Maria’s Salsa, Teta Foods, and Thai Feast earned a total $20,000 in grants from Velocity for their outstanding participation in the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development’s Best of the Zest pitch competition on August 22nd. The competition was held at Velocity in Sterling Heights.
The grand prize winner was Warren’s Maria’s Salsa, who won $10,000 in direct grants through Velocity to be used to support its business operations or growth needs.
“This is big news for our business, and we are thrilled to have won the $10,000 prize,” said Marie Groom, owner of Maria’s Salsa. “We are so pleased to have been a part of this competition, and this win is a huge boost to our future growth. We look forward to taking the next steps and making the most of this incredible opportunity.”
Teta Foods of Clinton Township and Thai Feast of Warren each received $5,000 in grants from Velocity to use towards services or other business expenses.
“Congratulations to the amazing Best of the Zest pitch competition winners,” said Paula Macpherson, director of Velocity. “We continue our commitment to collaborate with entrepreneurs and contribute resources needed to give our small businesses in Macomb County the opportunity to thrive and help grow our local economy.”
Along with Velocity – the Sterling Heights business incubator, accelerator and co-working space – other contest partners included Macomb County Community College, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Product Center, Pure Michigan Business Connect and Taste the Local Difference.
About Velocity
Velocity is designed to accelerate innovation, reinvention, and growth for Macomb County businesses. Located in the Sterling Innovation District, our incubator, accelerator, and coworking space offer world-class opportunities to help businesses thrive. Velocity is proudly located in the “Sterling Innovation District,” which spans six square miles and is home to 28 million square feet of industrial and high-tech space. Billions of dollars in new high-tech manufacturing investments have been made throughout the Sterling Innovation District over the past five years, including the reinvention of Velocity.