Women-Powered Business Contest

Your women-owned business deserves the spotlight. Here’s your chance to get your food products onto more shelves during Women’s History Month!  

Michigan Good Food Fund is hosting a special contest for women-owned consumer packaged goods businesses, in partnership with media personality Jennyfer Crawford-Williams of Ask Jennyfer. 

One standout entrepreneur will win the opportunity to have her business and products featured on the All Things Marketplace online store. 

If you’re building something delicious y impactful — this is your moment.

The Women-powered Business Contest is designed to:

  • Elevate women-owned consumer product businesses in Michigan and help expand their access to new markets

  • Drive awareness of women-led innovation in Michigan’s food economy

We believe women entrepreneurs are shaping the future of food, and we’re excited to help amplify their impact.

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What You Could Win

This prize offers visibility and revenue opportunities, connecting your product to new customers across Michigan.

One selected business will receive:

  • Placement in the All Things Marketplace online store
  • Promotional support via business coaching from Michigan Good Food Fund and our network of lending and technical assistance partners

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Application Form by April 1 

Step 2 (optional but strongly encouraged): Post a Pitch Video  

Applicants can strengthen their submission by posting a short pitch video on Instagram and/or Facebook. Video submissions help judges see your passion, personality, and readiness for media exposure. 

Video Guidelines: 

  • 60–90 seconds 
  • Introduce yourself and the story behind your business 
  • Share what makes your product unique 
  • Explain why you should win 
  • Post on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn and tag Michigan Good Food Fund and All Things Marketplace
  • Use hashtag: #MGFFWomenPowered

Winner Announcement

The winner will be announced in early April 2026 with coordinated digital promotion and media coverage. 

Eligibility Requirements

To apply, your business must be:

  • Women-owned (51% or more ownership) and based in Michigan
  • In operation for at least two years
  • Currently offering consumer packaged goods to the public, with enough inventory immediately available for online marketplace onboarding

Questions?

For contest questions, please contact Jeremy Thomas, Associate Director of Program Marketing at Fair Food Network: jthomas@fairfoodnetwork.org

Judging Criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on: 

  • Product readiness and quality 
  • Strength of brand story  
  • Commitment to making a significant, positive impact in your local community 
  • Market potential and customer demand 
  • Operational readiness and ability to fulfill inventory 
  • Overall fit for marketplace  

Selected applicants may be contacted for additional information prior to final selection. 

Conozca a los jueces

Jennyfer Crawford-Williams Ask Jennyfer, Founder

Jennyfer Crawford-Williams
Founder, Ask Jennyfer

Ederique Chef E Goudia In the Business of Food, Founder

Ederique "Chef E" Goudia
Founder, In the Business of Food

3

Erin Elly
Technical Assistance Manager, Michigan Good Food Fund

Celebrate Women-Owned Businesses.
Build the Good Food Economy.

This Women’s Month, we’re not just honoring history, we’re investing in the future. 

Women-powered Entrepreneur Contest (1200 x 800 px) (2)

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