Madison Reporter

Madison, May 2, 2024 - As part of National Small Business Week, the City of Madison’s Economic Development Division is shining a light on the programs and resources available to local business owners through the Office of Business Resources.

The City's Healthy Retail Access Program, aimed at increasing access to affordable, healthy, and culturally appropriate food, has been making strides in supporting businesses. According to an unknown source, "The goal in focusing on those areas is to make sure that the investments made through the Healthy Retail Access Program have the most impact."

One success story from the program is Bombay Bazaar, a grocer on S. Gammon Road offering a diverse range of food items from India and Southeast Asia. Last year, the store received over $98,000 in funding through the Healthy Retail Access Program.

With a total allocation of $250,000 from the City of Madison’s 2024 Operating Budget, the program aims to support projects that enhance healthy food access. This includes capital and infrastructure grants, technical assistance, data collection initiatives, and evaluations of program effectiveness.

For retailers or organizations interested in improving food access, there is an opportunity to apply for funding. An unidentified source stated, "If you are a retailer or an organization working to improve food access and think you may qualify, you are encouraged to fill out an application."

To learn more about the Healthy Retail Access Program and determine eligibility for potential funding, interested parties can visit the City’s Healthy Retail Access Program page.