PRESS RELEASE
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
************************
Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) awarded nearly $340,000 in grants to seven entities across the state for Capacity Building Programs for Underserved Food and Agriculture Establishments. These grants are designed to provide technical assistance to build capacity and readiness for underserved food and agriculture establishments in Michigan communities.

“Governor Whitmer’s recent bipartisan budget reflects her commitment to ensuring everyone in Michigan can succeed, especially in our growing food and agriculture sector,” said Director Tim Boring. “These grants will enable MDARD to help traditionally underserved businesses meet local needs while continuing to strengthen local supply chains. We know that community-based small businesses are at the heart of Michigan agriculture, and at MDARD we are committed to supporting these businesses by creating new economic growth opportunities.”

“Increasing access to resources and support is critical to ensuring Michigan’s entrepreneurs can succeed,” said State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-Benton Harbor). “This funding will help build capacity and economic opportunity in our local community.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates Governor Whitmer and the Legislature’s commitment to investing in historically underserved communities,” said Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Redford). “I’m thrilled to be able to play a role in supporting these new opportunities for underserved food and agriculture businesses. Let’s continue to achieve success in Michigan!”

These grant funds are allocated under Section 902 of Law No. 119 and are intended to support underserved food and agriculture enterprises through collaborative planning and capacity-building initiatives that advance efforts to meet local needs, including, but not limited to, business plan development, grant management training, partnership development, and financial investment planning.

The Department received 24 proposals with a total value of over $1.1 million. MDARD awarded grants totaling $339,500 to the following seven projects:

• Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation – $50,000 (Berrien County) – The goal of this project is to build strong connections between the Southwest Michigan grower network and food retailers in the City of Benton Harbor by providing comprehensive technical training and business preparation assistance.
• Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) – $50,000 (Wayne County) – DBCFSN will support Detroit Grow Moore Producer, a Black producer cooperative in Detroit, in preparing local and regional production, processing, aggregation and distribution to create the basis of a Black farmer-led food hub as a site of resource development and business training. DBCFSN will facilitate the development of a horizontal network of technical support providers that is farmer-led and focused.
• Growing Hope – $48,500 (Washtenaw County) – Growing Hope will focus on developing additional business start-up support through one-on-one business coaching, mentoring and educational programs to help entrepreneurs develop the skills and knowledge they need to grow their businesses. In addition, licensed commercial kitchens will be provided to underserved food businesses.
• Lakeshore Flavor – $50,000 (Muskegon County) – The Synergy program is designed to provide comprehensive and tailored support to disadvantaged producers, farmers and food businesses along the lakeshore to enable sustainable business development and contribute to a diversified and equitable local food economy in Muskegon County. The project includes business plan preparation, financial management, market analysis and food safety regulations.
• LEAP Coaching & Consulting LLC – $42,000 (Huron County) – Nourishing Diversity is a seven-month project designed to provide technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs in Michigan operating in the food and agriculture sector. Led by experienced professionals, this project provides comprehensive support to ensure these businesses are well prepared to apply for grants and secure critical resources for growth and sustainability. The project aims to help deploy effective grant strategies, improve grant readiness, and increase their competitiveness in securing grant funds.
• Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) – $49,000 (Ingham County) – MIFFS, in collaboration with the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network, Equity and Access Group, Keep Growing Detroit, and Michigan State University, will support underserved farms participating in the Farm Business Management for the Global Majority program, connecting them with culturally appropriate technical assistance from underserved service providers to build their capacity for collaborative strategic planning, partnership development, business readiness, and greater readiness for financing opportunities.
• North Flint Reinvestment Corporation Inc. (NFRC) – $50,000 (Genesee County) – The project will expand the NFRC’s summer Stop & Shop food sales events (previously held at Eagle’s Nest Academy, directly across from the new Food Market) and build the capacity of local small business owners, farmers and artisans to be supported and operate successfully in the North Flint corridor. This grant will provide technical assistance, consultation and application assistance.

Proposals were evaluated through a competitive process. Awarded entities will provide technical assistance for a new round of value-added, regional food systems and underserved areas grants beginning in fall 2024. For more information about this grant program, visit https://www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants.

************************