Supporting Underserved Businesses: Building Michigan's Future
The grants are a direct result of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s bipartisan budget, which emphasizes ensuring that everyone can “Make it in Michigan”, with a particular focus on supporting underserved and historically underfunded communities. MDARD Director Tim Boring highlighted the significance of the grants, saying, "These grants allow MDARD to support traditionally underserved businesses as they work to fulfill local needs while further strengthening local supply chains."
This commitment to providing technical assistance and capacity-building support aligns with Michigan’s broader goal of fostering community-based small businesses, which play a crucial role in the state’s economy. The grants will help these businesses develop business plans, enhance grant management skills, and establish stronger financial investment planning.
Grant Recipients and Their Projects
Out of 24 proposals submitted, seven businesses have been selected to receive funding totaling $339,500. The recipients span multiple regions in Michigan and focus on a diverse range of agricultural initiatives. Here’s a closer look at the projects receiving support:
Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation – $50,000 (Berrien County): This project will strengthen connections between Southwest Michigan growers and local food vendors in Benton Harbor, providing technical training and business readiness support.
Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) – $50,000 (Wayne County): DBCFSN will support the development of a Black farmer-led food hub, which will help prepare Black growers in Detroit for local and regional production, processing, and distribution, creating new business training opportunities.
Growing Hope – $48,500 (Washtenaw County): Growing Hope will offer business coaching and mentorship to underserved food entrepreneurs, while also providing access to a licensed commercial kitchen space.
Lakeshore Flavor – $50,000 (Muskegon County): The Synergy Program will provide customized support for underserved growers, farmers, and food businesses along the Lakeshore, offering assistance in business planning, financial management, and food safety.
LEAP Coaching & Consulting LLC – $42,000 (Huron County): This project will deliver technical assistance to underserved business owners in Michigan’s food and agriculture sectors, helping them develop effective grant strategies and improve their competitiveness for securing funding.
Michigan Integrated Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) – $49,000 (Ingham County): MIFFS will collaborate with multiple organizations to provide culturally appropriate technical assistance for underserved farm businesses, supporting their efforts to develop strategic plans and build partnerships.
North Flint Reinvestment Corporation Inc. (NFRC) – $50,000 (Genesee County): NFRC will expand its summer Stop & Shop food vendor events, supporting local micro-business owners, farmers, and artisans in North Flint by providing consulting and grant writing support.
Focus on Inclusivity and Economic Growth
These grants aim to help businesses overcome barriers and ensure that underserved communities are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in Michigan’s evolving food and agriculture landscape. State Representative Joey Andrews (D-Benton Harbor) emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting, "Increasing access to resources and support is vital to ensuring Michigan entrepreneurs can succeed."
State Representative Stephanie Young (D-Redford) also expressed her enthusiasm for the program, underscoring the commitment to historically underserved communities. "Today's announcement demonstrates Governor Whitmer's and the legislature's commitment to investing in historically under-engaged communities," said Young.
The Road Ahead: Continuing Support for Local Businesses
As Michigan continues to support its food and agriculture businesses, MDARD plans to open another round of Value Added, Regional Food Systems, and Underserved Grants in fall 2024. The upcoming grants will provide further opportunities for businesses to receive technical assistance and funding to build capacity and readiness.
These ongoing efforts reflect Michigan’s commitment to economic inclusivity and sustainable growth within its food and agriculture sectors. With the assistance provided by these grants, local businesses will be better positioned to contribute to their communities while driving Michigan’s economy forward.
For more information on how to apply for future grants, visit Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.
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