MICRO-GRANTS PROGRAM

Minneapolis (2025 Recipient) -  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 (2025 Recipient)- 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  (2025 Recipient) - Nicole Bolea & Zach Whitney founded Coffeewomple, a coffee roastery that prioritizes sustainability through all-electric roasting and compostable packaging. 

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

Bloomington (2025 Recipient)- 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 (2025 Recipient) - 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. 

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

Shoreview (2025 Recipient)- 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 help to streamline operations through upgraded packaging and essential equipment.

Minneapolis (2025 Recipient)- 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 (2025 Recipient)- 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  (2025 Recipient) - 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. The founders hope 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.

Hopkins - Founded by Edward Zhang and Caitlin Higgins in 2023, Bao Bao Buns showcases small-batch Chinese bao buns in both traditional and modern flavors. Bao Bao Buns has a growing consumer base of both repeat customers familiar with the product and new eaters alike.

2024 Grant Focus: Increase productivity and visibility by purchasing automation equipment and investing in marketing.

Minneapolis - The idea of Hoyo and its original recipes were introduced by three sisters, Mariam Mohamed, Halima Mohammed, and Asha Galaydh. Now a social benefit corporation, Hoyo creates frozen sambusas and shelf-stable Somali sauces while providing employment for women.

2024 Grant Focus: Lower operating costs by expanding into a new production facility and updating a key equipment.

Brooklyn Park - Junita Flowers united her lifelong dream of becoming a business owner and her favorite childhood treats with the launch of Junita’s Jar in 2018. The business aims to foster hope, connection, and inspiration for doing good and feeling good with each cookie.

2024 Grant Focus: Optimize production processes and enhance packaging to prepare the business for new markets.

South Saint Paul - Eddie Shih and Sasha Szutu founded Linko Food in 2015 to preserve the flavors of Taiwanese sausage from childhood. The USDA-approved small business experiences especially high demand for its sausages during the Lunar New Year and community festivals.

2024 Grant Focus: Increase output by upgrading production facilities, boosting marketing, and enhancing retail partnerships.

Roseville - Taking Stock, founded by Molly Clark and Maddy Kaudy, sells shelf-stable, organic chicken bone broths. After a year-long assessment that resulted in valuable customer feedback on their product and brand, the founders are taking action to bring the business into new market opportunities.

2024 Grant Focus: Address customers’ needs and demand by revamping product and packaging design.

Le Sueur - A Tiny Homestead is a farm owned and operated by Mary Lewis since 2021. The farm supplies fresh, packaged produce directly to communities through a farm share subscription as well as through local grocery stores.

2023 Grant Focus: Meet demand during the winter months by adding a heated greenhouse on the farm.

Moorhead - Doubting Thomas Farm is owned and operated by Noreen Thomas, with help from her daughter-in-law. The farm grows whole grains that are then made into cereal, pancake mixes, and other products. The founder hopes to expand beyond the Moorhead area.

2023 Grant Focus: Become more competitive in a wider market by improving packaging.

Roseville – Founder Charles Lovejoy used his extensive bartending background to launch his own line of Bloody Mary mixes and hot sauce. The business supplies bars, restaurants, and retail stores throughout the Twin Cities, and is aiming to distribute beyond Minnesota.

2023 Grant Focus: Increase business and industry acumen by accessing tradeshows and development opportunities.

Saint Paul - Shan Colombus started Maytown Foods 2022. The business produces chili sauce and sells to select Twin Cities grocery stores. The founder hopes to distribute to retailers outside of the area and is working to enhance production capabilities to do so.

2023 Grant Focus: Increase production efficiency and capacity by purchasing  kitchen equipment.

Newport - Uprooted is a new coffee roastery founded by Saengmany Ratsabout and Gao Lee. The founders source whole beans from Southeast Asia, which is a relatively new region to enter the global coffee industry. Currently, products are available in bags of whole roasted beans, and the founders hope to diversify their offerings.

2023 Grant Focus: Add ground coffee to the product line by purchasing a commercial-grade grinder.