Healthy Food Fund: Nourishing Loans for Food Producers and Retailers

Running a grocery store, convenience store, or food production business in Minnesota or Wisconsin comes with unique challenges. Access to capital, distribution networks, and technology can be major roadblocks—especially for independent and rural businesses. The Entrepreneur Fund’s Healthy Food Fund (HFF) is designed to help local food retailers and producers invest, expand, and grow with the right financing and expert support.

A Loan Program Built for Food Entrepreneurs

The Healthy Food Fund offers low-interest loans with flexible terms, plus no-cost business advising, to help you grow and strengthen your food business. Whether you're looking to upgrade equipment, purchase inventory, hire staff, or purchase a new or existing grocery store, we’re here to help.

How the Healthy Food Fund Can Support Your Business

• ‍Financial Boost – Funds can be used for:
  • Replacing dated equipment
  • Investing in technology for inventory and payment efficiencies
  • Expanding to a larger space
  • Purchasing inventory
  • Hiring staff
  • Updating the interior of a business
  • Purchasing a new or exisiting store
  • And MORE
• Expert Business Advising - Complimentary support with:
  • Financial management
  • Marketing strategies
  • Strengthening supplier and distributor relationships
  • Long-term business growth
• Strengthen Your Community - Strengthen the local food system and ensure fresh, nutritious options for all. Your success benefits both your business and the community.

Healthy Food Fund in Action

Lauren Schuppe, owner of Darlings Grocery on Wisconsin’s Madeline Island, used a Healthy Food Fund loan to purchase an existing grocery store and commercial building.

“There was only support where EFund was concerned,” said Schuppe. “Navigating the different opportunities was never stressful, and their reassurance was much needed in some of the negotiations with the seller.”

As the island’s only full-scale grocery store, Darlings Grocery strengthens the local food system by providing affordable essentials, deli pick-up, and support for the island’s farming community.

Is the Healthy Food Fund a Fit for Your Business?

If you're an independent grocer, convenience store owner, or food producer looking for financing and expert guidance, we’d love to talk. Let’s connect and see how the Healthy Food Fund can help your business move forward.

Get started here to connect with our team today and discover if your business qualifies for the Healthy Food Fund. Together, let's nourish a healthier future for our communities, one farm, one grocer, and one producer at a time.

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