Michigan Good Food Fund

Learn more about the ins and outs of agricultural economics with the Center for Good Food Purchasing and Chicago Food Policy Action Council on August 30. This webinar is focused on mid-size food and farm entrepreneurs. https://lnkd.in/g2YtEebw

Scaling a food business can be difficult. This free webinar offers a window into the ingredients that help food-based companies grow, from solid business plans to strategic corporate partnerships: https://inbia.org/webinars Tune in tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. EST for a lively discussion led by Steve DeBretto of INDUSTRIAL COUNCIL OF NEARWEST CHICAGO the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago and The Hatchery Chicago.

Exciting news for young farmers! Applications for funding from the West Michigan Farmers of Color Land Fund are now open. Applications that will support land purchasing, farm land expansion, or land retention will be prioritized. Apply now through this form: https://lnkd.in/gjYV9KjJ The land fund was envisioned by aspiring and current farmers of color in the Grand Rapids area to support BIPOC communities in reclaiming agricultural practices, which can rebuild a connection to land, community, and healthy foods. The goal of the fund is to address past generational injustices and create pockets of BIPOC-owned green growing space in urban settings of West Michigan to increase food security and community resiliency. Learn more about this incredible new place-based, equity-centric initiative: www.wmlandfund.org

Let's hear it for Detroit's food entrepreneurs! This week, we celebrated the first cohort to graduate from BUILD Institute's Build Basics for Food Entrepreneurs, powered by Michigan Good Food Fund. Keep an eye on this group of incredible food entrepreneurs who are working across the food supply chain to bring something new and unique to Detroit. AZA Hibiscus Tea The D Loft Chi Fan Le Jetta's Gourmet Popcorn Junk Food and Friends Meal Prep By Cort Sugah Please Coffee House Soul 2 Go Sweet Potato Delights Simply Brittany Sweets Vicki's Bar-B-Q Want to join the next cohort? Signup for our e-newsletter to be the first to know about opportunities for food and farm entrepreneurs: https://bit.ly/3WLPjEY

Need help marketing your food or farm business? 📈 If you're in the Detroit area, check out this incredible series of events put on by Eastern Market Partnership, TechTown Detroit, and In the Business of Food. 8/7/24, Week1: Storytelling: Sharing your Brand Story 8/14/24, Week 2: Food Photography 8/21/24, Week 3: Food Composition & Styling 8/28/24, Week 4: Social Media Management 9/4/24 Week 5: Content Creation 9/11/24, Week 6: Media Training & Public Relations Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your food business journey, these workshops offer practical skills that you can immediately implement into your business. https://lnkd.in/gWWMUFY2

Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce that we are a New Economy Initiative Summer 2024 grantee. We’re grateful for the support and partnership as we continue our efforts in impacting small businesses and entrepreneurs in their growth. Thank you for helping us make a difference! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gA8Myy8D #NEIGrantee #SmallBusiness

We work with businesses across the food value chain, from growers to restaurateurs. We look for businesses making a significant, positive impact in their communities. What does this look like? It's businesses that provide fair-wage jobs and opportunities for advancement. 💪 Businesses committed to local sourcing and supporting fellow Michigan farmers and businesses. 🚜 Businesses advancing racial and social equity. 🤝 Businesses committed to environmental resilience, minimizing waste and caring for our lands. If you’re ready to get the funding your business needs while also making a positive local impact, let’s get started. Learn more about who we support: https://lnkd.in/gXK57yG3

We’re *more than* doubling down on Michigan. 📈 Michigan Good Food Fund’s capital deployment to support entrepreneurs grew from $800,000 in 2022 to $2,700,000 million in 2023. That means our investments have grown by 30% – with nearly 80% of all companies supported through financing or business assistance being BIPOC-owned. This is all part of our growing commitment to Michigan’s food and farm entrepreneurs. Whether or not you’ve reached out to us in the past, take this as your sign to come back and check us out. Read more in our latest impact report: https://lnkd.in/g7behJed

“With every sip of Soldadera Beverages it should transport you to the world of Mexico, a place where spices and flavors are abundant. A place where women are the driving force for good, helping families and communities one step at a time.” Gabriela Rodriguez-Garcia, co-founder of Soldadera Coffee shares the inspiration behind the West Michigan coffee company she started with her sibling Mario. Established in 2018, Soldadera is scaling up operations and refining its business model to focus on sustainability and greater market penetration. Read more about their incredible company and Café de Olla products that harken back to the traditional coffee beverage created during the Mexican Revolution. https://lnkd.in/g5Pxhpnv

Choose a lender that “gets you.” 🙌 Michigan Good Food Fund is a lending network that helps food and farm entrepreneurs get the money and support they need for their businesses to thrive. With us, you don’t just get a loan; you get a long-term relationship with a dedicated team who is invested in your success. Why work with us? 🔍 We see your potential: We offer an equitable approach to lending, including those who might not yet qualify for traditional financing. 👟 We've stood in your shoes: With our Michigan roots and deep community connections in the food and farm industry, our experience positions us to provide support where traditional lenders might not. 🤝 We meet you where you are: Understanding that no two entrepreneurs are the same, we tailor our financing options to align with the unique goals of your business. Whether or not you’ve reached out to us in the past, come back and check us out. Our resources and support services might be just what your business needs to take the next leap forward! https://lnkd.in/gBFuaQ3s