Taco truck gets state funding

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $77,775 in grants for eight food trucks around the state, including one in Marquette.

The other food trucks awarded today will be located in Traverse City, Kalamazoo, Pontiac, Interlochen, Flint, Southfield and East Lansing. The winning projects will provide $144,246.64 in matching funds.

“The food truck business is booming and on the road to becoming a $2.7 billion dollar industry by 2017. Mobile food trucks attract foot traffic to downtown areas and create a unique and flavorful dining experience,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “Today’s grants will help food entrepreneurs from around the state launch their business ideas, grow, and create jobs in Michigan.”

Announced in June, the 2013 Mobile Cuisine Startup Program provides one–time grants of up to $10,000 to new food truck businesses or growing pre–existing businesses. Projects for consideration were those that offer easily accessible and unique food options to patrons in public spaces and contribute to the local economy by working with other local businesses and farms. The intent of this program is to assist with community and economic development by increasing pedestrian traffic in downtowns and traditional commercial cores.

A total of 65 applications requesting $601,372 were submitted to the 2013 Mobile Cuisine Grant Program this summer.

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The sole Upper Michigan grant winner of the 2013 Mobile Cuisine matching funds is Dia De Los Tacos, based in Marquette. With matching funds of $12,000, it qualified for a grant of $7,775.

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan.  These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.