Stairway to Success Summit: Vendor Masterclass by Meijer Market Format

Meijer invites Michigan food and beverage businesses interested in learning how to become a vendor to its Market Format stores*, to a first of its kind event providing comprehensive resources to educate and prepare suppliers for grocery/retail opportunities.

Attendees will:

• Learn what it takes to become a Meijer vendor
• Network with Meijer representatives, business resource partners and other participants
• Hear from Michigan businesses who have found success in Market Format stores
• Participate in one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings, if selected 

Presentations will include information on food safety; marketing/branding; successful retail demoing; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; business pitch prep and more.  

Selected attendees will participate in 15-minute one-one-one meetings with buyers to discuss Meijer Market Format stores' upcoming purchasing needs and opportunities to get products on shelves.  

Businesses not selected for 1:1 meetings will still be able to attend for educational presentations and networking.

The Stairway to Success Summit is hosted in partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), and the MSU Product Center.   

This event will be held in Detroit on September 19th.  Space will be limited and available on a first-come first-serve basis.  There is no cost to attend, though registration is required and can be submitted through the tab at the top of this page.  Registrants should be committed to participating in the entire day's program.  

Attendees interested in participating in one-on-one meetings with buyers during the event will need to submit a separate application here.

TIMELINE
6/28 - 8/28: General registration & one-on-one buyer-supplier meeting application open
*General registration may close earlier if venue maximum has been met
8/29 - 9/1: Buyer review & selection of vendors for participation in one-on-one meetings
Week of 9/4: Vendors selected for one-on-one meetings notified
Week of 9/4: "Know Before You Go" information provided to all registrants
9/19: Stairway to Success Summit

*Meijer market format stores are neighborhood markets serving the local community and providing a great shopping experience. What they want to be known for: offering the freshest produce, products at fair, competitive prices, genuine customer service, and bringing an involved voice to the communities they serve.