In rural Nisula, Michigan, Alison Kirksey recognized that her community had to drive 45 minutes for basic groceries and supplies. With an already successful food blog and a passion for cooking for others, Alison decided to combine her skills and passion to open Red Hen Foods & Goods, a community grocery store offering specialty groceries, retail gifts, prepared food, and animal feed.

Alison crafts homemade meals daily using local and organic ingredients, which her customers can enjoy while visiting the store and also to go. In addition, Red Hen offers local and organic coffee, homemade hot chocolate, and super-premium ice cream from Madison, a customer favorite. Tourists traveling along rural M-38 are often surprised to find such a well-stocked and inviting space, and local residents are grateful for what Alison has created for their community.

Alison credits her success to collaborating with key people and organizations to bring her vision to life:

• Sam Stonelake at the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) “was wonderful, and he made me feel like he took my idea seriously.” The building needed rehabilitation, and Sam came out in person to look at the project for a loan request. “He made it feel like he was invested in the success of Red Hen from the very beginning.”
• Todd Sellon and Bethanne Riffer at Huntington Bank helped with financing and were supportive of the project. “Everyone was very willing and asked ‘How can we help?’”
• Sam Lanctot at Northern Initiatives helped all along the way, willing to be present and guide Alison through the financing process.
• Kristi Painter, food inspector at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) was very available and encouraging during the licensing process.
• Presenting at 1 Million Cups Copper Country gave Alison an open forum with local business people who listened to her ideas early on. Their direct and concise questions helped Alison clarify her vision for what Red Hen would be.
• By joining the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Alison was able to meet people and build her network. “My favorite part was that members from the Chamber came out for a ribbon cutting to support our opening!”
• “I absolutely could not have started without Daniel Yoder at the Michigan SBDC.” Alison credits Daniel for supporting her every step of the way, answering questions and setting her up for success. Whether guiding the planning process, helping her secure funds, or understanding licensing requirements, Daniel helped Alison break down each challenge into manageable steps. This ongoing support gave her confidence to make Red Hen a reality.

Now that her store is open, Alison is adjusting business to the seasonal nature of the Upper Peninsula. In the Fall, color-tour visitors and hunters kept the business busy. During winter, local residents have enjoyed the shop as a place to reconnect with neighbors and friends. Summer will bring an influx of campers and tourists who love the great Michigan outdoors. Alison is already planning to purchase additional equipment and is hoping to hire employees as Red Hen grows.

Alison’s advice for other aspiring business owners? Seek guidance early! “Starting a business feels overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes manageable. The SBDC helped me break things down into small, actionable steps. I recommend the Michigan SBDC team to anyone who doesn’t know where to begin.”