Calling all food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs – Battle Creek’s first Food Prize promises an extraordinary showcase of up-and-coming food creators and new culinary experiences!
Food Prize will celebrate the passion and creativity of food and beverage businesses in the region. The event is set for Saturday, Oct. 7 from noon to 5 p.m., at Kellogg Arena downtown. This is the start of Battle Creek Restaurant Week, set for Oct. 7-14.
Food Prize is a collaborative effort between Sprout BC, Battle Creek Food Reimagined, Kellogg Arena, the city Small Business Development Office, and other regional groups. This event aims to provide a platform for food entrepreneurs to flourish and succeed in the ever-changing culinary landscape.
Food Prize is accepting applications now from food and beverage businesses from these counties – Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass, and Berrien. Get the details and forms here online: https://pmbc.connect.space/food-prize-bc/details.
The application deadline is Sept. 1, 2023, for businesses interested in participating.
“The goal of Food Prize is to foster a dynamic and supportive environment for food and beverage businesses looking to kickstart or scale their operations,” said Jeremy Andrews of Sprout BC. “We are excited to witness the emergence of innovative food concepts, and to support the growth of local talents in Southwest Michigan.”
Event attendees will have the opportunity to savor the delicacies from aspiring food-makers from all corners of Southwest Michigan. Attendees will cast their votes to choose the top food and beverage creators, with three awards in each of these categories: Food and Beverage Business/Food Service and Food Manufacturing/Production.
Finalists will earn a spot in the thrilling pitch competition, also scheduled for Oct. 7. The top three winners will receive cash prizes of up to $10,000, and may be eligible for services like consulting, strategic planning, marketing support, and more.
“We believe nurturing the talents and dreams of our local food entrepreneurs is essential for fostering a vibrant and thriving food ecosystem,” said John Hart, the city’s Downtown Development Director.
For more information about the Food Prize event, visit FoodPrizeBC.com.
About Food Prize: Food Prize is an annual food event and pitch competition held in Southwest Michigan, showcasing the innovation and creativity of food entrepreneurs. The event aims to support and promote local food and beverage businesses by providing them with an exceptional platform to display their products and ideas.
Regional Partner Groups:
- City of Battle Creek Small Business Development
- Sprout BC
- Battle Creek Food Reimagined
- Kellogg Arena
- Pure Michigan, Business Connect
- Penetrator Events
- Battle Creek Unlimited
- Battle Creek Community Foundation
- The Guido A. and Elizabeth Binda Foundation
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation