The Viroqua Food Co+op Microlending Initiative is designed to help strengthen farm and small food businesses in our local foodshed with a one-year no-interest loan of up to $3,500.

The Viroqua Food Co+op Microlending Initiative was started by the 2012 board of directors who aimed to build resilience in our operations and to ensure that co-op owners and customers have continued access to local food and products. The microloan is financing earmarked for specific projects that improve or strengthen existing local farms or small food businesses. Farmers and producers may apply for the loan annually. One applicant will be selected by the Microlending Initiative Committee comprised of board and staff members.

Interest-free loans are the opposite of the normal cycle all too many farmers and food producers experience. Instead, they often find themselves in a cycle of high-interest loans, debt, and the inability to reach financial security and true economic viability through their business. The co-op’s intention is to share the resources that we have to enable farmers and food producers better to provide us with the food and resources needed to live a healthy life.