Chris Holman welcomes Courtney Lorenz, Founder, Cultured Kombucha Co., Traverse City, MI.

Chris had several questions for Courtney in this conversation:

Welcome Courtney can you briefly share the Cultured Kombucha Co. story, founded in 2015, and MBN’s been doing stories on your company since at least 2021?

Congratulations on being named one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch! What does this recognition mean to you and your team at Cultured Kombucha Co.?

Starting at a farmers market with just a 5-gallon bucket—can you share more on how that early experience shaped your company’s values and mission?

How does your personal health journey continue to influence the way you lead and grow the brand today?

In a crowded beverage market, how does Cultured Kombucha Co. maintain a competitive edge while staying true to its wellness-driven roots?

What’s next for Cultured Kombucha Co. as you build on this momentum—any new products, expansions, or community initiatives on the horizon?

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Local business to be honored with statewide award

[Traverse City, Michigan]— Cultured Kombucha Co. has been recognized as a 2025 awardee for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Cultured Kombucha Co. was acknowledged onstage at an awards ceremony during the 21st annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business
Gala on April 22, 2025.

“Michigan’s small businesses face numerous challenges daily, yet these awardees have demonstrated remarkable dedication and a relentless pursuit of greater success,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Their efforts have positively impacted the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem of Michigan, as well as their communities, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of recognizing and celebrating their success.”

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful for us,” said Courtney Lorenz, Founder of Cultured Kombucha Co.

“What started as a personal journey to heal my own health has grown into a company that’s helping thousands make better choices every day. We’re proud to represent Michigan and the power of purpose-driven business.”

The Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award recognizes companies that are high potential, second-stage companies in Michigan. Companies nominated for the award must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.

Judges from economic and entrepreneurship development organizations across the state annually select the winners based on demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on the following:
● Employee or sales growth
● Sustainable competitive advantage
● Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success
In addition to a competitive landscape for this award, the businesses who are selected by the judges go through a rigorous due diligence process prior to the final decision.

This year’s celebration included a small business summit and VIP reception Monday April 21st, with a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on April 22nd.

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About Cultured Kombucha Co.
Cultured Kombucha Co. was founded in 2015 as the first microbrewery of kombucha tea in Northern Michigan. Their tart, sweet and bubbly tea creates a probiotic health beverage focused on nourishing your body from the inside out. Cultured kombucha is certified organic, certified vegan, and certified women owned. Their unique kombucha flavors are minimally processed to bring you the most pure kombucha possible. For more information, please visit www.drinkcultured.com or follow on Facebook at @CulturedKombucha.

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