Eastern Market slow-food firms receive $50K in grants

Sixteen businesses that are growing in Eastern Market have received mini grants from Charter One, helping the slow-food entrepreneurs cultivate their business.

Charter One gave $20,000 in mini grants to six small, food-based businesses last summer. Last week is distributed another $30,000 in mini grants that range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
 
"We are able to move the needle by helping that many companies," says Beth Dryden, director of public affairs for Charter One.

That money is helping budding new businesses or urban farmers. Some of the winners include the Corridor Sausage Co. (it will use its $3,000 to buy a walk-in cooler) and $1,280 for Sweet Potato Sensations for vendor display improvements. So far Charter One has provided $140,000 in grants to develop and expand local food resources.

"Often it's the small companies that need a helping hand to get to the next level," Dryden says. "This is a space that many people overlook."

Source: Beth Dryden, director of public affairs for Charter One
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.