25 Companies Selected to be Featured in Special Edition of The Cackle Airing the Week of November 30
Ann Arbor, MICH. – Nov. 9, 2020 – EntryPoint, a nonprofit research institution that delivers comprehensive research insights and implements effective data-driven programs to promote entrepreneurship across the Midwest, today announced the release of the 2020 Midwest Shop Local Gift Guide featuring over 100 small businesses from across the Midwest. Thanks to its sponsor, DTE Energy Foundation, the guide will be featured on the EntryPoint website and promoted until December 31. Of the companies included in the guide, 75% are led by a person of color and/or woman. Gifts range in price from a few dollars to over $500.
EntryPoint selected 25 companies from the guide to be featured in a special edition of The Cackle, a weekly livestream reaching over two thousand viewers per week that highlights small businesses, startups and the people making an impact on the Midwest community. People can watch the special edition of The Cackle on the EntryPoint Facebook or Twitter pages each day at 9 a.m. EST from November 30 through December 4.
“Nationwide, 90 percent of businesses have fewer than 25 employees. To ensure businesses that make up the fabric of our communities survive this pandemic, each of us needs to try to shop locally this holiday season – not solely from Amazon or big box stores,” said Emily Heintz, founder and managing director of EntryPoint. “We are excited to provide the 2020 Midwest Shop Local Gift Guide, so we can highlight Midwest small businesses and their products. We hope the guide and links to local products serves as a helpful resource that makes it easier and more convenient for people to shop locally for the holidays.”
- Ann Arbor Art Center, a regional hub for the visual arts that provides a variety of ArtBoxes.
- Ash & Erie, the first major brand for shorter men offering premium clothes designed exclusively for men 5’8″ and below.
- Bags to Butterflies, a social enterprise that empowers formerly incarcerated women with transitional employment, resources, and a caring network by creating jobs through the development and sale of handbags.
- Constructive Eating, a business that provides a plate and utensil set that helps kids gain their independence, build fine motor skills, and make mealtime feel like playtime.
- DOLLed Up By Darnishous, a business that provides a wide selection of unique handcrafted jewelry and accessories for men and women.
- Dribble Stick Training, a basketball training system designed to help basketball players of all ages perfect the fundamentals of the game.
- Empowerment Plan, a durable and innovative coat that transforms into a sleeping bag.
- Estellas Vegan Cuisine & Desserts, a pop-up vegan restaurant and bakery offering vegan pound cakes.
- Genusee, eyewear developed from the surplus of plastic waste caused by the Flint Water Crisis.
- Good Cakes and Bakes, an organic bakery offering strawberry crunch cake.
- Hopscotch Children’s Store, unique, modern, and classic gifts/toys/books (and more) for babies and kids.
- ILERA Apothecary, plant-based skincare products with the highest quality and ethically sourced ingredients.
- InBooze, a line of cocktail kits to infuse your favorite booze.
- Iverson Outdoors, a business that provides traditional snowshoes to serve the region’s foresters, loggers, and trappers.
- Lettering Works, vibrant, high-quality art products that spread positivity and build community.
- Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ, a holiday gift bag – Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ, sparking a fire for taste and acceptance.
- Olive Seed, integrative services, including nutritional counseling, wellness workshops, and wholesome products.
- Parks Old Style Bar-B-Q, an “old school barbecue joint” that specializes in pit grilled pork and beef, ribs, and chicken.
- PedalCell, a company that allows cyclists to stay safe and connected by powering smartphones, lights, GPS, and other USB devices through rider motion.
- Pure Orchid Aesthetics, natural skincare with quality, responsibly sourced ingredients that you know.
- Rebel Nell, an organization that employs women facing barriers to employment in Detroit, educates them on financial management, life wellness, and entrepreneurship, and empowers them to transition to a life of independence by hiring them as creative designers for custom jewelry.
- Tactile Craftworks, a woman-owned and operated leather crafting company.
- The Butters Hygienics, Co., 100 percent vegan hygienics, aka everything you need to care for your skin, hair, mind, body, and soul to solve unique hygienic problems.
- The Little Seedling, a full range of products, from car seats and strollers to clothing to toys and games for children of all ages.
- YUMI TUMI, sauces that complement and elevate your plate, no matter the place, occasion, or cuisine.
Watch the Special Edition of The Cackle
If you are interested in watching the special edition of The Cackle, tune in on the EntryPoint Facebook or Twitter pages each day at 9 a.m. EST from November 30 through December 4. Facebook.com/EntryPointMI or Twitter.com/EntryPointMI. Follow us on social media at @EntryPointMI and share the guide with the hashtag #MidwestGiftGuide.
About EntryPoint
EntryPoint is a nonprofit research institution that aims to promote entrepreneurship across the Midwest. The organization believes that the best research takes a holistic approach to data acquisition and analysis, and as such, seeks to build meaningful partnerships with corporations, community foundations, entrepreneurial support organizations, and other groups. Working in tandem with these partners, EntryPoint develops comprehensive research reports that deliver insights on strengths and challenges facing companies, communities, and the broader region. Research findings are used to design and implement effective programs to promote entrepreneurship by fostering an inclusive culture, expanding networks, and facilitating education and advocacy. EntryPoint is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more, follow us on social media @EntryPointMI and visit www.entrypointmi.com.