MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) is a free service that brings small- to medium-sized Michigan businesses together with local, national and global companies for supply chain sourcing opportunities. This demand-driven, multi-billion-dollar public/private initiative developed by the MEDC in 2011 is structured to make connections within all industries.
PMBC aims to uncover procurement or innovation gaps by working with local and regional partners to identify suppliers that can fill those needs. The PMBC team facilitates introductions to these suppliers through data-driven matchmaking events, buyer tours, pitch competitions and other supplier-immersion initiatives.
The PMBC team can connect all types of companies and meet all types of needs because it has access to a vast and diverse supplier and startup network. These connections include traditional procurement searches, innovation or investment interest and connections to partner programs that offer subject matter expertise and additional resources.
Since its inception, PMBC has hosted over 220 matchmaking initiatives, provided business connections across 80 industries and facilitated approximately 15,000 buyer/supplier meetings.
The PMBC Community is a business-to-business platform created by Connect Space that connects Michigan companies of all sizes and industries to matchmaking opportunities. Joining the PMBC Community can be done in three easy steps:
- Create or Update Your Profile: companies that create a profile with PMBC Community will have the opportunity to connect with other Michigan businesses, register to attend virtual and in-person matchmaking events and submit applications to meet with buyers.
- Review or Add Capability Tags: as a member of the PMBC community, businesses can now customize what capabilities appear in their company profiles so that either buyers can see the products and services you provide, or suppliers can see the products or services you seek.
- Download the PMBC App: simply search “PMBC” on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the app. Doing so will allow users to connect with others attending matchmaking events, get alerts on schedule changes and summit updates and schedule on-the-fly meetings with buyers and suppliers.
To learn more about Pure Michigan Business Connect and how it support suppliers and buyers throughout the state, please visit michiganbusiness.org/pmbc.
Prepping for the Big Buyer Meeting
On April 14th, PMBC and the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) hosted a webinar in partnership with Skidmore Studio, to prepare food businesses for meetings with retail buyers.
An opportunity to impress buyers at the next level doesn’t come around all the time. You’ve got high-quality products that people love, and you’ve already reached a level of scale and operational excellence working with small retailers. And now you’re ready for a great opportunity to meet with a big-box retailer – but are you really prepared? Hear from CPG packaging expert Skidmore Studio on how to get the most out of your big meeting.
Watch the Prepping for the Big Buyer Meeting webinar here:
On May 13th, PMBC partnered with Lakeshore Advantage and The Right Place to host the first-ever virtual Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium, strengthening Michigan’s position as a leader in the commercial furniture manufacturing industry. This event included a webinar on industry trends, challenges and opportunities.
Watch the Michigan Furniture Industry Symposium webinar here:
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org
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