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Fund Update

The final months of 2016 have been full of activity. From $380,000 in awards supporting healthy food retail projects to a recent Business Boot Camp in Battle Creek, we are working hard to fuel entrepreneurship and healthy food access in Michigan. This activity builds on a year where we’ve responded to 150+ inquiries and provided a range of business assistance to good food entrepreneurs - see below for highlights. Our New Year's resolution? An even more impactful 2017. 

On behalf of all Fund partners—Capital Impact Partners, Fair Food Network, Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation—we wish you happy holidays filled with good food!
Are you working to increase healthy food access in Michigan? The Fund can be a resource for your business. Fill out our online inquiry form to learn more about financing & business assistance support. 

Latest Fund News

6 FOOD RETAIL PROJECTS SPLIT $380,000 IN CATALYTIC INVESTMENT AWARDS
We are thrilled to announce $380,000 in Catalytic Investment Awards to six innovative healthy food retail projects. These efforts are growing access to affordable, healthy food for those who need it most, while creating jobs and supporting Michigan farmers by featuring local products. These awards are designed to catalyze high-impact projects with the goal of growing their capacity to successfully secure financing within the next 12 months.

Please join us in congratulating all six award winners!

Four will receive $75,000 each. They include:

  • Bridgepoint Development LLC: Equity to secure funding and site improvements for a new food market in downtown Jackson, which will create 35 full-time jobs plus several part time positions. 
  • Detroit Black Community Food Security Network: Predevelopment funding for a new mixed-use site in Detroit to include a grocery store, café, incubator kitchen, community space, and administrative offices.
  • Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation in partnership with FoodLab Detroit: Feasibility study and facility design to expand the Northwest Detroit Farmers' Market to include a new year-round food hall featuring FoodLab entrepreneurs.
  • Ken's Fruit Markets: Funding to support the continued growth of a multi-site grocery retailer increasing access to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables in Grand Rapids.
Two early stage projects were awarded $40,000 each to support predevelopment work for new grocery store projects in North Flint: Fresh Start CDC, Inc.-- Flint and North Flint Reinvestment Corporation, Inc.

Check out our press release plus media stories in
Crain's Detroit Business, Flint Journal, Citizen PatriotDetroit Hub & Next City

BATTLE CREEK BUSINESS BOOT CAMP
6 ENTREPRENEURS. 3 DAYS. 1 PITCH COMPETITION WINNER.

This November we had the privilege of working with six good food entrepreneurs for a first-ever Business Boot Camp in Battle Creek. This intensive training gave participating entrepreneurs the skills to match their passion so they can take their business to the next level. Topics included marketing, telling your story, financials, solving business challenges, and more.

Three days together culminated in a pitch fest, where participating entrepreneurs shared their business stories to a panel of judges and a live audience. 

Entrepreneurs share their biggest takeaway.

Sunlight Gardens took home the pitch fest's $10,000 prize! Co-owners Olivia Jayakar and Devon Wilson will use the award to purchase a tractor. This investment will greatly boost production on their small urban farm, which is not only providing residents wholesome, locally grown food, but also cultivating better health and consciousness through education and community engagement work. 

Congratulations to all Business Boot Camp participants! 

  • EZ 2 Go Salads & Wraps: A family-owned business offering healthy lunch options featuring local produce, all at affordable prices.
  • Farmers on the Move: The state’s only cooperative of Hispanic growers. 
  • Great Scott Ice Cream: A producer of seriously delicious frozen treats in creative flavor combinations using locally sourced ingredients. 
  • Green Gardens Farm: A diversified, 20-acre farm and four-season CSA serving the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo communities. 
  • Torti Taco: A family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine using fresh, local ingredients (plus a salsa bar!). 
Want more? Dig into this Second Wave profile spotlighting the experience of Green Gardens farmer Trent Thompson.
GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK 
Looking for gift ideas that support Michigan good food entrepreneurs? Here are some (delicious) ideas shared by our amazing partners at FoodLab Detroit. Share your favorite Michigan-made goods with us on Facebook!  
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Michigan Good Food Fund is a $30 million public-private partnership loan fund that provides financing and business assistance to good food enterprises that benefit underserved communities across Michigan.
Dig in at MIGoodFoodFund.org

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Michigan Good Food Fund
2990 West Grand Boulevard Suite M-15
Detroit MI 48202

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