Explore Funding Sources
The Funding Sources for Food-Related Businesses is a directory created to support and benefit food-related business. The directory includes sources of local, regional, and national finance opportunities that may be available to producers, distributors, food hubs, and food-related businesses. The directory is a partial listing of what may be available across the United States; some examples may not be a good match with your particular circumstances. Initially informed by a list of funding resources for food-related businesses found on the Food+Tech Connect website, a media and research company building a network for food innovators and entrepreneurs, this listing has been expanded and updated by the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems to help support local food systems.
How to Use the Directory
Use the Search bar below to find funding sources by their title. Alternatively, use the category options below to filter through and find available opportunities for your business. To select multiple options from the dropdown lists:
- On a Mac, press and hold the Command key (⌘) while clicking on the desired selections.
- On a PC, press and hold the Control (CTRL) key while clicking on the desired selections.
Press the Search button to see applicable funding sources.
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In Our Backyard (IOBY)
In Our Backyard is a crowdfunding program that focuses on local projects for community change.
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Indiegogo
Indiegogo is a crowdfunding portal for creative, entrepreneurial projects for community change. Entrepreneurs have the option of choosing flexible funding or fixed funding for their project.
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inKind
inKind is an online platform providing a vehicle through which restaurateurs can raise capital from members of their local community using a site specifically tailored to the food and beverage service industry.
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Kalamazoo Micro Enterprise Grant from United Way of South-Central Michigan
Change the Story is a program from the United Way of South-Central Michigan for microbusinesses in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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Kickstarter
Kickstarter is a fundraising platform for creative projects, including those related to food, with clear goals and deadlines.
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Kiva
The Kiva community provides access to 0% interest loans and a community passionate about helping entrepreneurs in the United States and the world.
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Lake Trust Credit Union
Lake Trust Credit Union offers lending options including microloans from $500-$50,000, lines of credit, and term, real estate, and SBA loans.
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Lending Club
Lending Club is a large online marketplace connecting borrowers and investors, where consumers and small business owners lower the cost of their credit.
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Lendio
Business submits a free application and is provided with a list of lender options.
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MDARD Food and Agriculture Investment Fund
Food and farm businesses apply for the grant through their local Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Specialist.
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MDARD Rural Development Fund Grants
These MDARD grant funds are available for projects that address expansion and sustainability of land-based industries; worker training related to land-based industries; and more.
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MDARD Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The State Department of Agriculture will grant funds to competitive specialty crops. Specialty crops are described as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).
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MDARD Value-Added and Regional Food Systems Grants
This MDARD grant program is for projects that will establish, retain, expand, attract, or develop value added agricultural processing in Michigan, or that will expand or develop regional food systems or access the healthy food.
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Metro Community Development (Flint Area)
Metro Community Development helps create partnerships for businesses in Flint and Genesee County to help underserved people in their communities.
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Michigan Good Food Fund
The Michigan Good Food Fund (MGFF) is a statewide food financing initiative with a mission to build healthier communities, close wealth gaps, and contribute to a more connected, equitable, and sustainable food economy.
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Michigan Women Forward
The Michigan Women Forward Fund is a financing program available to women entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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Motor City Match
Motor City Match works with Detroit area businesses to offer funding, locate available Detroit real estate, and provide entrepreneurial support.
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National Resources Conservation Service Innovation Grants
This grant is available to public and private enterprises for funding the development of innovative tools, technology, and strategies for conservation of agricultural land and natural resources.
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Northern Initiatives
Northern Initiatives is a community development financial institution (CDFI).
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Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation Grant
The Olga Loizon Memorial Foundation offers $50,000 grants for Michigan women-owned restaurant businesses on an annual basis.
Do you know of a funding source for food-related businesses that we are missing? Does one of the listed funding sources require an update? Let us know by sending an email to Jazmin Bolan-Williamson, Farm and Food Business Coordinator, at bolanwil@msu.edu