GARDINER — Slow Money Maine (SMM), a state-wide network, continues the conversation from last November’s gathering with part 2 of the “Stepping Up to the Plate” focus group series on March 17, from 1 – 3 p.m., at Christ Church, in Gardiner.
At the gathering held in November, Slow Money Maine began a conversation about why there is a need to invest in the local food economy, and, on March 17, participants will continue to engage in this dialogue.
SMM will be drawing together a diverse group of people to discuss the importance of place based investing, specifically in the local food economy.
“Whether you are currently involved in an investment project through our network or just curious about the work we do and hoping to add yourself in, please join us. All are welcome,” said Bonnie Rukin, Slow Money Maine coordinator, in a news release. “Together we can make a great impact and this conversation will work through some of the reasons why individuals and institutions may or may not choose to invest in this sector.”
In lieu of the past Slow Money Maine quarterly gatherings, the organization will be will be hosting several focus groups for deeper conversations in 2020. Stay tuned for more announcements.
Coffee and light snacks will be provided.
Slow Money Maine is a statewide network coordinated by Bonnie Rukin, and guided by a 10-person Steering Committee. It encourages anyone interested in building local sustainable food systems to participate. In its 10 years of existence, the network now has more than 1700 participants and has helped to catalyze the flow of more than $15 million dollars to Maine’s food economy, focused on infrastructure businesses and food producers at varied stages of development, according to SMM.
These funds have been in the form of loans, equity and grants. SMM has developed numerous personal and professional connections through regular gatherings, and cross-sector collaborations have been creative and effective.
In addition, the SMM network includes two investment clubs, No Small Potatoes and Maine Organic Lenders, where members pool funds to make microloans to local farmers, fishers, and producers. These investments, now totaling over $500,000, have helped meet needs for inventory, equipment and working capital, and have served over 50 farms directly and indirectly.
To learn more about Slow Money Maine, check the website, www.slowmoneymaine.org
