Attention Leelanau farmers and food producers: The application deadline for the Crosshatch Community Microloan program is this Friday, February 7. Created by a collective of northern Michigan organizations, including the likes of Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology and Oryana Community Co-op, the program makes microloans available for existing farms, food producers, or would-be food system entrepreneurs in 12 northwest Lower Michigan counties.

“This program aims to enhance existing local food or farming ventures or to help start new ones in Northwest Lower Michigan,” Oryana said of the program in a recent Facebook post. “Ideal candidates will propose ideas to boost farm or food businesses and elevate the region’s local food system.”

In addition to Oryana and Crosshatch, the microloan program involves two other partners: the Grain Train Natural Foods Market, located in Petoskey; and the Kalkaska Economic Development Corporation. Together, the partners are offering zero-interest loans between $500 and $10,000, depending on “evidence of project potential” for each applicant. Typical repayment timelines for the loans, according to Crosshatch, are 12-18 months but are “negotiable” depending on the needs and abilities of the loan applicant.

Leelanau County fits into the program’s “southwest” region, along with Grand Traverse, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, and Missaukee counties. Funds for loans given out in that region will be provided by Oryana.

Applications for the loans are live until Friday. Examples of potential loan uses provided in application materials include essential tools for the farm or food business; materials, land, livestock, or essential infrastructure; relevant certifications; certification; marketing and distribution; professional development; value-added product production; and processing, packaging, and marketing for farm products

More information about the program, including an application link, can be found here.