Shakir Bralock Named Acting Program Director

Michigan Good Food Fund is excited to announce Shakir Bralock as our new Acting Program Director, a leader with deep roots in community finance and a passion for economic equity, who will continue to lead the Michigan Good Food Fund team supporting food and farm entrepreneurs across Michigan.

Shakir brings 15 years of experience in banking, community development, and mission-driven investment to this role. Throughout his career, he has worked directly with small business owners, many of whom have been historically excluded from traditional financial systems, and built strong relationships that continue to shape his approach today. Shakir first joined Michigan Good Food Fund’s team in September 2024 as an Investment Manager, working closely with investors, structuring investments deals, conducting due diligence, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for the lending network.

As Acting Program Director, Shakir will lead the statewide loan fund, supporting businesses that are increasing access to healthy food, creating good jobs, supporting local sourcing, and advancing environmental stewardship. He’ll oversee the fund’s investment process and portfolio management, while also working closely with the Stakeholder Board to center community voice, vision, and accountability. He brings a sharp focus on expanding Michigan Good Food Fund’s reach across the state, strengthening local partnerships, and ensuring that food entrepreneurs across Michigan have the capital, resources, and support they need to grow. Since 2021, Fair Food Network has served as the administrative manager for the Michigan Good Food Fund, anchoring its operations and strategic direction.

Shakir’s path to this leadership role was shaped by his early career in commercial banking—an experience that opened his eyes to the systemic barriers many entrepreneurs face.

“I worked in communities that really needed financing but were unbankable,” he recalls. “As a branch manager, I was submitting loan applications that kept getting declined. After years of that, I knew I wanted to do work that made a difference, where I could actually get financing into entrepreneurs’ hands.”

That turning point led Shakir to community banks and ultimately to the world of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), where he learned how capital could be structured more equitably. Before joining Fair Food Network’s Michigan Good Food Fund team, he worked as a loan officer at ProsperUS Detroit, where he provided technical assistance and funding to small business owners across Southeast Michigan.

Based in Detroit, with a deep understanding of the communities across the state, Shakir will serve as a valuable resource for partners, collaborators, and entrepreneurs alike. You can reach him at sbralock@fairfoodnetwork.org.

An Investment Approach Rooted in Community

In his time as Investment Manager, Shakir quickly became a familiar and trusted presence among Michigan entrepreneurs. His approach to investment is grounded in relationship-building and a belief that capital should be both accessible and transformative.

“I came into the role already familiar with many of the entrepreneurs and partner organizations. I hit the ground running, structuring deals and getting to work,” he says.

One of the projects that stands out most to him is Whittier Bodega, a soon-to-open grocery store on Detroit’s east side. It’s the kind of neighborhood investment that Michigan Good Food Fund exists to support.

“It’s a small market that’s going to offer fresh produce, ready-made salads, and essentials like eggs and tissue,” Shakir explains. “They’ll accept SNAP. It’s run by an African American couple—she runs a tax business in the front, and they’ve built out the back as a grocery store. It’s for the community, by the community.”

For Shakir, the story of Whittier Bodega represents more than just a financial investment; it reflects Michigan Good Food Fund’s commitment to nourishing communities through locally owned food businesses.

Leadership with Focus and Vision

As Acting Program Director, Shakir is already charting a clear path forward. His priorities reflect Michigan Good Food Fund’s core values: expanding access, building capacity, and investing in entrepreneurs with vision.

“We’ve got several major initiatives underway right now,” he notes. “The Seed Awards are coming up soon, which support early-stage food businesses. We also have new entrepreneurship cohorts launching in Flint and Washtenaw County.”

One of these is a BUILD Institute food business cohort, tailored for entrepreneurs with at least $100,000 in annual sales and three years of business experience who are ready to scale. These efforts are part of Michigan Good Food Fund’s broader strategy to provide targeted support at every stage of business growth.

Looking ahead, Shakir sees an excellent opportunity for Michigan Good Food Fund to deepen its presence statewide.

“We have strong partnerships in Southeast Michigan. Now, we’re focused on expanding those relationships in West Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and the U.P.,” he says. “It’s about showing up in those communities, earning trust, and learning from our partners on the ground.”

Capital, Technical Assistance, and Lifelong Support

Shakir knows that access to capital is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to building a more equitable food economy. He also emphasizes the need for long-term asistencia empresarial, ongoing coaching, and wraparound support for entrepreneurs navigating complex challenges.

“Access to capital plays a huge role—but it’s not the only thing,” he explains. “Entrepreneurs often don’t have the savings or safety net to invest in growth. And many are just grinding to pay themselves. That’s where organizations like Michigan Good Food Fund come in, not just with funding, but with technical assistance before and after the loan.”

In his experience, the support needed by entrepreneurs rarely ends once a loan closes.

“It’s more of a lifelong relationship,” Shakir says. “Even years later, if I see a business owner from a past deal and they need help, I’ll do what I can. That’s just how this work goes. We stay in it with them.”

What It Takes to Thrive in 2025

When asked what qualities today’s food entrepreneurs need most, Shakir highlights three essentials: determination, technology, and relationships.

“The hard work is there—they’re entrepreneurs. But in 2025, it’s really important to embrace technology. This could involve utilizing tools to simplify bookkeeping, reach customers online, or streamline day-to-day operations. Technology should free up time so they can focus on the heart of their business.”

And just as critical, he adds, are strong relationships.

“It’s a relationship business. That’s true in lending and in entrepreneurship. Character-based lending depends on your reputation. Your relationships and your character are just as important as your capital, sometimes more.”

Bringing Health and Wealth to Michigan

At the heart of Shakir’s leadership is a deep belief in the power of food to create change, economic, social, and personal.

“I want Michigan Good Food Fund’s community, our entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters, to know that I’m bringing my passion for people, food, and finance to the masses,” he says. “I will work tirelessly with my team to help more people access healthy food and to grow both health and wealth in our communities.”

Under Shakir’s guidance, Michigan Good Food Fund will continue to invest in food businesses that drive local impact, foster community ownership, and build a more inclusive food economy. His approach is one of integrity, collaboration, and purpose, a natural extension of Michigan Good Food Fund’s mission and values.

Looking Ahead

As Shakir takes the reins as Acting Program Director, Michigan Good Food Fund stands poised to deepen its statewide impact. With new investments, expanded technical assistance, and stronger regional partnerships, the path forward is one of growth, and Shakir is ready to lead the way.