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:

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.”

We hope you will choose to join your fellow Montgomery County food and beverage businesses in the MoCo Made movement! Click here to register. The deadline to register for the MoCo Made program is September 30th, 2021. 

Click here for more information or contact Bezawit@mocofoodcouncil.org with questions or for more information. 

Upcoming Events

Mar 28

Resident and Community Gardening Collaborative

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Mar 28

RainScape Your Yard: Two Part Series

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Apr 3

Food Waste Prevention Working Group Happy Hour

April 3rd 4-6 at 7pm at Locks Brewing in collaboration with Manna Food and Compost Crew! 

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Apr 10

Empowering MD Businesses: A Lunchtime Dive into Commerce Support

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Apr 11

Statewide Trainings for Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced it will host its first round of trainings throughout the state for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The program provides fresh, unprepared, locally-grown fruits and vegetables to WIC and Senior participants and expands the awareness, use, and sales of such products at farmers markets.

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Apr 14

TPSS EARTH DAY: POWER TO THE PLANET

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Apr 16

How to Do Business with Montgomery County (Webinar)

Learn how to do business with Montgomery County! Hosted quarterly with Montgomery County Office of Procurement.

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Apr 22

SSL Earth Day Opportunity

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Apr 23

Speed Meet: Virtual Business Networking Event for Montgomery County

Join this speed-dating style mixer on Zoom and meet other entrepreneurs in Montgomery County (though all are welcome)!

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Apr 25

Equitable Land Access Working Group Meeting

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Apr 27

Montgomery County Green Fest

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