When Caitlin Burr’s garden produced an abundance of vegetables during the COVID lockdown, she leveraged her bumper crop and experience in food preparation to found C’mon Betty, an artisanal canning company transforming “rescued” local produce into delicious condiments. But turning a home-canning hobby into a viable business required more than just passion and quality recipes.
Through Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK, Caitlin was connected to the Entrepreneurship Center at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) which became her launch-pad, offering an 18-month incubator program that provides mentorship, training, events, support, and other in-kind resources to help start-ups launch their new businesses. Through this program, Caitlin received comprehensive business training in communications, marketing, and essential business planning.
“The resources and networks that exist in Ann Arbor have been absolutely invaluable,” Burr explains. “I wouldn’t have probably started this business anywhere else.”
Navigating the Complexity of Food Entrepreneurship
The food industry’s complex regulatory landscape proved particularly challenging. Fortunately, Small Business Support partner Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) enhances “economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies.” With SBDC’s support, Caitlin connected with expert Mary Dembro who delivered crucial honest feedback about financial viability.
Turning a Network into a Lifeline
Connections made through Small Business Support proved vital, with the WCC Entrepreneurship Center linking Caitlin to the MSU Product Center where she received guidance navigating FDA requirements and certification processes. The mentor partnership arranged through Washtenaw Community College’s program helped her articulate her thoughts concisely for grant applications and pitch competitions.
Technical assistance from programs like Next Cycle Michigan and Fresh Coast Climate Solutions provided business canvas templates, product pricing guidance, and environmental sustainability support. When Caitlin needed a commercial kitchen space (essential for food manufacturing), the WCC entrepreneurship center connected her with Growing Hope’s kitchen when other facilities were unavailable.
“I wouldn’t have even known about these resources without these programs,” Burr reflects. “They just keep expanding your network. Every connection leads to another opportunity.”
Launching a Brand Rooted in Purpose
Today, Caitlin is finalizing FDA certification and preparing to launch C’mon Betty’s first products: zucchini relish and watermelon rind relish, both made with rescued local produce. For entrepreneurs like Caitlin, these business support services transform creative passions into sustainable enterprises. For C’mon Betty, this means preserving not just food, but economic opportunity and environmental resources throughout Michigan.
About Small Business Support
Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK provides no-cost coaching, mentorship, workshops, and resources to help entrepreneurs in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties start and grow their businesses. Through a collaborative network of Business Support Partners, we offer expert guidance, technical assistance, and tools designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and build long-term business success.
