Bets of the Zest Pitch Competition

Best of the Zest Pitch Competition

Are you a small Macomb County packaged food or beverage producer looking to expand your operations and take your business to the next level? Then apply for the Best of the Zest Food Pitch Competition.

Eligible businesses include:
Packaged food producers that create products from raw materials, either for distribution or face-to-face sales. Can include beverage companies. Must be one of the following: Female-owned, Minority-owned, Veteran-owned, Located in an “underserved area", Been in business since at least June 11, 2022.

Located in Macomb County and has a brick-and-mortar facility with a commercial kitchen. No home businesses. Have less than $1 million in annual revenue. Copies of your Profit or Loss statement and W-9 are required. Have 10 employees or less, not including the owners. Are in good standing with LARA (state Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) and have a MDARD (Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) license. (Proof is required)

How do you sign up?

The application process is open now through 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 25. To apply for the competition, you must fill out an application. Any missing documents could result in disqualification.

How does it work?

All applications will be reviewed and scored. The top 10 finalists will be invited to present a five-minute “pitch,” which will be followed by a five-minute Q&A session between the judges and the participant. Winners will be announced by Aug. 27.