Explore Funding Sources

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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.

Search. Explore sources by name.

Ownership. Select one or more ownership types that best describe your business.

Funding Type. Select one or more funding opportunities that would most benefit your business.

Business Sector. Select the most accurate description/s of your business.

Funding Amounts. Filter by preferred funding size or amount. Up to $50,000 $50,001 - $249,999 $250,000 +

Geographic Location. Filter by regional eligibility for funding. Michigan Nationwide Global / Worldwide

CircleUp

CircleUp is a crowdfunding platform connecting accredited investors with innovative consumer and retail companies.
Credibles

Businesses receive crowdfunding in exchange for store credits to their funders (one credit = $1). Continuous funding is also available for working capital, equipment, staff, etc.
FundRazr

FundRazr is a crowdfunding platform for a variety of campaigns, including small businesses and entrepreneurs. Applicants create a campaign, choose a funding model, and share their story to collect funds.
Honeycomb Credit

Honeycomb Credit is an online loan crowdfunding platform where small businesses borrow funds directly from everyday people, repaying them with interest.
In Our Backyard (IOBY)

In Our Backyard is a crowdfunding program that focuses on local projects for community change.
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.
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.
Kickstarter

Kickstarter is a fundraising platform for creative projects, including those related to food, with clear goals and deadlines.
Patronicity

Patronicity is a civic crowdfunding platform that supports community and economic improvement projects in MI, MA, and IN.
Republic

Republic connects startup businesses to vetted investment opportunities.
Wefunder

Wefunder is an investment platform that connects financial backers with startup businesses.

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