Dia De Los Tacos gets grant to expand

A Marquette food truck is one of just eight in the state that recently won grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to start or expand their businesses.

Sixty-five food trucks applied for funding, and a total of $77,775 in grants were given out to support Michigan food industry start-ups. They were one-time grants of up to $10,000 and required at least 25 percent of that in matching funds from the businesses. Emphasis was placed on those food trucks that contribute to local economies by partnering with other businesses or farms.

Dia de los Tacos in Marquette was awarded $7,775 to expand its new food truck business, which includes partnering with local businesses like the Ore Dock Brewery and its parking locations around town. The food truck, owned by Mike Walker, matched the grant with $12,000 of its own money.

“The food truck business is booming and on the road to becoming a $2.7 billion dollar industry (nationally) by 2017. Mobile food trucks attract foot traffic to downtown areas and create a unique and flavorful dining experience,” says MEDC president and CEO Michael Finney.

The other trucks awarded grants were in East Lansing, Kalamazoo, Flint, Pontiac, Southfield and two in Traverse City.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michigan Economic Development Corporation