Market Entry Fund Grants for Small, Independent Grocers

 Your help is needed to spread the word. The Market Entry Fund is offering a new grant opportunity for small, independently owned food and grocery retailers in Minnesota, and we would appreciate your help getting it to the right stores and communities. Apply by June 4, 2026.

The Community Retail Grant will award $10,000–$20,000 to selected retailers to help integrate a unique retail model called co-retail — short for community retail.

Co-retail helps retailers bring more locally made products onto their shelves while creating real pathways for emerging food makers and businesses to enter retail. The model is designed to strengthen connections between local makers, retailers, and customers, helping more products move from kitchens and small production into everyday store shelves.

We are especially interested in reaching stores outside the Twin Cities and retailers looking to grow their role as a driver of local food systems in our communities.

Selected grocery stores and food retailers will receive grant funding, practical guidance and tools to integrate community retail into their store operations, and cohort-based support with other participating retailers.

Applications are open until June 4. The online application is simple and includes four main questions. Full details are available on our website, including how to get help, the Application Guide, and a PDF of the questions to review before applying.  https://marketentryfund.org/co-retail-partnership

Please forward this email to small food and grocery retailers, and to others who work in or support Minnesota’s local food system.

Thank you for helping us reach MN grocery stores and communities.