Fresh Thyme Market and MSU Product Center celebrate National Small Business Week by selecting Dip Detroit’s hot honey as the “First Time at Fresh Thyme Award” winner for 2026
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EmailNational Small Business Week is May 3-9, 2026.
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Fresh Thyme Market has partnered with the MSU Product Center and MSU Extension to introduce an emerging local brand to its stores. The “First Time at Fresh Thyme Award” was created to select a winning MSU Product Center client each spring. This collaboration with the MSU Product Center highlights Fresh Thyme Market’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, food entrepreneurs and agricultural producers.
Dip Detroit’s hot honey was selected as this year’s featured product, which is made in Michigan and a new and growing food business that worked closely with the MSU Product Center to develop, launch and scale their products. Dip Detroit’s hot honey will be available for purchase at all nine of Fresh Thyme Market’s Michigan locations this summer.
“At Fresh Thyme Market, we‘re focused on connecting our customers to food that’s produced close to home,” said Rebecca Stephens, local product scout at Fresh Thyme Market. “We source produce, meat, grocery and wellness products from local partners, brands and farmers whenever we can. We’re proud to offer a variety of fresh, organic, and better-for-you products that are as good for you as they are for our communities. This year, we are excited to onboard Dip Detroit and highlight their products during National Small Business Week. We are proud to provide a retail platform that helps these local entrepreneurs reach new customers.”
Simon Elia, the founder and CEO of Dip Detroit LLC. “Launching in all nine Fresh Thyme Markets is a major step forward for our brand. It validates the hard work behind every batch and opens the door to exciting growth ahead,” commented Elia.
National Small Business Week was first established in 1963 during President John F. Kennedy’s administration to recognize the vital contributions of small businesses to the U.S. economy. Since its inception, the observance has grown into a nationally recognized celebration, with organizations across the country hosting events, educational workshops and award ceremonies that honor entrepreneurs and business innovators. The week serves as an annual reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that has fueled economic growth since the nation’s founding and continues to strengthen communities today.
National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3–9.
Mollie Woods, director of the MSU Product Center, commented, “Fresh Thyme Market has been a strong supporter of our clients for many years, and we are pleased to partner with them during National Small Business Week. Our clients are continually seeking opportunities to showcase their products to new audiences, and placement on the shelves of Fresh Thyme Market stores offers valuable exposure to potential buyers.”
The MSU Product Center, through MSU Extension, leverages the University’s extensive expertise in food, agriculture and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define, develop and successfully launch innovative products. Through business counseling, technical assistance, educational programming and market access opportunities, the MSU Product Center plays a critical role in strengthening Michigan’s food and agriculture economy.
To learn more about the MSU Product Center and its programs, visit
canr.msu.edu/productcenter.
To learn more about Fresh Thyme Market and its store locations, visit
freshthyme.com.
You can find Dip Detroit products online at dipdetroit.com and on social media at instagram.com/dip_detroit and tiktok.com/@dipdetroit.
