Business Model: How to Scale for Growth – Emerging Farmer Learning Series
March 4, 2026 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Scaling a business is an integral phase for any farmer or food entrepreneur seeking growth in a competitive market. This potential was highlighted in a recent event entitled “Business Model: How to Scale for Growth,” part of the Emerging Farmer Learning Series. Hosted by organizations supporting Michigan’s food entrepreneurs, this series aims to equip farmers with essential skills and insights to navigate their growth journey.
Featured speaker, Millie Chu, Founder & CEO of Global Entrepreneurship Business Lab, is recognized for her expertise in business strategy and social impact. Chu’s experience spans over a decade, helping thousands of organizations in sectors closely linked to food and agriculture. Her insights are invaluable for farmers looking to optimize their business models and access funding opportunities.
The webinar series is a collaboration between Michigan’s Emerging Farmers and the Michigan Good Food Fund. This partnership focuses on critical business topics, including customer insights, value-chain coordination, and preparing for financing—essential knowledge for any aspiring entrepreneur in the food sector.
The Format and What to Expect
These engaging sessions will take place weekly on Wednesdays from 12-1:30 PM, starting on March 4 and concluding on April 15, 2026. Each session consists of a presentation led by industry experts, followed by breakout rooms for interactive discussions. Not only will these sessions be live, enhancing participant interaction, but they also will be recorded for future access, ensuring that no vital insights are lost.
For participants, this format encourages collaboration and peer learning, enabling farmers to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. This community aspect is crucial, as it fosters connections that can lead to lasting partnerships and support networks.
Spotlight on Millie Chu
Millie Chu’s extensive background sets the stage for her role in guiding farmers toward sustainable growth. Her firm, GEBL, specializes in helping businesses transition from operational concepts to scalable models with real-world applications. Chu emphasizes clarity in value propositions and tailoring business models to specific needs—crucial elements for entrepreneurs in the food sector.
Beyond her role at GEBL, Millie is known for her contributions on national and global stages, including partnerships with the U.S. Department of State to design programs focusing on economic opportunities through food entrepreneurship. This breadth of experience offers farmers multifaceted perspectives on leveraging food as a tool for social and economic development.
Her practical approach is particularly resonant for farmers who may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of business growth. By translating intricate concepts into actionable frameworks, she helps entrepreneurs not just envision their futures but also map out steps to attain them.
The Role of Michigan Good Food Fund
The Michigan Good Food Fund plays a pivotal role in empowering food and farm entrepreneurs across the state. With a focus on inclusive growth, the Fund provides flexible financing and tailored assistance, thereby catering specifically to those traditionally underserved in access to capital—particularly farmers of color and women.
This initiative is a vital part of creating a resilient local food system, emphasizing long-term relationships that foster sustainability and growth. By meeting entrepreneurs where they are, the Fund aims not just to support individual success stories but to transform the food landscape in Michigan.
Empowering Emerging Farmers in Michigan
Michigan’s Emerging Farmers initiative is designed to create pathways to growth for all agricultural producers in the state, particularly small- to mid-sized farmers. Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, this state-wide program collaborates with various stakeholders to address the unique challenges faced by emerging farmers.
By focusing on education, resources, and community building, the program aims to uplift all farmers by providing them with the tools needed to thrive economically and sustainably, ultimately contributing to a more robust agricultural sector in Michigan.
This initiative is further supported by the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Initiative, emphasizing how critical financial backing is for programs aimed at enhancing food systems in Michigan.
