Racial Equity Fund

This fund strives to reduce financial barriers by specifically supporting BIPOC farmers, food producers, and artisans who are getting started at AIM’s farmers markets.

As part of our work to make markets more inclusive and accessible, we are thrilled to officially announce AIM's new Racial Equity Fund. The fund supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color farmers, food producers, and artisans within their first five years at any farmers markets.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, food producers, and artisans are currently underrepresented at the farmers market. The farmers market does not fully reflect the diversity of our food producer and farming communities, in part because the start-up costs of joining the market can create a critical barrier-to-entry.

This fund strives to reduce financial by specifically supporting BIPOC farmers, food producers, and artisans who are getting started at AIM’s farmers markets.

How It Works

As part of our work to make markets more inclusive and accessible, we are thrilled to officially announce AIM's Racial Equity Fund is now open for applications for a third cohort! This fund strives to reduce financial barriers to entry by supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Farmers, Food Producers, and Artisans getting their start at the farmers market. Please read all that this funding covers and the eligibility criteria prior to completing your application.

• AIM farmers market registration fees ($150)
• Free stall fees for six months (26 weeks) at one of AIM’s farmers markets (10x10 booth, approx. $1,300)
• A $2,500 stipend for any market-related costs, such as: tents, booth signage, online marketing, organic certification(s), health department fees and other critical but sometimes hidden costs of starting and expanding a food-related business
• Mentorship with an established farmers market participant or Small Business Development Center advisor, if desired
• Must identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color)
• Are within the first five years of participating in any farmers markets
• Have been accepted into one or more of AIM’s Farmers Markets (Excludes Commercial or Non-Profit applicants)
• Current (5 years or less) or New BIPOC Market Participants
• Individuals who can demonstrate healthy and eco friendly practices and positive engagement with their community, in line with AIM’s mission

The Racial Equity Fund Application is Now Closed. Thank you to everyone who applied! Applications were open from October 1st - October 31st, 2024. Now that the application period has ended, an external panel of BIPOC community members will gather to select the next cohort of recipients for the Racial Equity Fund.

Thank you for your support and interest in advancing equity through our farmers markets!