Nov 1, 2024
Cultivating community and connection through agriculture
Monti Lawson, founder of Catalyst Collaborative Farm, knows the transformative power of an opportunity.
An agribusiness entrepreneur and passionate advocate for the BIPOC community, Monti Lawson is one of ten participants in the inaugural class of the HVADC BIPOC Microloan Accelerator program. The Accelerator is a Business Technical Assistance (BTA) program focused on financial literacy, business and marketing plan development and preparation to access business capital. Entrepreneurs successfully completing the program will receive a microloan through the HVADC Agribusiness Loan Fund.
Monti learned about the Accelerator through a mentor, Tamika Dunkley of Seasoned Gives, a nonprofit that provides financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and job/life skills training for BIPOC and women community members.
Monti values the BIPOC Microloan Accelerator’s focus on embodying the world we wish to see by empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs and its flexible structure of the supports for cohort members. Recognizing the program’s potential to provide tailored guidance and resources, he saw it as a vital opportunity to elevate Catalyst to new heights.
“This program was made for farmers like me,” He said.
Rooted in Community
Located within WILDSEED Community Farm & Healing Village in Millerton, Catalyst grows food and medicine in and with the community they serve. Catalyst’s vision is to create a sustainable future where Black and Queer land stewards have access to land, resources, and community.
Monti has a rich history of building community through farming and advocacy. A gardener and urban farmer in New York City for over a decade, Monti is a member of the Black Farmer’s United of NYS, Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust, and Farm School NYC. He is well-connected with BIPOC and agribusiness allies in several other networks.
In addition to growing and producing, Catalyst hosts intimate and large events throughout the year to foster connection with its communities like the Farm Block Party co-hosted by Rock Steady Farm in September. These vibrant celebrations, along with community farm workdays, welcomed over 500 people to the farm this year — with more than 80 percent identifying as Queer, Trans, or BIPOC.
Tailored Guidance for a Unique Journey
Monti started participating in the BIPOC Microloan Accelerator in August. It has already clarified his vision and given his work new momentum.
“I’m a Black and gay beginning farmer in a rural setting,” Monti shares. “It’s nice that HVADC paired me with advisors who are not just like-minded but also like-hearted. It’s been easier for me to open up to receive targeted assistance to breathe life into my vision.”
Monti’s HVADC program advisors – Kim Hickok of Marketing Kangaroo and Anita Pierce of Eleven3seven5 – have decades of experience helping BIPOC entrepreneurs. Together, they are helping him see the bigger picture and connect the dots between the different layers of his work.
Farming and entrepreneurship can be isolating, but Kim and Anita have provided a sounding board and a source of encouragement as part of their business technical assistance package.
"Sometimes it feels like what I’m doing is so singular that no one can possibly understand it. But they understand me. They show me how other people overcame the same issues,” Monti recalls.
Their guidance has helped Monti to move beyond the reactive mode and start planning for the future. With a secure, long-term lease on the horizon, Monti can finally plant perennials and fruit trees to lay a solid foundation for growth.
Advice for Aspiring BIPOC Entrepreneurs
As Catalyst continues its journey, Monti remains steadfast in his commitment to equity and innovation. He sees HVADC as a pivotal partner in this mission.
“Having this space where you can connect with other BIPOC entrepreneurs and hear their stories and learn from them is invaluable,” he said.
Programs like the BIPOC Microloan Accelerator level the playing field, help emerging agribusinesses accelerate growth and boost the likelihood of long-term success.
Monti advises others considering the program: “Make sure you’re in a place in your life to invest in your business. And consider diversifying your business because farming will never pay all of your bills. When you’re paired with experts in the field like Kim and Anita, it makes [planning a successful] business a lot easier.”
Additional information about HVADC’s BIPOC Microloan Accelerator program may be found at https://www.hvadc.org/business-technical-assistance/bipocmicroloanaccelerator.