Funding Forward:
Practical AI for Farmers and Food Businesses
Presented by the West Central Minnesota Food Council in partnership with Mezclada.
Find Funding. Save Time. Build Confidence.
Finding funding for your farm or food business shouldn't require hours of searching, guesswork, or technical expertise.
Whether you're exploring grants for the first time or looking for ways to streamline your grant writing process, Funding Forward will help you build practical skills that can save time and increase your confidence.
During this free, interactive workshop, you'll discover how to identify funding opportunities, determine whether you're eligible before investing valuable time, and use free artificial intelligence (AI) tools to simplify research and strengthen applications.
Most importantly, you'll learn by doing.
Through live demonstrations, practical examples, and collaborative discussion, you'll leave with ideas and tools you can begin using immediately.
Why Attend?
Many farmers and food businesses face the same challenges:
-
"I don't know where to find funding opportunities."
-
"I'm never sure if I'm actually eligible."
-
"I don't have time to search through dozens of websites."
-
"Grant writing feels intimidating."
-
"I've heard about AI—but I have no idea where to start."
Funding Forward was created to help solve those problems.
Instead of focusing on technology for technology's sake, this workshop focuses on practical solutions that can help you spend less time searching and more time moving your projects forward.
What You'll Learn
During this two-hour workshop you'll learn how to:
-
Find grants and funding opportunities that fit your goals.
-
Quickly determine whether an opportunity is worth pursuing.
-
Understand common grant eligibility requirements.
-
Use free AI tools to organize information and save time.
-
Watch live demonstrations using real-world examples.
-
Practice thinking through funding opportunities for your own ideas.
-
Build confidence using practical AI tools—no previous experience required.
This Workshop Is For You If...
Funding Forward was designed primarily for:
-
Farmers
-
Beginning farmers
-
Ranchers
-
Food entrepreneurs
-
Local food businesses
-
Value-added producers
-
Farm-based nonprofits
It is also valuable for:
-
Extension educators
-
Food system organizations
-
Economic development professionals
-
Technical assistance providers
-
Conservation professionals
-
Agricultural lenders
-
Local government staff
-
Anyone who supports farmers and food businesses
No previous experience with grants or artificial intelligence is required.
What Makes Funding Forward Different?
Many workshops focus on sharing information.
Funding Forward focuses on building confidence through practice.
You'll experience:
Live Demonstrations
Watch AI tools being used in real time to search for funding opportunities, evaluate eligibility, organize information, and strengthen applications.
Practical Learning
Bring your own project idea and begin applying what you learn immediately.
Regional Connections
Meet farmers, food entrepreneurs, and agricultural support professionals from across west central Minnesota.
The best ideas often begin with a conversation.
Bring Your Own Project
Already thinking about a new idea?
Bring it with you.
Whether you're considering:
-
purchasing equipment
-
expanding production
-
starting a new enterprise
-
improving infrastructure
-
developing value-added products
-
launching a community food project
...this workshop will help you begin thinking about where funding might fit into your plans.
Have a laptop? Bring it!
You're welcome to bring a laptop if you'd like to follow along during portions of the workshop.
Don't have one? No problem.
You can fully participate by watching demonstrations, asking questions, and taking notes.
Agenda
What to Expect
-
8:30–9:00 a.m.
Check-in and networking
-
9:00–9:30 a.m.
Welcome, introductions, and understanding today's funding landscape
-
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Finding funding opportunities and determining eligibility
-
10:15–10:45 a.m.
Live AI demonstrations and practical examples
-
10:45–11:00 a.m.
Questions, discussion, next steps, and regional networking
About the West Central Minnesota Food Council
The West Central Minnesota Food Council is a regional network working to strengthen local food systems through collaboration, education, and community leadership.
The Council brings together farmers, food businesses, nonprofits, public agencies, educators, and community members to advance projects that improve food access, support local agriculture, strengthen regional economies, and build resilient food systems.
Funding Forward is one example of the Council's commitment to providing practical resources that help farmers and food businesses thrive.
About Mezclada
Mezclada is an education and consulting company dedicated to helping farmers, food businesses, and rural organizations build stronger, more resilient futures.
Through training, grant development, strategic planning, storytelling, and practical AI education, Mezclada works alongside communities to expand opportunity and increase long-term capacity.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the workshop really free?
Yes.
Thanks to support from the Better Food Policy Fund, there is no cost to attend. Registration is required.
Should I bring anything?
If you already have a project idea you'd like to pursue, bring it with you.
If you have a laptop, feel free to bring it as well for the interactive portions.
Do I need AI experience?
Not at all.
This workshop is specifically designed for beginners.
Will the workshop be recorded?
The in-person workshop will not be professionally recorded.
Following the event, participants will be directed to companion online training resources and recorded videos available through the West Central Minnesota Food Council's YouTube channel.
Do I need grant writing experience?
No.
Whether you've never applied before or have years of experience, you'll leave with practical tools you can begin using immediately.
Is space limited?
Yes.
To create an interactive learning environment, registration is limited and advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Ready to Move
Your Ideas Forward?
Whether you're planning your first project or your fiftieth, Funding Forward will help you spend less time wondering where to start and more time taking meaningful action.
Join us for a collaborative morning of learning, practical tools, and new regional connections.
Registration is free, but space is limited.