With anchored corporations like Kellanova (formerly Kellogg Co.) and Post Consumer Brands, Battle Creek may not initially be thought of as the vibrant local food system that it is. The ‘Cereal City’ is primarily known for the products it supplies to the middle of the grocery store aisles nationwide.
Upon further investigation, you’ll find that collaborators statewide are working hard to uplift food entrepreneurs in this region of Michigan. Most recently, the formation of Battle Creek Food Reimagined (BCFR) brings together powerful contributors for the success of local brands looking to scale their business. Since forming in 2023, BCFR has aided 20 companies with connecting to an array of available programming and technical assistance opportunities. With its unique ability to leverage resources and expert help in the city, BCFR was recently named a Small Business Support Hub by Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
“You can’t talk about Battle Creek Food Reimagined without thinking of their charismatic leader, Gabriela Perez Hernandez, who brings tremendous experience in the food science field to bear on her passion for supporting the food ecosystem in Battle Creek,” says Sam Stokes of the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems (MSU-CRFS). Hernandez comes from a long professional history in the local packaged foods industry, and knows how Battle Creek is uniquely situated for success in this industry, from a plentiful water supply to an experienced labor pool. “She has really successfully brought together a group of folks that understand that small food businesses are the future of Battle Creek as a food research, development, and production powerhouse, and who want to support entrepreneurs in growing a healthier, localized, and equitable food system.”
Battle Creek Food Reimagined: A Network of Partnerships, for Entrepreneurs
What kind of support can entrepreneurs receive from this rising-star organization? John Hart explains that his connection to BCFR as Development Director for the City of Battle Creek means he can help entrepreneurs with practical needs, from licensing to building inspections. “It could be that we’re working with accountants to set them up, or some things are more brick-and-mortar, like they might need to hire a plumber to put in a new piece of equipment, or to work on the fire suppression system,” illustrates Hart.
Another key partner in this network is Michigan State University and its programs that support the local food community, such as MSU Center for Regional Food Systems and the Product Center. “MSU support has been instrumental to the momentum we have creating and growing this initiative,” highlights Hernandez, Director of BCFR. Beyond leveraging its large network of food community partners, MSU supplies the coaching and expertise of its staff, bringing a practical knowledge base that sets starting and scaling businesses up for success. With a deep commitment to Battle Creek’s burgeoning entrepreneurs, the Product Center has a dedicated staff member in town at least one day per week.
The Packaged Foods Entrepreneur in Michigan
Hernandez states that the time is ripe for businesses to bring an authentic love of food to the packaged foods space. With advances in e-commerce and social media, plus a growing number of incubator kitchens throughout the state, it’s easier than ever to bring a passion for foods to the profit line.
That being said, Stokes says she finds that companies started from a love of baking or creative culinary passion can quickly run into the realities of business building. “What becomes abundantly clear, quickly, is that the product needs to reach a larger audience than is possible only selling close to home,” she illustrates. “So finding a way to produce and then pack their product so that it can be stored, distributed, and sold across a larger market is vital. Working together with our partners, the MSU Product Center, City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Unlimited, and others provide the entrepreneurs access to a larger network of resource providers to help their business access new markets.”
Luckily, those in Battle Creek are armed with experts working in partnership with BCFR to make those dreams become, and stay, a reality. For entrepreneurs and community members who would like to become more involved, head to www.bcfood.org to get started.
This article was written in partnership with Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
Claire Butler is the Content Strategy Specialist for Taste the Local Difference. Contact her at [email protected].