2021 APPLICATION IS CLOSED

Eligibility Criteria

The Micro Grants Program supports micro food businesses in Minnesota that are owned by entrepreneurs of color, women, veterans and/or individuals demonstrating socio-economic barriers to equitable participation in business – especially the packaged food industry. 

Possible Uses of Funds

Micro-rants range from $500 to $5000 - a one-time award. The uses for micro-grants are flexible and open – but we are looking for proposals that have specific and identified uses that can propel the business to the next level – “whatever that next level” may mean for the business. This may be to help address a specific challenge in the industry for the business or a one-time and critical business opportunity. Uses of funds are generally not for activities that are typical and ongoing for the business, such as: ongoing staffing expenses, rent, branding/marketing; general planning, coaching, and mentoring; bookkeeping and other typical/general business activities. 

Our Application Approach

To minimize the burden on applicants in our approach to allocating resources, especially in the communities where resources are already limited, we work hard to adhere to these principles: simple and user-friendly; open, inclusive and responsive to business/community needs; do the most good or have the most impact on the business;  and steward well the funds from our donors. 

A diverse, community-based committee with individuals who have experience in small businesses, grant reviews and/or the food and beverage industry will review the grant applications and help decide grant awards.  Awards will be announced in mid-November and all grants will be disbursed to awardees by the end of December.

The application is a simple fillable PDF, downloadable below, and asks for a a short narrative to three specific questions about your business. Completed application should be about 3-4 pages. Submit your application to: info@marketentryfund.org, no later than TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2021, at 5 pm.  Download and Save the fillable application form before you start working on it. All parts of the application must be completed. Incomplete applications will not be acceptable.