Today, the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development announced the winners of the Best of the Zest pitch competition held on August 22nd at Velocity in Sterling Heights. The winning Macomb County based packaged food and beverage small businesses were awarded over $30,000 in grants, business consultation services and educational resources. Velocity was proud to contribute $20,000 toward the prizes awarded from their Small Business Support Hubs Grant.
The grand prize winner, Maria’s Salsa, won $10,000 in direct grants through Velocity that can be used to support its business operations or growth needs.
“This is big news for our business, and we are thrilled to have won the $10,000 prize,” said Marie Groom, owner of Maria’s Salsa. “We are so pleased to have been a part of this competition, and this win is a huge boost to our future growth. We look forward to taking the next steps and making the most of this incredible opportunity.”
Other winners include:
Teta Foods will receive $5,000 in grants from Velocity.
Thai Feast will receive $5,000 in grants from Velocity
Keto Katz Bakery will receive $5,000 to grow its business. This award is funded by Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Clementine’s and Grandma Luckey’s will each receive $3,500 in services from Macomb County Planning and Economic Development.
For Heaven’s Cake will receive $1,500 though the Michigan State University Product Center.
Additionally, Radical Plants and Belledine’s will each receive $500 through Taste the Local Difference for marketing support.
Along with Velocity - the Sterling Heights business incubator, accelerator and co-working space - other contest partners included Macomb County Community College, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Product Center, Pure Michigan Business Connect and Taste the Local Difference.
“Congratulations to the amazing Best of the Zest pitch competition winners,” said Paula Macpherson, Executive Director of Velocity. “We continue our commitment to collaborate with organizations and contribute the resources needed to give small businesses in Macomb County the opportunity to thrive and help grow our local economy.”