When Banks Walk Away, Farmers & Veterans Stand Together

Farmer Veteran Coalition,

Black Forest Mushrooms (BFM) has experienced extraordinary growth as a veteran-owned, first-generation farm, and we are proud to be part of the Farmer Veteran Coalition community. Since launching just 3 years ago, BFM has scaled rapidly with 748% YoY growth, creating 20 brand new jobs, and increasing access to high-demand, fungi-based food innovations and fresh mushrooms. As the 2024 SBA VBOC Client of the Year, we’ve been recognized for our community impact and growth as a veteran-operated business.

As a member of the first-ever FVC Shepherd Project cohort, funded through The Boeing Company’s Our Heroes initiative, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of veteran-focused agricultural support. That mentorship helped propel our mission forward, reinforcing the power of veteran-led farms to drive economic and community impact.

However, despite our clear market demand and track record of success, we are facing significant roadblocks in securing the commercial funding required to continue. Both traditional and CDFI lenders have turned their backs on our humble startup farm, leaving BFM with urgent gaps in financing for mission-critical equipment upgrades.

Without immediate support, our ability to continue serving our community, employees, and customers is at risk. We are reaching out to the Farmer Veteran Coalition network to explore solutions that can bridge the financing gap and allow BFM to continue serving our community.

How You Can Help:

We are actively seeking:

• Lenders:
  
  • 748% YoY revenue growth—a rapidly scaling, high-demand business
  • All existing debt is current—demonstrating financial responsibility
  • BFM is on track for profitability in 2025—a clear path forward
• Invest—No cash out-of-pocket:
  
  • Co-Sign: Business or individual willing to cosign a business loan in exchange for equity in BFM
  • Asset-Based: Leverage assets—such as real estate—in exchange for equity in BFM
• Invest:
  
  • Cash investment in exchange for equity in BFM
• Network:
  
  • A simple intro email to the right business or individual could unlock the resources BFM needs

If you or someone in your network can help, please reach out directly to:

• Nathanael Engen
• Founder | Black Forest Mushrooms
• 206.979.6386
• Nathanael@BlackForestMushrooms.com

We believe in the power of veteran entrepreneurs and agriculture to create a lasting positive impact in our community. Veterans defend this country, and farmers feed it—yet today, both are being pushed aside. This is a moment for action—let’s prove that when the banks walk away, we stand together as farmers and veterans who have put everything on the line to serve. If you or your network can help, now is the time.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Nathanael Engen
Founder | Black Forest Mushrooms

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