PRESS RELEASE
August 17, 2023
BATTLE CREEK, MICH. – 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, October 7 from noon to 5 p.m., at Kellogg Arena downtown. This is the start of Battle Creek Restaurant Week, set for October 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 September 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 October 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 .
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ABOUT BATTLE CREEK FOOD REIMAGINED
Food Reimagined is a new community-led initiative to foster emerging food & beverage companies in Battle Creek. The program was launched by Battle Creek Unlimited in 2022. The program is being funded in part two grants from U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) totaling $522,000. The grants are part of the EDA’s Build to Scale program, designed to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and startup capital. Food Reimagines is supported locally by the MEDC, the City of Battle Creek, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, JPG Resources, the Kellogg Company, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Gabriela Perez-Hernandez
Director
Food Reimagined
269-441-1661
Perez@bcunlimited.org
John Hart
Director, Downtown Development
City of Battle Creek
269-966-3355, x1191
JJHart@battlecreekmi.gov
