MoCo Made Program Registration Now Open: Member Testimonies

The MoCo Made Brand was created by the Food Council in partnership with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation in the Fall of 2017. The MoCo Made initiative offers educational and business development resources and support to local farms and food and beverage producers, and increases the visibility and awareness of the diverse products made and grown here in Montgomery County. Today, 84 food and beverage businesses participate in the MoCo Made program, including 44 businesses that identify as women-owned, 19 that identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color-owned, and 20 food producing farms. 

The registration window for the MoCo Made program is currently open, and registrations will be accepted until October 15th, 2021. To register for the MoCo Made program, please click here. As a MoCo Made member, you will:

• Be listed in the printed Montgomery County Food and Beverage Guide, and our online searchable Food and Beverage Guide.
• Have access to exclusive educational workshops, networking opportunities, and business connections.
  • In recent surveys, 97% of respondents indicated that the MoCo Made program brings value to Montgomery County food and beverage businesses, and 62% of respondents noted an increase in brand recognition as a result of their participation in MoCo Made.
• Be featured on our website (165,200+ hits annually), our and social media pages (annual post reach of 66,260+). 

We asked a few of our current MoCo Made members to share their experiences with the MoCo Made program: 

Coop’s Soups, makes an assortment of locally-sourced, vegan, and gluten-free soups–an awesome way to make friends and fight off loneliness. You can find it at the Olney Farmer’s Market, online at Common Root Farm, and the Family Room in Laytonsville.

What is your favorite MoCo Made activity to participate in? 

“My favorite MoCo Made activities to participate in are Happy Hours and networking events. In both of these spaces I like meeting my fellow small food business owners. I love that we all share tips and tricks, along with resources and support. I also enjoy the sense of “we are all in this together.” Each of us have passion and motivation in starting our businesses and it’s cool to support one another’s journey.”

What is one thing you learned from MoCo Made that has helped your business?

“Through MoCo Made, I have met and partnered with lots of MoCo Made businesses. Through networking events and the Food and Beverage Guide, I have been able to meet and source products from many of our local farmers and food producers. Our soup has vegetables from more than one Moco Made farmer every week.”

Would you recommend MoCo Made to small/local businesses?

“YES! The sense of community, support, and shared resources is what owning a business in context is all about. The business owners in MoCo Made are neighbors across the county. As neighbors we feed, quench the thirst of, and stock the kitchens and fridges of our fellow county members, and beyond. When I meet a fellow MoCo Made Member, there is often an unspoken understanding of ‘You too are grinding…you too care about your craft and about putting something worthwhile out into the world.'”

Caulfield Provision Company is a family operated business offering small batch, artisanal, hot sauces–a delicious way to liven up any dish and add amazing flavors!

How did you first hear about MoCo Made & why did you join? 

“If I recall correctly, it was the summer of 2017. Someone from MoCo Food Council contacted me and I immediately jumped at the opportunity to be listed in the new registry and connect with other local makers. The membership fee has always been quite reasonable and the return on that investment has been plentiful.”

What is one thing you learned from MoCo Made that has helped your business? 

“I have learned to take advantage of any MoCo Made opportunities to sample, sell and promote our sauces. There have been wonderful in person events that have connected me to vendors, customers and fellow makers. I usually make at least one connection resulting in a new relationship that increased awareness and sales of our hot sauces.”

Would you recommend MoCo Made to small/local businesses?

“I would highly recommend any small/local business to join MoCo Made! There are so many amazing opportunities and resources for learning and growing as a result of joining MoCo Made.”