Merchant Organizing

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The Plant & Food SME Support program uplifts small and emerging enterprises that use or sell produce — including restaurants, grocers, caterers, herbalists, and food product makers. These businesses play a vital role in preserving culturally significant food traditions while contributing to the local economy.

Through organizing and visibility-building efforts, the program brings these entrepreneurs into community-focused networks that reflect shared values around food access, cultural heritage, and sustainability.

We offer tailored support such as collaborative marketing, skill-building workshops, and connections to grants and vendor opportunities. Our goal is to increase collective capacity and long-term resilience among businesses committed to nourishing and honoring the community through food.

This initiative brings together local makers, growers, and wellness practitioners — entrepreneurs offering everything from herbal teas and natural body care to fresh produce, small-batch food, and handmade goods.

By organizing and supporting these small and micro-enterprises, the project strengthens a culturally rich local economy while making space for new and emerging voices in business. Through tailored outreach, workshops, and collaborative events, we help these businesses build visibility, grow their operations, and connect with the community — not just as vendors, but as leaders.

Whether it’s a juice bar, a pop-up food stand, or a backyard herbalist, these entrepreneurs are creating more than products — they’re building identity, wellness, and opportunity right where they live.