26 Minnesota Rural Businesses To Receive Funding For Expansion, Market Opportunities

(KNSI) – A new grant program is here to help strengthen 26 food and farm businesses across Minnesota.

Led by the Entrepreneur Fund and supported by $450,000 in funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Rural Field to Market grant program is intended to help these businesses expand their production, strengthen regional food supply chains and upgrade their infrastructure.

The grant will support a variety of business investments, including improving processing and harvest efficiencies and purchasing equipment to increase production. A recent press release also noted the investments will help “expand local sourcing and create new market opportunities within the business’s communities.”

Among the grant recipients is Meadowbrook Dairy Inc., located in Sartell. The funds will primarily strengthen and expand the farm’s direct-to-consumer beef business, generating impacts on market access and revenue.

“We believe strong rural businesses create opportunities for families, jobs and entire communities,” said Gustavo Perez, vice president of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “This program stood out because it helps food and farm entrepreneurs make practical investments that deepen roots in the region and contribute to tangible economic growth.”

___