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.
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.
Marcus Reliford Jr.
Areas of Expertise
Retail management, sales growth, performance improvement, customer service, merchandising, inventory management, human resources, operations management, community engagement, and leadership development.
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.
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 $135/person.
Community Conversations
Each month, we will delve deep into crucial issues impacting the food and beverage industry, offering invaluable insights for every food-based business owner or entrepreneur at any stage. Beyond knowledge shared by subject matter experts, these sessions are vibrant hubs of networking, fostering connections among like-minded entrepreneurs, and building community. These sessions are FREE and open to all members of the food business community.
How to Operate in a Commercial Kitchen
This comprehensive 2-hour session will provide practical insights to successfully navigate the ins and outs of working in a shared commercial kitchen. This workshop will include information on licensing and regulations, kitchen etiquette and best practices, food safety protocols, and available shared commercial kitchens in the area. Cost: FREE
Essential Ingredients for Starting a Food Business (CPG edition)
A 6-week workshop series designed to provide the fundamentals and strong foundation for a CPG business (consumer-packaged goods, retail food product, etc). Learn the basics of starting a business, calculating cost of goods sold, retail pricing, packaging, marketing, and so much more! Cost: $100
Essential Ingredients for Starting a Food Business (Foodservice edition)
A 6-week workshop series designed to provide the fundamentals and strong foundation for a CPG business (consumer-packaged goods, food product, etc). Learn the basics of starting a business, calculating cost of goods sold, retail pricing, packaging, marketing, and so much more! Cost: $100
How to Successfully Scale Your Food Product Business
A 6-week workshop series designed to provide in-depth insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in scaling a food product business, covering aspects from strategic planning, pricing strategies, and distribution, to operational efficiency and financial management. Cost: $200
How to Successfully Scale Your Food Service Business
A 6-week workshop series designed to provide in-depth insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in scaling food businesses, covering aspects from strategic planning, marketing and branding strategies, operational efficiency and financial management. Cost: $200
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.