The PVGrows Investment Fund, Inc. (PVGIF) provides financing and technical assistance to local farm and food businesses through community investments. PVGIF offers an investment vehicle for individuals, institutions and foundations to invest in building a healthier food system. Together, we will all work to strengthen and grow the local food economy – more vibrant farm and food businesses, more local jobs, and more access to healthy food in the Pioneer Valley.
PVGrows Investment Fund Partners
The PVGrows Investment Fund is a program of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation.
The PVGIF Advisory Committee meets monthly to determine if a farm or food business fits the mission of the Fund and address any technical assistance needs the food system business may have. The Committee is comprised of the FCCDC and the following organizations:
PVGrows Investment Fund Directors
John Waite, President, Treasurer, Clerk
Margaret Christie, Director
Gary Gruber, Director
Joe Shoenfeld, Director
Background
Timeline:
2009: The PVGrows Network formed the PVGrows Finance Working Group to develop economic opportunities in the agricultural and food system sectors of the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Small- and mid-sized enterprises, particularly food-based businesses, face unique challenges in identifying suitable sources of capital and business assistance. The Finance Working Group’s initial efforts focused on identifying solutions for post-harvest agricultural infrastructure, developing financing options for local farm businesses and identifying business assistance and technical resources.
2010: The first iteration of a local food system loan fund, the PVGrows Loan Fund, was launched with capital provided by local foundations. The pilot provided loans up to $250,000 to Pioneer Valley businesses involved in the local food economy, as well as access to business development assistance through member organizations.
2012: Several of the Partner Organizations, along with the Solidago Foundation and the Lydia B. Stokes Foundation, began the research phase to develop a community investment vehicle. Read more about the process.
2013: The PVGrows Loan Fund announced a partnership with the Fair Food Network, making PVGrows’ loan applicants eligible for business assistance up to $10,000.
2015: The PVGrows Investment Fund’s community investment offering launched in October 2015, and is based, in large part, on the pilot version.
Foundation Support
Support for the PVGrows Investment Fund is provided by:
