Michigan’s state-wide “Buy Local” program

“Pure Michigan Business Connect” is great for those wishing to increase sales for goods and services they make as well as providing an opportunity for people to purchase from fellow Michigan companies.

Just about every small town in the country has (or has had at one time) an active “buy local” program. People know that if they spend their money locally, this builds the local economy and the spin-off effect is very positive.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has taken this approach state-wide and has developed the Pure Michigan Business Connect program. Think of this as a state-wide “buy local” program. The concept is simple yet the positive ramifications for entrepreneurs, companies and the state of Michigan are huge.

Companies that sell things (manufactured goods, services, etc.) register and list the various items they have to offer. Conversely, people looking to purchase goods and services search the databases and find Michigan products and services to choose from.

To jumpstart the program, the MEDC secured commitments from Consumers Energy and DTE Energy to make an effort to use the program. Several companies have benefited by earning large contracts. Now, as the program grows more and more companies are signing up to sell and using the program to buy.

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, a partner with Michigan State University Extension, is one of the service providers in the program as we provide business counseling assistance to entrepreneurs throughout the four-county NLEA region (Antrim Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet). The NLEA utilizes many tools and resources available through the Michigan State University and Extension.

Joining is simple and free! For more information on Pure Michigan Business Connect, email BusinessConnect@michigan.org or call (888) 522.0103.

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