Idea You Can Profit From,” will take place March 24 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University Center in Gaylord.

Presentation topics include market trends, new product feasibility assessments, the myths and realities of being an entrepreneur, and the basics of building a business plan.

Similar workshops are being held in other parts of the state to promote unique value-added products and Michigan’s overall agricultural economy. Programs will be offered in Frankenmuth March 2; Lawrence March 15; Dundee March 17; Big Rapids March 22; and Escanaba March 3 0.

Though there is no registration fee, sign-up for the Gaylord session is requested by March 18. For registration materials and a program schedule, call 517-432-8751 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Program information is also available online at www.aec.msu.edu/product.

The entrepreneurship and innovation program is sponsored by the MAIC through a USDA Rural Development Agriculture Innovation Center grant.  Co-sponsors are the Michigan Partnership for Product Agriculture and MSU Extension.

The MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources is organized to provide coordinated, universitywide assistance for agriculture, food and natural resource entrepreneurs and managers in improving economic opportunities for Michigan. The center’s mission is to envision, explore and empower a profitable future for businesses and industries engaged in Michigan agricultural, food and natural resources systems.

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