Food Business Resources
Ready to take the next step in your food business journey? Eastern Market is proud to support food entrepreneurs and businesses, at all stages, throughout the Metro Detroit area and beyond. One of the many ways we provide a supportive and interactive environment is by connecting food entrepreneurs to a wide range of resources, not only to start their food business, but to keep it thriving. Whether an aspiring food artisan or a budding restaurateur, below we’ve put together a wealth of resources to help food entrepreneurs and businesses.
Shared Commercial Kitchens and Co-Packers in Metro Detroit
Discover a variety of shared commercial kitchen spaces in the Metro Detroit area to develop and perfect recipes, scale production, and launch a food business. From fully-equipped facilities to flexible rental options, these kitchens provide the ideal environment for food businesses to launch and grow. Connect with co-packers who can help you streamline your production process, package your products professionally, and bring your products to market. Whether producing sauces, snacks, baked goods, or beverages, this list of co-packers offers a range of services to meet your needs.
Ask an Expert
“On-the-Fly” Ask an Expert sessions are 30-minute virtual meetings that offer food entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect directly with our team of food industry experts. With their wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, our experts can provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights, recommendations, and actionable strategies tailored to their unique needs. Simply schedule a convenient time slot, and our experts will be ready to lend their expertise and support.
Powered by Eastern Market and TechTown Detroit.
Las sesiones “On-the-Fly” de Consulta a un Experto son reuniones virtuales de 30 minutos que ofrecen a los emprendedores del sector alimentario la oportunidad de conectarse directamente con nuestro equipo de expertos en la industria alimentaria. Con su amplia experiencia y conocimientos prácticos, nuestros expertos pueden proporcionar a los emprendedores valiosas ideas, recomendaciones y estrategias accionables adaptadas a sus necesidades específicas. Simplemente programe un horario conveniente, y nuestros expertos estarán listos para ofrecer su experiencia y apoyo.
Impulsado por Eastern Market y TechTown Detroit
Sandy Levine
Areas of Expertise
Hospitality systems, Staff culture, Community engagement, Bar & restaurant efficiency , Bar & restaurant startup and growth, Menu development, costing, and optimization, PR & media relations, Navigating industry fluctuations and challenges, Problem solving.
Chrissy DeBose
Areas of Expertise
Content strategy and planning, visual storytelling and branding, audience engagement and community building, video creation and short-form editing (Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts), analytics and performance optimization, platform-specific growth strategies (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), influencer outreach and brand partnerships, email marketing and campaign workflows, creative direction and production coordination.
Meg Burritt
Areas of Expertise
Business planning, Business strategy, Strategic planning, Costing and pricing, Product development, Sourcing, supply chain and procurement.
Ederique Goudia
Areas of Expertise
Food safety training, licensing, foodservice management and operation, recipe costs, menu development & engineering, and cost analysis.
Ana Marin
Areas of Expertise
Food safety training, business registration, licensing and permits, food business management and operation, health department inspection preparation, and support for entrepreneurs looking to start or improve their food business.
ÁREAS DE EXPERIENCIA
Capacitación en seguridad alimentaria, registro de negocios, licencias y permisos, gestión y operación de negocios de alimentos, preparación para inspecciones del departamento de salud y apoyo a emprendedores que desean iniciar o mejorar su negocio de alimentos.
Demarra West
Areas of Expertise
Mental Health clinician, Leadership coaching, Trauma-informed Leadership, Individual and Organizational Wellness Assessment, Essential Coping Skills for Wellness & Personal Growth, Resilience-building Strategies, Racial Healing, Crisis Intervention and Mediation, Diversity Equity & inclusion, Yoga, Reiki.
Food Business Classes and Events
Join us at Eastern Market, in partnership with In the Business of Food, for a variety of classes and events designed specifically for food entrepreneurs and businesses. Learn from industry experts, sharpen your skills, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs at workshops, classes, and events covering topics such as food safety, customer service, content creation, marketing, AI and more!
ServSafe Food Safety Manager Certification Course and Exam
ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program for any one working in the food industry. The course discusses foodborne illnesses, including information on specific foodborne pathogens and biological toxins, contamination, and major food allergens. Prevention is also covered, with information regarding purchasing and receiving guidelines, food preparation, holding, and serving guidelines, food safety management systems, sanitation guidelines for facilities and equipment, as well as food safety regulations.
The ServSafe Manager Certification is a five-year certification and verifies that a manager or person-in-charge has sufficient food safety knowledge to protect the public from foodborne illness. Cost is $165/person.
Registration links for 2025:
- Monday, September 22nd (Spanish)
- Monday, October 13th
- Saturday, November 15th
- Monday, December 15th (Spanish)
Happy Hour in the Market
Happy Hour in the Market is a monthly networking event connecting food entrepreneurs and local farms across Detroit for collaboration and community support. Hosted on Mondays from 5:30-7:00 PM, each gathering features guided farm tours, fresh bites, coffee, mocktails, and DJ vibes, rotating among leading urban farms and food hubs throughout the city. Food business owners, farmers, and producers come together to build partnerships, share resources, and promote local food systems in an energetic, welcoming atmosphere.
Registration links for 2025:
Food Business Licensing 101
Food Business Licensing 101 is a monthly workshop designed to equip Detroit food entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to become licensed food businesses. Participants gain practical guidance on licensing, kitchen regulations, application requirements, and best practices for shared commercial kitchen spaces.
Registration links for 2025:
Shed 5 Skills Lab
Shed 5 SkillsLab is a bi-monthly hands-on workshop series dedicated to building essential skills for Detroit food entrepreneurs. Each session offers practical, expert-led training on topics like farmers market displays, sell sheets, catering setups, and pop-up events, helping participants boost their business visibility and operational confidence.
Registration links for 2025:
Licensing Guides
Navigating the regulatory landscape can be daunting for food entrepreneurs, but these licensing guides are here to help. Learn about the permits, licenses, and certifications required to start and operate a food business in Michigan, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations every step of the way.
Small Business Support Organizations
Access a network of small business support organizations dedicated to helping food entrepreneurs succeed. From business development assistance to funding opportunities and mentorship programs, these organizations provide valuable resources and support to help you grow your food business.