Texas Township Farmers Market Fresh on Q helps little businesses get started

When is a farmers market more than a farmers market?

When it's a place for small businesses to see if they have something people want to buy or whether it's time to go back to the drawing board.

At the Texas Township Farmers Market, Fresh on Q, small businesses have found a place that serves as that testing ground. Some entrepreneurs who anticipate expanding their business have found their niche there. Other vendors are selling items there and at another outlet. 

It's already launched five businesses. The Cheese Lady, a retail store that just opened in Texas Corners, experimented at the Texas Township market last year as Say Cheese. The Victorian Bakery has now established its first store at 116 W Crosstown Parkway in Kalamazoo. The vendor known at the market as Garden Girls is in the process of opening a greenhouse and gift shop called Dragonfly Gardens in Mattawan.  In December, Kurry Guru opened a certified kitchen near the Kalamazoo airport. Its vegetarian Indian food was a popular prepared food at the market last year. And Zephyr's Eden Microfarm accumulated enough of a following to allow them to start offering Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares in 2011.

Altogether, 13 businesses have used the Texas Township Farmers Market as an incubator in this way.

Some others are:

• The Eclectic Kitchen -- Chef Channon Mondoux offered spice and herb mixes to complement goat cheese.

• The Adventures of Barb and Tammy -- Barb Perkovic sold granolas and similar products.

• Mattawan Artisan Creamery -- Anne Cavanagh developed a market for goat cheese.

• Porter Organics -- Diana Dahlquist plans to expand its product line of worms and offer them at the market again this year.

• Shower Treat Soap -- Laura Williams, a homemade soapmaker, expanded her business as a result of sales at the market.

• Schultz Fruitridge Farm - Bill Schultz reports the demand for bison increased due to the farm's presence at the market.

• Texas Corners Muffins 'n More -- Cathy Doot established a market for her baked goods. 

• D & L Sharpening --  Lyn Areaux provided a service market goers appreciated.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Donna McClurkin, Texas Township Farmer's Market, Dave Healy, Texas Township