Fall 2024 Seed Awards
Grant funding for Michigan’s farmers, growers, aggregators, and distributors.
Take your food or farm business to the next level
Our Fall 2024 Seed Awards are open to Michigan-based farm and aggregator/distributor businesses looking to grow their business and/or prepare for financing. Learn more about the types of businesses that are eligible. BIPOC- and women-owned businesses are highly encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
Michigan Good Food Fund’s Stakeholder Board will be awarding 10-15 seed grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000 to businesses whose success will grow economic development, healthy food access, racial equity, and/or resilient climate practices in Michigan.
The application period has closed.
Application Process
Applications opened on October 31 and were due on November 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. ET. The application process was as follows:
- Provide a brief description of your business: name and location of business, community(ies) served, and product(s) and/or service(s) provided.
- Indicate the specific amount requested (up to $20,000).
- Share the business owner’s name(s) and specify if the owner(s) identify as BIPOC and/or women.
- Provide a brief overview of your business, such as customer base, revenue, storefront presence, and operational status (startup or established).
- Describe how you will utilize the requested funds, outlining how these resources will contribute to business growth, 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.
Proposal Review
This grant opportunity is led by a committee of Michigan Good Food Fund’s Stakeholder Board members – a diverse collective of 20+ people with deep roots in Michigan and a range of food industry careers. A committee Stakeholder Board members will carefully review submissions based on the proposed use of funds and alignment with performance targets.
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 the inaugural Seed Award Winners.
“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
“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
Explore Other Services from Michigan Good Food Fund
Flexible Financing
Gain access to flexible, patient loans customized for food and farm businesses of any scale.
Business Resources
Access on-demand resources designed to help you succeed at every stage.
Trainings and Workshops
Expand your expertise with trainings designed specifically for food and farm businesses.
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