MICRO-GRANTS PROGRAM

Minneapolis - Founded by Shalini Gupta and Pramila Vasudevan, Apasa Foods makes handcrafted, fermented achaar - an authentic South Asian pickle. 

Their priority for the grant is to inform consumers about this culturally inspired product by more effectively integrating brand and storytelling. 

New Hope - Mónica Jiménez founded Chocolate San Jose-Minneapolis in 2018 to create chocolates from the cacao grown on her family’s farm in Ecuador. 

The founder aims to expand into additional retailers that feature local and healthy products, and plans to purchase essential equipment to scale production. 

Minneapolis - Nicole Bolea & Zach Whitney founded Coffeewomple, a coffee roastery that prioritizes sustainability by roasting with all-electric roasters and  using compostable packaging. 

The grant will provide similar equipment to enhance their production, enabling higher output and supporting expansion into retail. 

Bloomington - Founded by Delma Kaiga, Diction is a 100% certified organic farm on 0.5 acres of land. It is committed to providing fresh produce to communities using sustainable practices that benefit humans as well as the environment.

The grant provides refrigeration equipment to improve the storage and freshness of the farm’s packaged produce. 

Cohasset - Benjamin Bostaph founded Master’s Maples, a business specializing in pure maple syrup and maple products.  The founder is dedicated to educating the public about its health benefits as a natural sweetener. 

Priority for the grant is to expand the product line with single-serve syrup packs by purchasing equipment and packaging. 

Shoreview - Founded by Maria Sharperson and Allie Spadaro in 2017, Minneoats offers oatmeal and granola for nourishing, on-the-go breakfast options. The business is poised to scale while maintaining quality and consistency.

The grant will enable the founder to streamline operations; upgrade packaging and purchase essential equipment.

Minneapolis - Mr. Momo was founded by Subash Yadav with a mission to bring the flavors of Nepali dumplings to American tables. Yadav hopes to expand further into the wholesale market.

His priority for the grant is to inform consumers about this culturally inspired product by more effectively weaving marketing and storytelling together.

Minneapolis - Neha Bressers founded NOMaste to offer freeze-dried, vegan meals, without compromising nutrition, flavor, or convenience. The founder hopes to expand the product line in the future by introducing recipes inspired by global flavors.

Her goal is to increase production efficiency and output through the purchase of additional equipment.

Brooklyn Park - Akalat Thao and Jenny Yang started Sushi Zen in 2024. They offer 20+ different rolls and nigiri, made daily and currently supplied to nine retailers. Sushi Zen hopes to continue partnering with more local grocery stores.

The founders are on a trajectory of growth. They plan to meet demand by investing in essential equipment with the grant.