Flexible Capital for Food Entrepreneurs. Lasting Impact for Our Communities.
The Food Impact Fund is the Latino Economic Development Center's (LEDC) new community investment vehicle, created to expand access to flexible, mission-driven capital and business support for food entrepreneurs across the Washington metropolitan area and Baltimore.
Launched during LEDC's 35th Anniversary Celebration, the Fund begins with $1 million in capital—including a $500,000 investment from the Longer Tables Fund, founded by Chef José Andrés, and $500,000 in LEDC capital. Together, these investments create a revolving source of community capital that helps food businesses start, grow, and thrive.
As entrepreneurs repay their loans, those funds are reinvested into new businesses, multiplying the impact across the region for years to come.
Interested? Fill out the Interest Form
Interested in Financing or Partnering with LEDC?
If you're a food entrepreneur looking to learn more about the Food Impact Fund, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us a little about your business, and the appropriate member of our team will follow up with next steps.
LEDC is also inviting funders, corporate partners, and mission-aligned organizations who want to help scale this work and expand access to capital, coaching, and community for small food businesses.
Financing Designed for Every Stage of Growth
Whether you're launching your first food business or expanding an established operation, the Food Impact Fund offers financing tailored to your needs.
Seed Loans
$10,000–$50,000
Designed for:
- Early-stage food entrepreneurs
- New and emerging businesses
- Graduates of LEDC's Food Ventures Initiative
Expansion Loans
$50,000–$250,000
Designed for:
- Established food businesses
- Entrepreneurs with demonstrated demand
- Businesses ready to scale operations and create jobs
More Than Capital
The Food Impact Fund pairs financing with the resources entrepreneurs need to succeed.
Participants gain access to:
- One-on-one business advising
- Technical assistance
- Financial coaching
- Connections to LEDC's network of partners and resources
A Community Investment Fund
The Food Impact Fund welcomes support from:
- Mission-aligned individuals
- Foundations
- Corporations
- Financial institutions
- Family offices
- Philanthropic and community partners
Partners can participate through a variety of investment and philanthropic structures, including recoverable grants, helping expand access to capital for underserved food entrepreneurs throughout the region.
Learn More
Read the official announcement about the launch of the Food Impact Fund and LEDC's 35th Anniversary celebration.