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Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to increase food access began Thursday with the launch of the Good Food Fund and Food Business Incubator Program, which will donate $7 million to support businesses in the food industry.
Johnson said in a news release that the Good Food Fund and Food Business Incubator Program are “groundbreaking initiatives aimed at nourishing both communities and local businesses.”
Through two programs, Johnson and the Department of Business and Consumer Protection (BACP) hope to address two important issues common on the city’s south and west sides: food insecurity and a lack of local businesses.
The fund and business incubator program was in its early stages when first announced in August. Mr. Johnson allocated and administered $7 million and solicited proposals from organizations to provide ground-level support.
Arise for Community Business has been selected to administer the Good Food Fund, which provides $5 million in grants and low-interest loans to food businesses, according to a release.
Allies for Community Business specializes in providing capital, coaching and connections to business owners to “create generational wealth,” according to its website.
Seven organizations and companies were selected to run the food business incubator program and create custom programs for small and medium-sized businesses.
A total of $2 million will be awarded over one year to provide these local businesses with the physical space, technical assistance, and education they need to get their companies up and running.
The seven organizations selected to help mentor local businesses are BUILD, Inc, Chicago’s Sunshine Enterprises, DishRoulette Kitchen NFP, EG Woode, Family Farmed, Food He.ro, and the Greater Chatham Initiative.
According to its LinkedIn page, Family Farmed is a nonprofit organization that aims to address several food issues, including expanding the production and distribution of locally grown products.
The Greater Chatham Initiative already has a food lab program that has supported more than 60 food-related businesses, said Executive Director Nedra Fears. These funds will allow us to leverage feedback provided by previous participants, including on kitchen layout and nutrition support.
“One of our new staff members, Enrique Torres, is a former executive chef at large chains and independent restaurants. He will work with our chefs to fine-tune and improve their dishes.” she said.
“These eight organizations are already champions of small food businesses and have worked diligently to help build an equitable food ecosystem in Chicago,” BACP Commissioner Kenneth Meyer said in a release. said.
The funding will focus on supporting new and existing businesses in communities with low access to food, disproportionately located on the South and West sides, the statement said.
New or current business owners can apply to receive these resources in early spring.
According to a news release, Allies for Community Business will also offer business coaching and applied advice to those interested.
Applications for the Good Food Fund will open in early spring, and additional information on both programs can be found at Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan.
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