Community & Economic Development

Business Planning

Diane Smith, MSU Product Center Innovation Counselor - Diane assesses the developmental phase of food and Agri business, guides businesses from concept to launch, identifies markets, innovates new products and helps businesses make critical go/no-go decisions. For businesses that have already developed their concept, Diane can help them create a business plan to effectively communicate with bankers, investors and customers. The MSU Product Center can also connect businesses with experts within or outside Michigan State University for advanced marketing or feasibility studies, assistance with nutritional facts labeling or processing to meet Federal Food and Drug Administration requirements. Businesses can start working with Diane or the MSU Product Center by completing a Request for Counseling at http://www.canr.msu.edu/productcenter/ or emailing them at product@msu.edu. Contact Diane at 517-526-7895 or dismith@msu.edu.

Citizen Planner is an in-depth workshop designed to help individuals understand planning and zoning better and be more effective as a board member or as an active citizen. Sessions are taking place around the state on an ongoing basis. Contact David Rowley, Extension Educator, Government & Public Policy at rowleyd2@msu.edu for the current  program schedule.

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).