Healthy Food Fund (Wisconsin and Minnesota)

Healthy Food Fund (Wisconsin and Minnesota) is sponsored by Entrepreneur Fund. This loan program offers low-rate loans with competitive terms and no-cost business advising to local grocers, convenience stores, and food producers in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

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Confirm my preferences and close Customize Reject all Accept All Healthy Food Fund: Nourishing Loans for Food Producers and Retailers Healthy Food Fund: Nourishing Loans for Food Producers and Retailers Catered to local grocers, convenience stores, and food producers in Wisconsin and Minnesota, the Healthy Food Fund offers low-rate loans with competitive terms paired with no-cost business advising.

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.

Jesse DeGross, the owner of Pioneer Market & Deli in Birchwood, Wisconsin, purchased the rural community grocery store in 2025. "I know a lot of people in the neighborhood wanted to see the store stay here. I see a lot of potential for something great here," he said.

(Entrepreneur Fund) 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 Updating the interior of a business Purchasing a new or exisiting store Expert Business Advising - Complimentary support with: 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.

Lauren Schuppe and Gilpin Matthews purchased Madeline Island's only grocery store, Darlings Grocery, in the summer of 2023. (Entrepreneur Fund) 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.

Fill out the form below to ask about our rates and eligibility. Let’s connect and see how the Healthy Food Fund can help your business move forward. 2026 Mid-Year Snapshot: Adapting and Moving Forward While early-year forecasts pointed to tighter margins, uncertain revenue, rising costs, and cautious consumer spending, many entrepreneurs have responded with resilience and strategic adaptation.

Six months into 2026, here's what we're seeing across the region. Microloan: Tailored Capital to Support Small Business Growth A microloan is a small business loan of up to $50,000, designed to support entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing. They can be used for a variety of uses that help entrepreneurs grow, improve, and enhance their businesses.

$450,000 awarded to Strengthen Minnesota Food and Farm Businesses With support from the Wells Fargo Foundation, EFund awards 26 grants to businesses advancing Minnesota’s field-to-market pipeline. Women's Business Alliance