OWATONNA — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), in partnership with the FEAST! Local Food Network, is accepting applications for the new FEAST! Smart Start Grant program.

Up to four applicants will receive a total of up to $10,000 each to support individual farm and food entrepreneurs in their community through a defined, structured technical assistance and customized coaching process.

The local food business landscape is vast and includes small-scale farms, grocers, cafés, restaurants, wineries, caterers and other businesses that feature local food on their shelves or menus. SMIF has created the grant opportunity to support these entrepreneurs in order to create a sustainable and resilient food economy for southern Minnesota.

“Food businesses in southern Minnesota are so important to the economy in many of the communities we serve,” said Pam Bishop, vice president of economic development at SMIF. “This program has proven to provide educational resources and networking necessary for the growth of these companies. We hope organizations in our region will take advantage of this grant opportunity so more companies can benefit.”

The FEAST! Smart Start Initiative was piloted in 2017 with 15 businesses, including Grandma’s Gourmets in Albert Lea, Curly Girlz Candy in Owatonna, and Stagecoach Brewing Company in Mantorville. These entrepreneurs were supported in building new networks with food producers in the region, and in developing skills to grow their businesses.

After the success of the pilot program, originally funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and developed in partnership with Renewing the Countryside, a toolkit was created so that this program could be easily replicated in other communities. Award recipients will use the FEAST! Smart Start toolkit as a guide to implementation.

Selected communities will have 12 months to launch key elements, including the selection of up to five food and/or farm companies. These companies will then have access to executive trainings, regular coaching, and a peer network.

Organizations located in SMIF’s 20-county region with a strong interest in growing the food economy are encouraged to apply. Applications are due to SMIF by May 15, 2018. Awards will be announced in June.

For more information or to apply visit www.smifoundation.org or contact Jennifer Heien at 507-214-7040; jenniferh@smifoundation.org.