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Massachusetts Food Ventures Program
Industry-Specific · Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) · MA
The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program is a state grant from MDAR that funds food processing infrastructure and commissaries to improve food access in underserved Massachusetts communities, with awards recently ranging from $10,000 to $5,000,000 for those experienced in running commercial food businesses.
The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program is a state grant administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR). It funds food-related infrastructure and enterprises that increase access to healthy, affordable food and create economic opportunity in underserved communities across Massachusetts. Eligible project types include food processing infrastructure and non-retail commissaries, according to the program's summary.
This grant is aimed at individuals or entities with experience developing commercial food businesses, particularly those whose projects primarily serve low-to-moderate-income Massachusetts communities. For a small business owner in the food sector — whether running a processing facility, building out a shared-use commissary kitchen, or launching a food enterprise meant to serve underserved neighborhoods — this program represents a potential source of capital that does not need to be repaid, since it is structured as a grant rather than a loan.
Award amounts have recently ranged from $10,000 to as much as $5,000,000, varying significantly depending on the scope and scale of the project proposed. Because the range is so wide, the actual amount awarded to any given applicant will depend heavily on the specifics of their project and funding needs.
The program does not have a fixed, ongoing deadline listed here — applicants should check for current application rounds. Given the size and complexity of this grant program, business owners should confirm the latest award amounts, open application periods, and detailed eligibility criteria directly on the official Massachusetts state website before applying, since program details can change from year to year.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, meaning funds generally do not need to be repaid.
Who runs this program?
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) administers the Food Ventures Program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Individuals or entities with experience developing commercial food businesses that primarily serve low-to-moderate-income Massachusetts communities.
Do I need to be based in Massachusetts?
Yes, this program is limited to eligible projects and applicants in Massachusetts.
How much money can I receive?
Recent awards have ranged from $10,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the project.
What types of projects are funded?
Food processing infrastructure and non-retail commissaries are examples of eligible project types.
When is the deadline to apply?
There isn't a fixed deadline listed here; applicants should check current open rounds at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official Mass.gov page at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-food-ventures-grant-program.
Is the grant taxable?
This is not specified in the available information; confirm at the source or with a tax professional.
Can any small business apply, or does it need to be food-related?
The program is specifically for food-related businesses and infrastructure, particularly those serving underserved communities.
Is there a minimum or maximum award amount?
The recent range noted is $10,000 to $5,000,000, though actual amounts vary by project.
Do I need prior experience in the food industry to qualify?
Yes, eligibility requires experience developing commercial food businesses.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR); always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.