Does it feel like your business is stuck or plateaued? Are you worried about having to turn away business opportunities?
Growing a business provides a whole new set of challenges. If this sounds familiar, join us for Culinary Conversations on the Lakeshore: Getting Through Growing Pains event on Tuesday, August 13 from 5:00pm-7:30pm at the GVSU Innovation Hub in Muskegon.
We'll be discussing all things related to business growth in the food and beverage industry. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, we'll cover topics like growing pains, growth strategies, and how to navigate the challenges of expanding your business. You'll also hear from local Muskegon food entrepreneurs to get inspired by their success stories and testimonials.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to network and learn from others in the industry!
Guest speakers:
Andrea Copeland, Lakeshore Flavor
Andrea Copeland, founder of Lakeshore Flavor, is an expert in nonprofit development with a focus on building food-related programs that promote health and reduce disparities across the United States. Andrea drives local initiatives promoting food system sustainability, economic development, and supplier diversity. Her projects include the Lakeshore Flavor food incubator in the City of Muskegon Heights and The Broadway Kitchen, a demonstration kitchen designed for food education and entrepreneurship.
Renae Hesselink, Kitchen 242
Renae has been managing Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers Market for the past eight years. Prior to that she was instrumental in getting this brand new kitchen space equipped and ready for use. Kitchen 242 is a commercial kitchen incubator for food startup businesses and currently has 25 businesses working out of that space. Renae is a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council West Michigan chapter, and past Chair of the Board of Directors.
Marisela Sierra, Navarro's Mexican Takeout
Marisela Sierra is the sole owner of Navarro’s LLC and is the third generation owner of this small family owned business. Navarro’s is a small Mexican, take-out restaurant located in Muskegon Heights that specializes in stone ground corn tamales. Marisela took over the business in 2021 after the passing of her mother, Panchita. She is proud to own and operate a woman and minority led business. She has a Bachelor's degree of Business Administration from Aquinas College and is currently pursuing a Masters of Management. Marisela is the mom of the two smallest members of Navarro's Tamale Squad and is excited to continue growing her mother's legacy.
Paola Mendivil, Grow
Paola Mendivil is the Business Development Officer at Grow since October of 2021. Her role is to support business owners who need to access working capital for their business. Grow specializes in assisting clients who have been systematically excluded from traditional loan products. Paola has a vast background in business. Her family are owners of El Granjero Mexican Grill since 2007 and the new Mercadito Mexican Eats & Treats! Paola holds a bachelor's degree in business from Ferris State University, and also received the 2021 Pacesetter Award from the Institution. Paola currently serves on the Arts Market Place board and the newly established Michigan Latino Restaurant Association. Paola was a finalist for the Young ATHENA award in 2019 and Women Who Mean Business Awardee for the Grand Rapids Business Journal in March 2020.
Kaja Thornton, Cajun Cuisine by Us
Kaja Thornton is a dynamic serial entrepreneur known for her innovative ventures in the Muskegon/Muskegon Heights communities. She owns a thriving internet café/coffee hub center and the popular Cajun Cuisine by Us restaurant. In addition to her business acumen, Kaja is deeply committed to social impact through her nonprofit organization, dedicated to uplifting and empowering the local community.
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By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.
The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.