michigan
February 18, 2024
Applications must be submitted to MDARD by 3:00 PM on April 18, 2024.
Today, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from minority-owned food and agriculture businesses and advocacy groups looking to increase production capacity. This Phase 1 RFP requires companies to consider efforts to develop capabilities in business planning, grant management training, partnership development, and financial investment planning.
This initial round of grants will help build capacity and prepare for the next round of grants that will be provided directly to minority-owned food and agriculture businesses in Michigan. This reimbursement grant program is designed to provide up to $50,000 in funding to eligible organizations. Phase 2 is expected to begin in late 2024.
“We must upgrade our bipartisan economic development toolkit so we can continue to bring supply chains and good-wage jobs back to Michigan,” he said. governor whitmer. “This new opportunity from MDARD for minority-owned food and agriculture businesses allows us to continue to diversify one of our most important industries and enable everyone to succeed in Michigan. We encourage organizations to submit proposals so we can quickly provide resources and begin creating opportunities across Michigan.”
“As I continue to meet with food and agriculture businesses across the state, I regularly hear about the need for capacity-building opportunities for small businesses,” he said. MDARD Directed by Tim Bowling. “Thanks to the Governor’s bipartisan budget, this investment in minority-owned businesses will expand their customer base and create high-paying jobs while expanding their footprint in the thriving food and agriculture industry.” At MDARD, we are dedicated to promoting new economic opportunities for agribusiness and demonstrating that agribusiness can 'succeed in Michigan.'
Project funding requirements include:
- Capacity Building New fellowship programs, enhanced or expanded fellowship programs or community-based internship programs, training curriculum development, and leadership development programs.
- Development Preparation Activities Activities in which a minority owner prepares to establish a significant property for development or investment. This includes business plan development, project development research, grant writing, grant management, financial management, and more.
- Partnership and planning activities include plan development and implementation activities that build readiness for investment for future projects, joint initiatives, developments, and grant applications.
Eligible applicants for this grant include tax-exempt/nonprofit organizations such as community foundations and statewide associations, private/for-profit businesses, economic development and foundations, federally recognized tribes, and educational institutions. will appear.
To apply for this grant, visit www.michigan.gov/mdardgrants and click on the Minority-Owned Food and Agribusiness Grants tab for program guidelines and a fillable Word document form.
You must submit a fillable Word document form to [email protected]. Proposals for this grant will be accepted until April 18, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST. Applicants will be notified of award status in May 2024.
For more information on eligibility requirements and criteria for this grant, please visit www.Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants.
