Demo Day Spotlight: Malique Middleton and Gewd Ag
Malique Middleton is a VCU MPI alum and a multi cohort Shelfie Program alum whose work centers on food access, community knowledge, and empowerment. At last fall’s Demo Day, Malique presented Gewd Ag, a food focused venture built to help people grow their own food and reconnect with where it comes from.
Gewd Ag was created in response to a growing challenge. Many people, especially those living in cities, want to grow their own food but do not know where to start or how to scale their efforts. Malique saw an opportunity to close that gap by offering hands on support that makes food growing more accessible and achievable.
Through Gewd Ag, Malique provides garden and agricultural coaching, consultations, and fractional farm management services. His work supports individuals, families, and organizations looking to increase food access, build sustainable growing practices, and gain confidence in cultivating their own food. His audience spans anyone interested in growing food, from first time gardeners to those ready to expand their operations.
In addition to Gewd Ag, Malique also leads Gewd Botanicals, a wellness focused brand rooted in natural ingredients and community inspired care. Together, these ventures reflect Malique’s commitment to holistic well being and long term community impact.
At last fall’s Demo Day, Malique shared a clear and compelling vision for how empowering people to grow their own food can strengthen communities and increase food access overall. His message resonated with the audience, highlighting the importance of education, support, and shared knowledge in building a more resilient food system.
What comes next for Gewd Ag? Malique plans to continue expanding his coaching services, deepen partnerships within the community, and grow both Gewd Ag and Gewd Botanicals as tools for education, wellness, and empowerment.
Malique pitched at Demo Day and walked away with funding and support. You can too. Demo Day returns on April 17, and applications are now open. Apply today to share your venture and compete for funding.
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