Owners of farm or food businesses now have a new grant opportunity for growing or expanding their businesses. The USDA Business Builder Grants Program offers funding to support eligible projects that aim to enhance the agricultural and food industry.
Our regional, the Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center will award over $6.5 mil between now and 2027 across a six state area.
What Kind of Projects Qualify for a Farm and Food Business Grant?
The USDA Business Builder Grants Program focuses on projects that align with its mission of supporting rural development and agricultural growth. Here is a sampling of farm and food business project that would could qualify:
- Infrastructure improvements: Building upgrades, equipment purchases, renovations to enhance production or processing capabilities.
- Technology adoption: New technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability, or product quality.
- Market development: Marketing campaigns, branding initiatives, or e-commerce development.
- Value-added product development: New products or the expansion of existing product lines.
- Food safety and quality enhancements: Equipment, training, or certifications can often be eligible.
- Business planning and development: Creating or updating business plans, conducting market research, or obtaining professional consulting services.
These farm and food business grants focus on historically underserved and underinvested businesses, businesses with a focus on fair and ethical labor practices, community benefit and/or environmental sustainability, and projects that focus on value-added foods that utilize regionally grown ingredients.How Can You Spend Your Farm and Food Business Grant?
What Can These Farm and Food Business Grants be used for?
- Equipment purchases: This could include processing equipment, farming tools, or packaging machinery.
- Construction or renovation costs: Funds can be used to build new facilities or improve existing ones.
- Marketing and advertising expenses: You can allocate funds for creating marketing materials, attending trade shows, or developing a website.
- Employee training: Investing in employee training and development can be eligible.
- Certification fees: Obtaining certifications, such as organic or food safety certifications, might be covered.
- Consulting services: Hiring experts to assist with business planning, financial analysis, or other areas can be funded.
The Business Builder Grants program is not open yet, but it is coming soon! The Idaho State Team is lead by the University of Idaho, in partnership with FARE Idaho. If you have a farm or food business that may be eligible for a grant, visit the Food Business Center website for more details.