Michigan Good Food Fund Opens Applications for 2026 Seed Awards

Michigan Good Food Fund Opens Applications for 2026 Seed Awards

Michigan food and farm businesses can apply for funding through September 28

DETROIT, MI – September 21, 2026 – The countdown is on for Michigan food and farm businesses interested in the 2026 Michigan Good Food Fund Seed Awards. With more than $200,000 in Seed Awards available, applications close Monday, September 28 by 5 p.m., leaving just 10 days for eligible businesses to apply for funding designed to help them grow, strengthen operations, and contribute to Michigan’s food system.

Under this year’s theme, “Growing a Stronger Food System for All,” the 2026 Seed Awards expand eligibility across the entire food value chain, creating opportunities for a broader range of Michigan food and farm businesses to access critical funding.

With the September 28 deadline quickly approaching, Michigan Good Food Fund is encouraging eligible businesses that have not yet applied to act now.

“Michigan’s food system is strengthened by entrepreneurs at every step of the food value chain,” said Shakir Bralock, Director of the Michigan Good Food Fund. “The Seed Awards are an opportunity to invest directly in businesses that are growing, creating jobs, serving their communities, and building a stronger food system across our state.”

Who Can Apply?

The 2026 Seed Awards are open to eligible Michigan-based businesses including:

1. Farms: Businesses that grow crops or raise livestock for sale to consumers,

retailers, institutions, processors or other markets.

2. Specialty Crop Producers: Businesses that grow fruits, vegetables, tree nuts,

mushrooms, or other specialty agricultural products.

3. Food Hubs: Businesses or organizations that aggregate, store, market, and

distribute products from multiple farms or food producers to wholesale, retail,

institutional, or consumer markets.

4. Packaged Food Producers: Businesses that produce food that is packaged and

sold through retail, wholesale, or direct-to-consumer markets.

5. Food Manufacturers: Businesses that process ingredients or agricultural products

into finished or value-added food for commercial sale.

6. Restaurants: Businesses that prepare and sell meals and ready-to-eat foods

directly to consumers for dine-in, carryout, or delivery.

7.  Incubator Kitchens: Shared commercial kitchen spaces where food entrepreneurs

can rent time and equipment to produce their products. Examples include

community kitchens, culinary incubators, and commissary kitchens.

8. Grocery Stores: Retail businesses that sell a variety of food, beverages, fresh

produce, and other grocery products directly to consumers.

9. Markets: Retail food businesses that sell fresh, local, specialty, or other food

products directly to consumers, including neighborhood markets.

The Seed Awards program provides flexible grant funding to help Michigan food and farm businesses strengthen their operations, prepare for growth, and increase their impact. Through the program, Michigan Good Food Fund connects entrepreneurs not only with capital, but also with a statewide network of lending and technical assistance resources.

Previous Seed Awards have supported food and farm entrepreneurs throughout Michigan, helping businesses invest in equipment, infrastructure, operations, and other needs that can position them for long-term growth.

Michigan food and farm entrepreneurs are encouraged to review eligibility requirements and begin or complete their applications now to ensure they are submitted before the deadline.

To learn more about the 2026 Seed Awards and apply, visit MiGoodFoodFund.org.

Acerca del Fondo Michigan Good Food

Michigan Good Food Fund is a statewide lending network working to strengthen Michigan’s food system by increasing access to financing and business assistance for food and farm entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with lenders, investors, and technical assistance providers, Michigan Good Food Fund helps businesses access the resources they need to grow and create lasting economic and community impact.