About this programme
The Seed Awards are a grant program from the Michigan Good Food Fund, a lending network that has provided financing and business support to food and farm entrepreneurs across Michigan since 2015. The fund describes its mission as growing a more resilient, inclusive local food system, and it prioritizes entrepreneurs marginalized by race, ethnicity or gender.
The awards give food and farm businesses grant funding of $5,000 to $20,000 rather than a loan, aimed at businesses whose success will advance economic development and healthy food access in Michigan. The fund's Stakeholder Board reviews and awards the grants, evaluating each proposal for its intended use of funds and alignment with the fund's mission of racial equity, food access, job creation and climate-resilient practices.
Seed Awards sit alongside the fund's other work, which includes flexible loan products, business trainings, technical consulting and networking events for food and farm entrepreneurs. As of the fund's own reporting, it has invested $22.4 million and supported more than 328 entrepreneurs.
How it works
A Stakeholder Board committee reviews applications and awards grants based on the proposed use of funds and how well it fits the fund's mission. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000 per recipient; applicants specify the exact amount they are requesting, up to $20,000.
Who can apply
Any business in the food and farm sector across Michigan is eligible if its success will advance economic development and healthy food access in the state.
BIPOC- and women-owned businesses are actively encouraged to apply, reflecting the fund's stated priority of supporting entrepreneurs marginalized due to race, ethnicity or gender.
How to apply
- Applications for the 2026 round open September 7, 2026 and close September 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT.
- Complete the application, which asks for business name, location, communities served, and products or services.
- Describe current business status, including customer base, revenue and startup phase.
- Provide owner name(s) and demographic information.
- State the specific funding amount requested, up to $20,000, along with the intended use of funds and expected impact.
- Submit via the 2026 Seed Awards application at surveymonkey.com/r/2026MGFFSeedAwards.
- Applicants are notified of results by November 2026.
Frequently asked
How much can I request?
Seed Award grants range from $5,000 to $20,000 per recipient. You state the specific amount you're requesting, up to $20,000, in your application.
Do I have to be BIPOC- or women-owned to apply?
No. Any food or farm business across Michigan is eligible if its success will advance economic development and healthy food access, but BIPOC- and women-owned businesses are actively encouraged to apply.
When do 2026 applications open and close?
Applications open September 7, 2026 and close September 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT, with award notifications by November 2026.
Who reviews the applications?
A committee of the Michigan Good Food Fund's Stakeholder Board reviews proposals based on the proposed use of funds and how well the application fits the fund's mission.
Who do I contact with questions?
You can reach the Michigan Good Food Fund at info@migoodfoodfund.org or by phone at 734.213.3999 x212.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.