The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets is inviting Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses to apply for Trade Show Assistance Grants (TSAG). These grants provide businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers. These matching grants can partially offset the expenses associated with exhibiting at trade shows.
Trade shows are wonderful opportunities to promote Vermont’s incredible food, forestry, and agricultural products with people from around the region and the world. They provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets.
Funding may be used to reimburse up to 50% of the following expenses: travel; marketing assets and booth design; registration fees; booth fees; furnishings; utilities; shipping/freight; and other marketing costs (samples, printing, etc.). Applicants may include up to five trade shows in their yearly marketing plan, requesting a total of between $2,000 and $5,000 in eligible reimbursements for shows that take place between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Businesses may not apply for funding to support attendance at trade shows they have already attended five or more times.
Eligible applicants are Vermont-based agricultural and forestry businesses that meet the following criteria: (1) Business is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State and has been in business for over one year with an address indicating that they perform substantial functions in Vermont; (2) Business has three or more wholesale accounts; (3) Business’s products meet the Vermont Local Definition as defined in Act 129.
The application will be open from December 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024. For questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact Kristen Brassard at [email protected].
View the TSAG Request for Applications
Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus Program
A friendly reminder that the Local Food Purchase Assistance Plus Program (LFPAP) is now accepting grant applications.
The goal of the program is to procure Vermont food products from socially disadvantaged farmers and producers for distribution to underserved communities.
Project awards range from $15,000-$60,000 with no match requirement. Visit the LFPAP webpage for more info.
Application deadline: December 12th
VTRANS Electrify Your Fleet Program
The Electrify Your Fleet Incentive Program aims to accelerate the retirement of internal combustion engine vehicles. A pool of $500,000 is available to all Vermont commercial, municipal, and nonprofit fleet owners. The rebate for this program has been designated at up to $2,500 for each vehicle replaced or avoided.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, fleet owners must fill out the online application form.
Application deadline: Rolling
Farm & Forest Viability Program Water Quality Grants
Grants of up to $50,000 are available through the Farm & Forest Viability Program to help Vermont farmers invest in water quality-related on-farm infrastructure.
Projects eligible for funding must make on-farm capital improvements that have direct, positive impacts on water quality.
Information zoom sessions will be held to answer questions on Friday, December 8th at noon and Monday, January 8th at 3:30pm. Applications open November 27th.
Application deadline: January 19th
Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program
The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) seeks proposals for projects that support local watershed groups and provide opportunities for informing and involving the public in Lake Champlain outreach initiatives.
The program anticipates awarding nearly $1.7 million to local organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions through four grant categories. Application deadlines vary, visit the LCBP webpage to learn more.
Application deadline: Varies
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
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Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets