Business resources available through Michigan State University Product Center-ShadeFund Partnership

Joanne Davidhizar, Michigan State University Product Center and MSU Extension -

ShadeFund, through its field partnership with Michigan State University Product Center, provides small loans to Michigan entrepreneurs connected to the land and food system.

A recent partnership with ShadeFund, a non-profit organization dedicated to green business and natural resources sustainability, enables Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center clients and others access to working capital and equipment loans. ShadeFund is active in supporting the same food, agriculture, natural resources and bio-economy enterprises served by the MSU Product Center.

“Our relationship with Field Partners such as the MSU Product Center, the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems has resulted in many leads with Michigan entrepreneurs,” said Enrique Perez, Web Community Manager. "ShadeFund has provided loans to three farms in the state that will help farmers purchase equipment, increase productivity and conserve water."

The MSU Product Center helps Michigan entrepreneurs develop and commercialize high-value, consumer-responsive products and businesses in the food, agriculture, natural resources and bio-economy sectors. As a client with the MSU Product Center, an entrepreneur may further develop and commercialize a business concept before seeking financial resources. To request counseling, sign up at www.productcenter.msu.edu or call 517-432-8750.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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