Food & Farm Microloan

The Grain Train Natural Foods Market, Oryana Community Co-op, the Kalkaska Economic Development Corporation and Crosshatch have partnered over the course of 10 years to support the local food and farm economy by providing microloans for farmers and food entrepreneurs.

Applications for 2025 microloans are Not yet Open. Subscribe to Crosshatch to be notified when applications laun

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Subscribe to the Crosshatch Email List at the bottom of our homepage to be notified when the microloan application launches.
OR contact Program Specialist, Daniel Marbury at (231) 714 - 9730 or daniel@crosshatch.org.

WHO IS eligible?

This project aims to enhance an existing local food or farming venture or to help start a new one in Northwest Lower Michigan. The ideal candidate will propose an idea that would boost a farm or food business and elevate the region’s local food system. Applicants using sustainable practices are strongly encouraged, but proposals are not limited to particular practices or scale.

Oryana Community Co-op funds applicants from the following counties:

Benzie
Grand Traverse
Kalkaska
Leelanau
Manistee
Missaukee
Wexford

Kalkaska Economic Development Corporation funds applicants with Businesses Located in Kalkaska county.

USES FOR LOAN

essential tools for the farm or food business
materials, land, livestock, or essential infrastructure (reoccurring annual inputs discouraged)
certification
marketing and distribution
professional development
value-added product production
processing, packaging, and marketing for farm products

*production of CBD and food products containing CBD will not be considered for funding due to present discrepancies between federal and state regulation of this substance.

LOAN DETAILS

applicants may request $500 - $10,000 based on evidence of project potential
repayment terms are negotiable (typical repayment time frame is 12 - 18 months)
0% interest rate
no application fee

Some questions have been addressed in a microloan FAQ post on this page which includes the video from an informational session recorded January 7, 2022.