2019 Try It! Program for Entrepreneurs

Are you a small business owner looking to get into vending at farmers markets? The “Try It! Program” seeks to give small businesses an opportunity to try a farmer’s market experience at the Midtown Farmers Market with limited financial investment.

The goal of the program is to help emerging entrepreneurs explore whether or not becoming a vendor at the Midtown Farmers Market is a good fit for them and their product. Midtown prioritizes Twin Cities residents who identify as having low-income, are black, indigenous and/or people of color, identify as women, trans, femme, or gender non-binary.

Since 2003, the Midtown Farmers Market has built a reputation for incubating small businesses, and they strive to ensure that the opportunity to innovate and grow is accessible and beneficial to all community members.

Corcoran Neighborhood Organization (CNO) will pay for vendor fees, a tent, table, and program signage for 1-2 market days. Staff and volunteers offer assistance in completing the Farmer’s Market application and provide guidance for obtaining insurance and the appropriate permits. A volunteer will also greet TryIt! participants and help with market day setup if needed. TryIt! orientation will be held in conjunction with the Spring Vendor Meeting on Sat., Apr. 6.

In return, TryIt! participants will be responsible for providing equipment needed on site beyond the materials provided by CNO as well as acquiring any required insurance or permits.

Eligible products include:

• Arts and crafts

• Clothing

• Food products qualifying under the MN Cottage Food Law

• Fresh Produce

• Annual and perennial plants, rootstock, shrubs, and trees

• Other farm products (honey, eggs, meat, flowers, and other goods that would qualify under the Minneapolis Farmers Licensing Exemption)

• Immediately consumable foods

• Other prepared foods

All vendor-applicants seeking to participate in the Try It! Program must produce their own goods.

Other requirements, other application and the eligibility requirements can be found online at www.corcoranneighborhood.org/try_it.

Applications will be processed in rounds, with round deadlines on Mar. 29, Apr. 26 and May 24. It is possible that spaces may fill up before the final deadlines so interested applicants should apply early for the best chance to participate.

Midtown Farmer’s Market will be opening on May 4.