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Seed Awards

Seed grant funding for Michigan Retail Grocery Stores, Markets, Incubator Kitchens and Food Co-Manufacturers seeking capital.

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Take your food or farm business to the next level

Through the Seed Awards, Michigan Good Food Fund’s Stakeholder Board awards seed grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000 to eligible businesses. Each round of grants focuses on a new sector of the food and farm industry. Only eligible applications will be considered. This round of funding is for Michigan Retail Grocery Stores, Markets, Incubator Kitchens and Food Co-Manufacturers Seeking Capital whose success will grow economic development and healthy food access throughout Michigan.

Learn more about the types of businesses that are eligible. BIPOC- and women-owned businesses are highly encouraged to apply.

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Strengthening Your Seed Awards Applications

Watch this short webinar that covers valuable feedback on what makes a successful Seed Awards application.

Application Process

To apply for funding, businesses should apply by September 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM EDT by clicking on the link below.

Businesses will be asked to describe the following in their response:

A brief description of your business: name and location, community(ies) served, and product(s) and/or service(s) provided.
The current status of your business, for example, customer base, revenue, start-up or established operations, etc.
Business owner's name(s) and demographic information.
The specific amount you are seeking, up to a maximum of $20,000. This will help us understand your financial needs and how we can best support your business.
Intended use of the requested funds. Be as specific as possible regarding how these funds will help you grow your business, prepare for additional financing, and/or meet your business goals, and positively impact the Michigan food system and your community.

Questions? Reach out to info@migoodfoodfund.org.

Apply Here

Proposal Review

To apply, please click here. Applications must be received by Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM EDT.

A committee of Michigan Good Food Fund Stakeholder Board members will review the proposals and decide which will receive funding based on the proposed use of funds and mission alignment.

Applicants can expect to hear whether their proposal has been selected for funding by October 31, 2025. Please direct any questions or requests for information about the 2025 Seed Awards to info@migoodfoodfund.org.

Apply Here

Investing in food and farm entrepreneurs across Michigan

With a focus on promoting racial equity, enhancing healthy food access, fostering job creation, and embracing resilient climate practices, the Seed Awards are a cornerstone of the Michigan Good Food Fund’s commitment to supporting local food and farm entrepreneurs.

Our inaugural awards were launched in 2023. From a pool of 338 submissions, eleven businesses from across Michigan were selected to receive seed funding totaling almost $150,000. These grants represent not just financial investment but a recognition of these businesses’ vital role in advancing Michigan’s food value chain.

Learn more about our latest round of Seed Award winners.

A person wearing glasses and a bright red sweater stands at a large table covered with architectural blueprints and documents, smiling as they review the papers. The background is plain and white, focusing attention on the individual's work area.

“This award is helping us grow that side of the business and share more of our food with people in Michigan while doing more business in the state.”

—Hamissi Mamba, CEO & Co-Founder of Baobab in Detroit

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“By maintaining our business, we are able to serve our family, our communities and the region with food that sustains our health, and the health of the surrounding ecosystem.”

—Jerry Jondreau, Co-owner of Dynamite Hill Farms in L’Anse