Market Access Fund

The Market Access Fund provides grant money to reduce financial hardships to current BIPOC market participants.

The Market Access Fund supports Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, food producers, and artisan entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses, expanding market opportunities, and strengthening local food systems. Designed for current AIM market participants within their first five years at our markets, the Market Access Fund helps reduce financial barriers by covering up to $4,500 in costs.

How the Fund Supports Producers

Eligibility Criteria

6 months of market registration and stall fees
Consulting and support services
Tailored training in marketing, business finance, and agricultural best practices
$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

Must self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color). We trust the self-identification of applicants’ race, ethnicity, and heritage.

Have been accepted into one or more of AIM’s farmers markets (excludes commercial or non-profit applicants).
Are within the first five years of participating in any AIM farmers markets.
Can demonstrate practices and positive engagement with their community that align with AIM’s mission.

Market Access Fund participants also receive mentorship with an established farmers market participant or Small Business Development Center advisor and become members of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs to help support them on their journey. 

We strive to make our farmers markets more inclusive by easing the financial burden for BIPOC vendors starting their businesses. This helps farmers markets better reflect the diversity of our food and farming communities.

Applications for the Market Access Fund open once a year in the fall and are reviewed by an external panel of BIPOC community members.

Meet Our 2026 Cohort

Alicia Waters

MalDoni's
Carlos Salgado

Salviricans
Chen Huang

Luna's Good Cat and Dog Treats
Dalene Dematteis

Dangerously Delicious Desserts
James Hong

Lion Kings
Minyi Liu

Yi Lemon and Yi Mian
Maria Zavala

Blooming Maria’s Flower Farm
Nirali Maru

Leafy Veda
Sayaka Tani

Nobunaga's Blue Ribbon
Vineeta Chand

Snoring Orange Studio

Impact Since 2022

$46,000

$29,000

72%

The MAF has provided a total of $29,000 in business stipends as of January 2025.

The MAF has waived a total of $46,000 in market registration and stall fees.

Many of these entrepreneurs are now poised to expand their businesses, creating even greater impacts within their communities and our food system. 

72% of all MAF participants remain active in at least one AIM Farmers Market.

Stephen Cajilig, Golden Morsels, 2023 Cohort

 “I used the Market Access Fund to improve the display of my market booth and hire staff so that I could start expanding. The funding impacted where I am now in my business because I was able to add a second farmers market and develop my website.”

Roselle Capili, Mac’d With Love, 2022 Cohort

“The MAF funding was a self-esteem, as well as a financial, boost—especially as a new business. We used the funding to cover permitting and improve our signage at markets.”

Tatiana Thomas, owner of Josephine’s Southern Cuisine, 2023 Cohort

“I loved the part where I did not have to pay the money back—a grant and not a loan. Money that I could put towards my business and not have the burden over me to pay it back.”