Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is now accepting applications for the Business Enhancement Grant.
This grant is open to Vermont working lands businesses and organizations, which include farms producing food and fiber, as well as forest products businesses. Some food businesses and organizations, as well as agriculture or wood processing and/or distribution businesses may be eligible if they meet certain requirements for local sourcing of raw ingredients or products.
Applicants can apply for grants of $10,000 to $50,000. This year, there is no match requirement.
Learn more and ask questions at an optional applicant webinar on October 24th from 11:00am–12:00pm. There will also be weekly virtual drop-in Q&A sessions throughout the application period.
The application portal is open through December 12th. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late February 2024, and projects can begin in April 2025.
On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant Opens Soon
The application for the On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant, offered through the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, opens on October 24th.
Dairy farmers can apply to receive funding for specialized equipment like milk storage tanks, milk pipeline, glycol chillers, milk loading systems, reclaim systems for water, cooling equipment, plate coolers/heat exchangers, and equipment installation costs.
Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 with a 25% cash or in-kind match requirement. Get the details in the Request for Applications now.
Apply by December 5th
Funding for Businesses Impacted by July Flooding and Storms
Don't miss your chance to receive financial support for damage caused by this summer's flooding events.
The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) provides funding to businesses, nonprofits, landlords, and farms that suffered physical damage from the flooding and severe storms.
Learn more on the BEGAP for Agriculture Operations webpage.
If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets at 802-828-2430 and press 0.
Apply by November 15th
Agricultural businesses are invited to join a free half-day course about navigating the grant process on November 13th in Berlin, VT.
Representatives from the USDA, Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, Rural Economic Development Initiative, as well as two professional grant writers will be available during the day. This course is not intended to assist with the actual grant writing process; it will focus on what to expect during the process and how to be fully prepared to complete an application.
Participants must be part of an agriculture business and apply to attend the course. Get details and an application by emailing [email protected]. Space is limited, so apply early!
Learn more & apply
Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant
There's still time to apply for the Farm to School and Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant, which is designed for schools and early childhood programs that want to build or expand their agriculture and food education programming.
This grant combines grant funding ($5,000-$20,000 award range) with customized grant coaching, technical assistance, and professional development.
Schools, early childhood programs, and supervisory unions/school districts are encouraged to apply.
Contact [email protected] or call 802-585-6225 with any questions.
Apply by November 14th
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
October
10/23 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant deadline
10/24 - Business Enhancement Grant applicant webinar
10/31 - Innovation in Dairy Processing & Packing Grant deadline
November
11/1 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) deadline
11/7 - Service Provider & Producer Association Grant deadline
11/14 - Farm to School & Early Childhood Capacity Building Grant deadline
11/15 - Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program (BEGAP) deadline
December
12/5 - On-Farm Milk Storage & Handling Grant deadline
12/12 - Business Enhancement Grant deadline
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View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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