The Fall 2024 Seed Awards by the Michigan Good Food Fund aim to support Michigan-based farm businesses and food aggregators/distributors seeking to expand their operations or secure financing. These grants are open to small businesses across the state with a particular emphasis on supporting BIPOC- and women-owned enterprises. Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their business aligns with the program’s goals of promoting economic development, enhancing healthy food access, advancing racial equity, and fostering climate resilience within Michigan’s food system.

The program will provide between 10 and 15 seed grants, with each award ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. The funding is intended to help recipients grow their business, better position themselves for future financing, and positively impact their communities and Michigan’s overall food landscape. This grant opportunity is specifically tailored to businesses contributing to Michigan’s food sector, and businesses should be prepared to articulate how the funding will support business growth, aid in reaching financing goals, and support the Michigan food system’s development.

Applications for the Fall 2024 Seed Awards open on October 31 and must be submitted by November 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. The application process is designed to be accessible and requires applicants to provide a brief description of their business, requested grant amount, details on ownership (especially whether the owners identify as BIPOC or women), and a business overview that includes customer base, revenue, storefront presence, and operational status. Additionally, applicants should include a summary of how they will use the funds to achieve their business objectives and meet the program's broader goals.

The review process will be managed by a committee from the Michigan Good Food Fund’s Stakeholder Board, a diverse group of over 20 professionals with strong connections to Michigan’s food industry. Applications will be assessed based on the clarity of the proposed fund use and how well the business goals align with the Seed Awards’ objectives. This board-led review process emphasizes transparency and community alignment in its selection criteria.

This program, which launched in 2023, is part of the Michigan Good Food Fund's broader commitment to invest in local food entrepreneurs and strengthen Michigan’s food supply chain. The 2023 inaugural awards saw over 300 applicants, with eleven businesses ultimately selected to receive nearly $150,000 in total funding. These awards reflect the Fund’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to the state’s food value chain and economic ecosystem.

Interested businesses can learn more about eligibility and the application process by reaching out to the Michigan Good Food Fund at info@migoodfoodfund.org. Further information on the impact of the inaugural awards and the Fund’s objectives can also be found on their website.