Matthew Choi Farmers Market Vendor Grant Application 2026

In loving memory of Matthew Choi, Choi's Kimchi and Portland Farmers Market are offering grants up to $1500 to support new food and farm business' entry to a farmers market.

Matt Choi and his mother launched Choi's Kimchi at Portland Farmers Market in 2011. Their business has since grown to a sustainable regional business. They count their roots in the PSU market community as a key to their success.

Matt was a kind, giving person that was always eager to offer support and guidance to young businesses and is remembered for his generous spirit and kindness.

This grant is open to beginning food and farm business owners looking to launch or expand at any Portland area farmers market. 'Portland area' is defined as Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. This grant will be offered as direct cash funds with the following reporting requirements:

Completion of a W-9
Proof of acceptance to market
Some reporting of purchases

Award recipients will receive a 1099 to use for their tax preparation.

Funds may be awarded to cover expenses directly related to selling at a farmers market including:

Market set up (canopy, table, display/signage, etc)
Marketing/Design
Stall fees
Vehicle rental
Liability insurance premiums
Licensing fees

Priority for receiving awards:

Businesses within their first three years of consistent and regular operation
Business owners with a cultural connection to the products produced
Businesses led by owners from communities under-represented at farmers markets
Applicants for whom this grant would be financially significant
Businesses that produce food products that are SNAP eligible
Vendors who have applied or intend to apply to one of PFM’s five farmers markets
Applicants that have not received this award in the past

Acceptance to a market is not required prior to submitting an application. Funds may be awarded and held up to 3 months pending acceptance to a market. Proof of acceptance is required prior to distribution.

The deadline to apply is March 11, 2026. All applicants will be notified of our decision by April 12, 2026 . Award recipients will be announced and promoted on our website and through our social media channels (awardees will have an opportunity to opt out of this promotion). Personal information shared in this application will not be shared with the public without prior approval.

If you have any questions or need assistance completing this application, please email apply@portlandfarmersmarket.org

Business Owner Name*

First NameLast Name

Preferred Pronouns

Business Name*

Business or Owner Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Email*

example@example.com

List your social media, if any.

List your website address, if any.

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

What type of business do you own?*

Farmer/Fisher/Forager/RancherPackaged Foods/Food ArtisanHot Food/BakeryOther

How long have you been in business?*

Where are your products currently sold?*

Describe the products that you make, grow or produce.*

Do you have a cultural connection to your products? If yes, describe your cultural connection. This may include family history or traditional methods for producing your products, and/or ways that your business directly supports farmers or other members of your cultural community. If not applicable, please write N/A. *

Select all options that apply to your ethnicity*

Select other identifiers that fit you*

Please list funding sources for your business start up.*

Describe how this grant would be meaningful to your business success. Please include information about current sales opportunities, start-up expenses, current funding sourcing or how these funds would allow your business to grow. *

Do you currently participate in a business education or product development program, or have you in the past?*

YesNoI don't know

If you answered "yes" to the question above, please list the programs below. If you answered "No" or "I don't know," are you interested in connecting with a mentorship program?*

What is your prior experience vending at a farmers market?*

Have you applied to attend a market in 2026?*

YesNoNot yet

List the markets that your business is approved to attend in 2026.

List the markets that you have applied to or plan to apply in 2026 but have not yet been accepted. Please note when you expect acceptance to be confirmed.

Select the farmers market related expenses that you expect to have in 2026.*

List an estimated budget for each of the direct market related expenses that you would need to launch or expand at a farmers market.*

Have you or your business received a Matthew Choi Farmers Market Vendor Grant in the past? If yes, please note the year the grant was received.*

Please share with us any additional information you would like our review committee to know about your business.