Finding funding for a farm or food business can be one of the biggest barriers to turning ideas into reality. To help address that challenge, the West Central Minnesota Food Council, in partnership with Mezclada, is launching Funding Forward: Practical AI for Farmers & Food Businesses, a free interactive online workshop designed to help participants find funding opportunities, better understand grant eligibility, and explore practical artificial intelligence (AI) tools that save time.
The online workshop will take place on October 6 and 7, from noon to 1:00 p.m.
Unlike traditional technology trainings, Funding Forward focuses on solving real-world challenges faced by farmers and food businesses. Participants will learn practical strategies for identifying funding opportunities, evaluating eligibility requirements before investing valuable time, and using free AI tools to organize information and strengthen grant applications.
“Many producers know funding opportunities exist, but don’t always know where to begin,” said Emily Reno, founder of Mezclada and workshop facilitator. “Our goal is to make the process feel approachable. Participants don’t need prior grant writing or AI experience—just curiosity and a willingness to learn.”
The workshop includes live demonstrations, practical examples, collaborative discussion, and opportunities to connect with farmers, food entrepreneurs, and agricultural support professionals from around Minnesota.
Participants are encouraged to bring a project idea they are interested in pursuing.
The workshop is free to attend, but advance registration is required.
To register, visit:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/Xae5J69NTnq9iRC9HKuxIg#/registration
For additional information, visit:
https://www.mnfoodcouncil.org/
For questions, please contact Jason Bergstrand:
Jason.Bergstrand@claycountymn.gov or (701) 306-5280
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