$250,000 in Seed Awards to Strengthen Food Entrepreneurs; Applications Open Now

Detroit, MI – September 11, 2025 – Michigan Good Food Fund, a statewide lending network working to build a more inclusive and resilient food system, is expanding its impact with the upcoming launch of $250,000 in Seed Awards. Applications opened September 8, 2025, offering Michigan-based food businesses funding and support at any stage. In this round of Seed Awards, Michigan Good Food Fund is focusing on Michigan-based retail grocery stores, markets, incubator kitchens, and food co-manufacturers that can benefit from seed (grant) funding.

The Seed Awards program provides flexible grant funding to help small businesses scale, strengthen operations, and increase community impact. In 2024, Michigan Good Food Fund awarded more than $200,000 in Seed Awards to growers, aggregators, and food businesses statewide. Building on that momentum, Michigan Good Food Fund will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 in this year’s round. Last year, more than $2.65M in capital was deployed to Michigan food and farm businesses through these awards

“At Michigan Good Food Fund, we’re focused on ensuring food entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive,” said Shakir Bralock, Director of the Michigan Good Food Fund. “These Seed Awards reflect our commitment to equity, resilience, and helping businesses take the next step.”

Examples of eligible businesses include:

1. Independent Grocery Stores: Locally owned stores offering produce, packaged goods, and specialty items.
2. Specialty Food Markets: Organic, gluten-free, vegan, international, or gourmet markets.
3. Farm Stops: Year-round, fixed-site retail outlets aggregating products from multiple producers.
4. Food Co-ops: Member-owned grocery stores emphasizing local, sustainable sourcing.
5. Convenience Stores with Fresh Options: Small stores that offer fresh produce, dairy, and healthy ready-to-eat foods.
6. Online Grocery Businesses: E-commerce platforms delivering fresh produce, pantry goods, or meal kits.
7. Incubator Kitchens: Shared commercial kitchens for food entrepreneurs, including community kitchens, culinary incubators, and commissary kitchens.
8. Food Co-Manufacturers: Businesses that produce packaged food products for other brands (e.g., bakeries, sauce manufacturers, snack food co-packers).

By providing critical funding and resources, Michigan Good Food Fund and its network of lenders and technical assistance providers aim to help the state’s entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, expand access to good food businesses across Michigan, and drive lasting economic impact in communities statewide.

To learn more about the Seed Awards and to apply, click here.

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