Event helps food entrepreneurs get access to resources and grants

Most pocketbooks in Minnesota aren’t getting bigger these days, and consumers aren’t getting more confident. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer buying in the state is characterized by a wait-and-see approach, with consumers still feeling the pressure of higher costs.

There is also a lot of uncertainty in the Twin Cities, particularly where civil unrest from the presence of Immigration & Customs Enforcement officers has shuttered businesses with 40% to 80% of losses in immigrant-heavy areas like Lake Street in Minneapolis and St. Paul’s East Side, according to the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press.

For some businesses, an upcoming virtual event could help.

“We want to make it very easy and accessible for people to be able to enjoy the opportunities we have to offer,” said Patrice Bailey, assistant commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), which, along with ShelettaMakesADifference.org (SheMAD), is hosting a free virtual seminar titled Growing Food & Agricultural Businesses on Monday, February 2. “This is so people don’t have to figure this out alone,” Bailey added.

The Feb. 2 virtual event is geared towards consumer-packaged goods (CPG) food businesses that manufacture in Minnesota. The economic impact of these businesses is vast.

According to 2022/2023 statistics from the Consumer Brands Association, Minnesota's CPG sector supported more than 66,000 jobs or 13% of the state’s jobs. CPG generated $8.2 billion in direct labor income and added $5.8 billion in value, with a total economic impact of more than $58 billion.

Bailey says MDA’s virtual event on Feb. 2 will include information on how businesses can access help or bridge the gap during uncertain times. “We have a ton of grants,” Bailey explained. “There could be something that is tailored to you.”

The event will help food entrepreneurs understand what support and resources are available through the MDA. Attendees will learn what programs and grants can help with marketing and growth. Other topics include what licenses or next steps are needed to grow a food business, how to find commercial kitchen space, or the difference between selling under cottage food and selling wholesale.

“The whole point is to make it easy for folks to learn how they can access grants for food production, commercial kitchens, and whatever else they need to continue to stay successful entrepreneurs,” Bailey added.

To register for the free virtual event on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/growing-food-agriculture-businesses-tickets-1909174084079?aff=oddtdtcreator