Fair Food Fund

Geographic Scope:

• United States companies incorporated in the U.S.
• Primary focus: Michigan and Northeast United States
• In Michigan, administered as the Michigan Good Food Fund (statewide food financing collaborative)

Focus Areas:

• All types of businesses working across the food system
• Food entrepreneurs and food system businesses
• Farm to fork enterprises
• Food access and local food system strengthening

Mission & Impact:

• Mission-driven fund supporting food entrepreneurs as "the engine of a more equitable future"
• Has committed more than $6 million in financing to good food entrepreneurs since 2012 launch
• Aims to redress racial and gender inequities
• Supports local vision and resilience

Eligibility Criteria

Sector Requirements:

• All types of businesses working across the food system eligible
• Examples: farms, food processors, retailers, restaurants, food trucks, agricultural services, composting, food waste management

Business Stage:

• Early-stage businesses
• More mature companies seeking continued growth support

Financial Sustainability:

• Businesses must be profitable OR demonstrate clear path to profitability
• Current financial position and future plans reviewed

Social Impact:

• Must serve their communities
• Preference for businesses addressing racial and gender inequities
• Focus on local food system impact

Geography:

• Incorporated in the U.S.
• Operating in Michigan or Northeast United States

Financing Products Offered

• Traditional loans (term loans, microloans, lines of credit)
• Revenue-based financing
• Convertible debt/notes
• Equity investments
• Credit enhancement/loan guaranties
• Working capital financing
• Safe notes
• Stand-alone investments: $10,000 to $250,000 OR as part of larger financing packages

Business Assistance

All financing complemented by comprehensive business assistance:

• Targeted one-on-one support
• Immersive training programs (e.g., Food Finance Essentials course)
• Access to industry expertise
• Advising and mentorship from Fair Food Network's national network
• Accounting support partnerships

Background

• Launched: 2012
• Parent Organization: Fair Food Network (501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID: 26-4143394)
• Portfolio: 25+ featured investments across multiple states including Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island
• Investment Types: Mix of loans, guaranties, and equity investments supporting diverse food businesses

Contact

Inquiry Method: "GET IN TOUCH" button on entrepreneurs page

How to Apply

1. Initiate Contact
   • Click "GET IN TOUCH" button on the Fair Food Fund Entrepreneurs page
   • Or visit contact page at fairfoodnetwork.org
2. Submission Process
   • Submit inquiry through their contact form
   • Provide initial business information
   • Fair Food Network will review and reach out
3. Application Materials Needed
   • Current financial statements and position
   • Business plans and future growth projections
   • Documentation of social impact and community service
   • Business incorporation details (U.S. incorporated required)
   • Operating location information (Michigan or Northeast U.S.)
4. Assessment & Review
   • Team reviews financial sustainability
   • Evaluates social impact and community alignment
   • Assesses path to profitability
   • Customizes financing product to match business needs
5. Optional Training
   • Businesses may participate in Food Finance Essentials multi-week training course (conducted by Fair Food Fund team)
   • Prepares entrepreneurs for financing
   • May also receive accounting support partnerships
6. Financing Decision
   • Fair Food Network will contact applicants with next steps
   • Customized financing package offered based on business needs and stage