Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) is now accepting applications for the Business Enhancement Grant.
This grant is open to Vermont working lands businesses/organizations, which include farms producing food and fiber, as well as forest products businesses. Some food businesses/organizations, as well as agriculture or wood processing and/or distribution businesses can be eligible if they meet certain requirements for local sourcing of raw ingredients or product.
Eligible project types include infrastructure, equipment, marketing, research and development, and workforce training and development. Applicants can apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. There is no match requirement for this grant.
The application portal is open through December 11. There will be an optional applicant webinar on October 23 from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM. There will also be weekly virtual Q&A drop-in sessions while the application is open.
2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey
We need your help to capture the type and extent of drought-related impacts affectiing agricultural producers across the state.
If you are a business, organization, or individual that raises animals and/or grows feed or other crops (such as produce, maple, Christmas trees, horticultural plants) for anyone beyond your immediate family, we invite you to complete the surrvey.
Take the survey
Calling all sheep farmers!
The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is collecting baseline data from sheep farmers to better understand sheep and wool production in Vermont — including production levels, wool quality, and market challenges and opportunities.
Your responses will remain confidential and help improve market opportunities for Vermont sheep farmers.
Take the survey
Improving Accessibility of Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Grants
We want your feedback! Tell us how we can make the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) funding program more accessible and equitable.
We are seeking anonymous feedback from businesses that have applied for funding in the past, as well as those that have not. Respondents to the business survey may choose to be entered into a drawing for four $50 gift cards.
We are also seeking anonymous feedback from service providers and producer associations.
Share your feedback
Farm and Forest Viability Program
The Vermont Farm and Forest Viability Program works with Vermont-based farm, food, and forest businesses to navigate the complexities of running a successful business. The program offers in-depth, long-term advising from business advisors with years of experience in agriculture, food, and forestry to help you improve your business skills and financial literacy, plan for succession or transfer, recover from weather-related disasters, and more.
This program is for you if you’re looking to increase profitability, make strategic decisions, or transition to a new enterprise or ownership.
Learn more
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
October
10/29 - Farm to School and Early Childhood Grant application due
10/31 - Farm to Institution Market Development Grant application due
November
11/1 - Capital Equipment Assistance Program application due
11/5 - Working Lands Producer Association and Service Provider Grant application due
11/25 - Local Food for Schools and Child Care CSA Grant application due
December
12/4 - Dairy Farm Modernization and Improvement Grant application due
12/11 - Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant application due
12/14 - Fairs and Field Days Stipend and Capital Grant application due
12/15 - 2025 Agricultural Drought Impact Survey due
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
