Jan. 22, 2010 - Mt. Pleasant, Mich. - Most of us forget about Michigan’s cherry crop and the many associated businesses during the bitter Michigan winters, but thanks to $250,000 in funding from the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, an up-and-coming nutraceuticals business, Michelle’s Miracle, is working full steam ahead in the heart of northern Michigan’s cherry country.
An affiliate client of Central Michigan University-Research Corporation, entrepreneur and Michelle’s Miracle president Michelle White is thrilled with this funding, and thanks CMU-RC for the big win, “CMU-RC was highly instrumental in putting together our application and getting it submitted. During the two-month process, they helped us define our plans, outline them in a cohesive way and really make an impact. The funding awarded is a testimony to that! Our experience with CMU-RC has been nothing but positive and we are excited to have Michigan Pre-Seed Fund join our Series A investors,” she said.
According to Erin Strang, CMU-RC Director of Operations, and lead partner with Michelle’s Miracle in the funding proposal process, “This investment will make a huge difference in the future success of Michelle’s Miracle. And, it’s a good example of the type of support we provide to our clients every day at CMU-RC.”
Michelle's Miracle proves that instead of sourcing exotic berries from halfway around the world, Americans can find powerful, nutrient-rich, tart cherries grown in Michigan. Tart cherries contain powerful agents called anthocyanins that help provide healthy inflammation response. Tart cherries also offer a variety of natural health benefits; research suggests that these compounds possess anti-aging properties. Research also shows that tart cherries have health-promoting qualities including providing a natural source of sleeping aid melatonin.
The investment will enable Michelle’s Miracle to hire key team members, product new products and step-up promotion of their wide range of nutraceutical products using cherries. To reach customers, they focus heavily on national distributors, various in-store promotions, Web and online advertising. The funds will be used to enhance reach, while continuing a top quality product line and providing outstanding customer service.
The company’s Web site, www.michellesmiracle.com, provides product information, recipes, news and research information, employee profiles and a retail shopping cart. Their toll-free number, (800) 939-3199, is answered by knowledgeable and friendly representatives who can provide information, take orders and provide investor relations support.
“We see the Pre-Seed Fund’s investment as a very huge opening and major endorsement for us. We are still an early-stage company, but what we offer can make a difference in so many ways to people who use our products, to tart cherry growers in northern Michigan, and to Michigan’s economy overall. Both the funds and the support of CMU-RC are what will keep us moving forward and making a difference in Michigan,” White concluded.
CMU-RC is accepting new clients now, and welcomes Michigan-based businesses to contact them to discuss low-cost/no-cost ways to create, expand and sustain Michigan’s entrepreneurs.