Founded in 2008 by Tatiana Garcia Granados and Haile Johnston, The Common Market has a mission that is two-fold: First, to give small farmers using sustainable growing practices access to the wholesale market, ensuring the livelihood of rural communities. Second, to work with institutions such as schools and hospitals that serve vulnerable communities to make sure healthy food is getting to people that have limited access.
Success Story
The Common Market
“As a startup it’s really hard to access capital,” says Tatiana. “For us, the way we can have an impact on our mission is by having infrastructure and access to capital. We were too small and too new for traditional lenders. They saw investment in a nonprofit as too risky.”
"Traditional banks tend to have a one size fits all approach. NPF shows small businesses flexibility and creativity in how they deploy capital to help their community.”
Tatiana and Haile were introduced to NPF at an economic development event. “We saw how NPF’s focus on underserved areas of Philadelphia was in sync with our mission,” says Tatiana. NPF proved to be a good fit for The Common Market, financing their third delivery truck to get more good food into communities that need it most. She adds, “NPF not only provides us access to financing, they have been truly supportive and given us a lot of guidance over the years.”
We’ve created over 3,000 new jobs in Greater Philadelphia.
You can lend a helping hand, too.