When Aiye Akhigbe, owner of Sticky Spoons Jam in Niles, looked around her production floor, she saw both potential and a problem. Labeling 700 jars of her boutique jams took five people an entire day. “We were literally jammed up,” she said. “Time, energy, and talent all tied up in one task.”
With support from Southwest Michigan First’s Economic Development Director Dan Buckenmeyer, Aiye pursued the MEDC’s Industry 4.0 Grant Program, which provided matching funds for manufacturers investing in technology upgrades. With Dan’s Guidance, the grant enabled her to purchase an automated labeler and other production tools, streamlining their operations.
Buckenmeyer, who has guided more than 15 Berrien County businesses through the program, emphasized the value of investing in innovation. “It’s not just about funding,” he said. “Helping entrepreneurs like Aiye implement smart technology and run more efficiently drives real economic impact.”
The results were immediate. Two people can now label a full day’s production in about an hour—a savings of 38 labor hours per batch. “This grant gave us something priceless: time,” Aiye said. “Time that improves production, lifts employee morale, and lets our team focus on creativity and growth. Plus, our products look more professional on shelves across the region.”
Aiye hasn’t just scaled production; she’s also scaled her impact. She mentors other entrepreneurs, particularly veteran-, woman-, and minority-owned businesses. In the past year, her pitch competition clients have collectively won over $100,000.
By combining vision, innovation, and regional support, Sticky Spoons Jam turned a bottleneck into a breakthrough—demonstrating how access to capital, technical guidance, and strong partnerships can empower local businesses to thrive.
Visit Sticky Spoons Jam at 11801 Pucker St. in Niles to taste the creativity, collaboration, and sweet success for yourself.
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