Since 2004, Taste the Local Difference has supported Michigan local food and farming businesses. Our ongoing mission is to educate consumers and support Michigan food entrepreneurs to build successful, well-connected and thoughtful businesses. Like many businesses, we pivoted our services to better serve our clients and Michigan community due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
One of our biggest accomplishments of 2021 included launching a new suite of marketing services to cater to the pandemic induced needs of local food businesses. For over 60 businesses, we created new websites, set up e-commerce platforms, provided training, and recommended strategies for continued marketing success. These services were positively received and made a tangible impact for our partners. We’re excited to continue expanding these services in 2022 to assist small businesses to market themselves and sell more local food. (Learn more about this work here!)
Throughout 2021, Taste the Local Difference continued to build relationships, empower entrepreneurs, and support purpose-driven local food brands.
Here’s What We Did in 2021
- 5 new full time staff members (get to know them here!)
- 125,000 Local Food Guides distributed across 1000+ distribution sites
- 49 Michigan food businesses & non-profits highlighted in our 2021 Local Gift Guide
- Brand new website debuted in September
- Over 3,500 hours of marketing technical assistance provided by TLD Staff
- Identified funding for subsidized services directly benefiting local food businesses
- Won the Scale Up North Emerging Business Award and received 10+ hours of consulting from Hagerty Leadership among other prizes.
Looking Ahead: Goals & Projects for 2022
- Hiring 5 additional full time positions
- Two new licensees of the TLD Business Model
- Continued partnerships with MDHHS, MIFMA, the Fair Food Network, CSA Innovation Network, MSU Extension, Local Food Marketplace, Western UP Planning and Development Region, and more!
It’s impossible to sum up this year of successes, obstacles, and transformation in one email. If you’re interested in learning more or have ideas on how we can better serve you, send us a note!
P.S. Did you get a chance to read our 2021 Local Food Guide? If so, please take a moment to fill out our brief survey to inform our future Guides. Click here to give us your feedback!
Emma Beauchamp is the Editor in Chief at Taste the Local Difference. Contact her at emma@localdifference.org.
Find more great stories at www.localdifference.org/blog/