The Making A Difference Foundation (MADF) has recently been awarded a significant grant to further its impactful work. A $20,000 grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), backed by the Washington State Department of Commerce, has been earmarked to bolster MADF’s BIPOC Farmers’ HUB and Technical Assistance Program.
This grant comes as a part of a statewide initiative by the WSMA, aimed at strengthening microenterprise development. The focus of this initiative is on nonprofit organizations that provide crucial services such as business training, technical assistance, and access to financing for Washington’s smallest businesses.
MADF stands out in this landscape with its unique approach through the HUB. This platform provides indispensable support to local area farmers, offering business mentoring, back-office support, accounting, and marketing assistance. These services are not just about business growth; they play a crucial role in maintaining sustainability in the farming sector and nurturing a new generation of BIPOC farmers.
Furthermore, MADF’s efforts ensure that fresh and culturally relevant food products continue to be a part of the food system, particularly for those in need. A significant portion of the food produced by partner farms is purchased by MADF to support the Eloise’s Cooking Pot Food Bank, making a direct impact on community food security.
Ahndrea Blue, President/CEO of MADF, highlighted the importance of the grant.
“The farms and farmers we support are mostly single-employee businesses that lack the income, resources, and opportunities available to larger companies,” says Blue. “Despite this, their contributions are vital. This funding will enable us to provide business support services that these farms would typically struggle to obtain on their own.”
The WSMA’s mission is rooted in strengthening economic development systems that support the growth of effective Microenterprise Development Organizations. They achieve this by:
• Building a coalition of organizations, agencies, and individuals committed to microenterprise development.
• Providing leadership and a voice for microenterprise practitioners.
• Promoting microenterprise as a key economic development tool.
• Supporting the capacity of microenterprise support organizations in several areas, including self-employment education and assistance, access to capital and micro-lending, business creation and expansion support, job creation, economic self-sufficiency, and financial education.
According to officials, this grant represents a significant step forward in supporting microenterprises in Washington State, especially in the agricultural sector. Through the collaborative efforts of MADF and WSMA, small-scale farmers receive not only financial assistance but also the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly competitive and challenging industry.
