Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for general.

Form: Request for Direct Loan Assistance
It recommended that you call and make an appointment with your nearest Farm Loan Officer or Farm Loan Manager. Agency officials are required to:
- Help loan applicants complete FSA forms and gather information necessary for a complete application;
- Explain the application procedure, process, and the requirements for a complete application;
- Assist loan applicants in completing FSA forms and identifying sources of information needed for a complete application, if assistance is requested;
- Inform loan applicants of other technical assistance providers who may be of assistance at minimal or no charge. Some examples include, and are not limited to, the Cooperative Extension Service, non-profit organizations and institutions, the Intertribal Agriculture Council, and other similar organizations; and
- Advise applicants of alternatives that will help overcome any possible barriers to being determined eligible for an FSA loan.

Suggestions for First Meeting with FSA
- Have a general idea of what it is you want to do and be able to identify your goals. What type of operation do you have or want to have? What do you need to operate that farm or ranch? How will you market your product(s)? How much do you need? What are your projections?
- Good record keeping is very important. If you do not have your records organized, it is a good idea to try and put all your income and expenses into an understandable format. It does not have to be fancy. Also, what is happening inside the household is just as important as your business needs. Expenses such as food, clothing, mortgage or rent, insurance, taxes, medical costs, credit card payments, education expenses, and other consumer debt are part of the farm plan calculations. Know your costs. Bring your records with you.
- Remember to bring any financial records, which can include tax returns, for the most recent production cycle to assist in projecting the cash flow for your loan proposal. If you need to rely on off-farm income to repay the loan, bring in your last few pay stubs.
- Bring copies of any written leases to the office with you if you are leasing land or equipment.
- It is a prudent idea to check your credit report before applying for a loan. This allows you to spot any errors or research events that may have negatively impacted your credit. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. The FCRA promotes the accuracy and privacy of information in the files of the nation's credit reporting companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, enforces the FCRA with respect to credit reporting companies.
- Many answers can be found in the booklet, "Your Guide to FSA Farm Loans."

FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch. For new agricultural producers, FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans provide an essential gateway into agricultural production by financing the cost of&#x2004;operating a farm. With a maximum loan amount of $400,000, all FSA Direct Operating Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through [local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/index). The [funding](https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/funding/index) comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.


**Loan Purposes:**


Operating loans must be essential to the success of the farming operation and only for the following purposes:

- Costs associated with reorganizing a farm to improve profitability, for example:

    - purchase of equipment to convert from conventional to no-till production

    - change from stocker to cow-calf production

    - shifting from row crop to vegetable production

    - purchasing grain drying and storage equipment to facilitate better marketing

    - purchase shares in value-added processing and marketing cooperatives

- Purchase of livestock, including poultry

- Purchase farm equipment

- Farm operating expenses including, and not limited to:

    - feed

    - seed

    - fertilizer

    - pesticides

    - farm supplies

    - cash rent

    - family living expenses

    - initial processing of agricultural commodities, under certain circumstances

- Minor improvements or repairs to buildings

- Refinance certain farm-related debts, excluding real estate

- Land and water development, use, or conservation

- Loan closing and borrower training costs



FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans are a valuable resource to start, maintain and strengthen a farm or ranch. For new agricultural producers, FSA's Direct Farm Operating Loans provide an essential gateway into agricultural production by financing the cost of operating a farm. With a maximum loan amount of $400,000, all FSA Direct Operating Loans are financed and serviced by the Agency through local Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Managers. The funding comes from Congressional appropriations as part of the USDA budget.

Loan Purposes:

Operating loans must be essential to the success of the farming operation and only for the following purposes:
- Costs associated with reorganizing a farm to improve profitability, for example:
    - purchase of equipment to convert from conventional to no-till production
    - change from stocker to cow-calf production
    - shifting from row crop to vegetable production
    - purchasing grain drying and storage equipment to facilitate better marketing
    - purchase shares in value-added processing and marketing cooperatives
- Purchase of livestock, including poultry
- Purchase farm equipment
- Farm operating expenses including, and not limited to:
    - feed
    - seed
    - fertilizer
    - pesticides
    - farm supplies
    - cash rent
    - family living expenses
    - initial processing of agricultural commodities, under certain circumstances
- Minor improvements or repairs to buildings
- Refinance certain farm-related debts, excluding real estate
- Land and water development, use, or conservation
- Loan closing and borrower training costs

There are 2 different types of qualifications which need to be met:
- Eligible farm enterprise
- General eligibility requirements

First, the operation must be an eligible farm enterprise. Operating loan funds cannot be used to finance nonfarm enterprises, such as exotic birds, tropical fish, dogs or horses used for non-farm purposes (racing, pleasure, show and boarding).

General eligibility requirements include:
- Not having Federal or State conviction(s) for planting, cultivating, growing, producing, harvesting, storing, trafficking, or possession of controlled substances
- The legal ability to accept responsibility for the loan obligation
- An acceptable credit history
- Be a United States citizen, non-citizen national or legal resident alien of the United States, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and certain former Pacific Trust Territories
- No previous debt forgiveness by the Agency, including a guarantee loan loss payment
- Being unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, with or without an FSA loan guarantee
- No delinquency on a Federal debt, other than IRS tax debt, at the time of loan closing
- Not being ineligible due to disqualification resulting from a Federal Crop Insurance violation
- Have sufficient managerial ability to assure a reasonable expectation of loan repayment

Explanation of "Managerial Ability":

Managerial ability is shown to the Agency through any combination of education, on-the-job training, and farm experience or by meeting just 1 of these criteria. The level of management ability required will depend on the complexity of the operation and the amount of the loan request. Every application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Education:
- 4-year college degree or graduate degree in agricultural related field(s)
- 2-year college degree from a technical college in agricultural related field
- Successful completion of farm management curriculum offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, a community college, adult vocational agricultural program or Land Grant university
- Successful completion of a community-based, nationally-based, non-profit or similar farm workshop programs
- Vocational or general agriculture classes in high school in addition to working on a farm and participating in, and successfully complete agricultural projects in, 4-H, FFA, Tribal youth organizations, Grange Youth, or another agricultural affiliated club

On-The-Job Training:
- Working or recently worked as hired farm labor with management responsibilities (make day-to-day decisions)
- Completing or recently completed a farm mentorship, internship or apprenticeship program with an emphasis on management requirements and day-to-day farm decisions
- Participating or recently participated in urban or community-supported agriculture programs which incorporate basic agricultural training

Farm Experience:
- Owner, manager or operator of a farm business for at least 1 full production and marketing cycle within 5 years of the date of the loan application
- Employed as a migrant farm worker and elevated to leadership or foreperson position for at least 1 entire production and marketing cycle with responsibilities related to crop and field management, livestock health, breeding supervision, labor management or hiring, or general farm management
- Raised on a farm and had significant responsibility for day-to-day management decisions for at least 1 entire production and marketing cycle
- Obtained and successfully repaid at least 1 FSA Youth Loan

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Fact Sheet: Farm Loans Overview 
- Direct Loan Making Handbook 3-FLP 
- Farm Answers Library
- National Agrability Project
- USDA Veterans in Agriculture
- Farmers.gov

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Weeds

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Transition

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Air Quality

Landscape

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Succession

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Marketing

Inputs

Nutrient Management

Legal & Finance

Infrastructure

Equipment

Water Management

Labor

Local Food

Soil Health

Food Systems

Conservation

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Maximum Loan Limitations:

The maximum loan amount for a Direct Farm Operating Loan is $400,000. There is no down payment requirement. 

Repayment Terms:

Direct Farm Operating loan repayment terms vary depending upon the purpose of the loan, the loan applicant's ability to pay, and when income is projected to be available. General operating and family living expenses are normally due within 12 months or when the agricultural commodities sell. For larger purchases such as equipment, minor repairs, or livestock, the term will not exceed 7 years.

Interest Rate:

The interest rate charged is always the lower rate in effect at the time of loan approval or loan closing for the type of loan wanted. Interest rates are calculated and posted the 1st of each month.

Credit Score Basics:

FSA does not use credit scores. Loan applicants are expected to have acceptable repayment history with other creditors, including the Federal Government. Loan applicants are not automatically disqualified if there are isolated incidents of slow payments; no credit history; or if it can be shown that any recent undesirable credit problems were temporary and beyond a loan applicant’s control. "No history" of credit transaction by a loan applicant does not automatically indicate an unacceptable credit history.


Borrower should visit with a lender to see if they are willing to participate in the program. A lender will need to submit the application to the Department on the Borrower's behalf. TDA does not issue any loans. 

Mindy Fryer

Director, Contracts and Grants

Roxana Newton

Economic Development Project Controller

**Purpose:**


The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program (ALG) provides financial assistance to establish or enhance farming or ranching operations or to establish an agricultural-related business. This program provides&#x2004;assistance in the form of guarantees based on a tiered structure, not to exceed $500,000 or 80% of the loan amount, whichever is less.


**TAFA/TDAs Role:**


Funds allocated to TAFA/TDA for the use of the ALG program are used to support the lenders capital and add protection against reasonable risk associated with the loan by honoring a percentage of debt. TAFA is not involved with the negotiation of interest rates, maturity or collateral. TAFA/TDA reviews applications to ensure credibility and eligibility. 



Purpose:

The Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) Agricultural Loan Guarantee Program (ALG) provides financial assistance to establish or enhance farming or ranching operations or to establish an agricultural-related business. This program provides assistance in the form of guarantees based on a tiered structure, not to exceed $500,000 or 80% of the loan amount, whichever is less.

TAFA/TDAs Role:

Funds allocated to TAFA/TDA for the use of the ALG program are used to support the lenders capital and add protection against reasonable risk associated with the loan by honoring a percentage of debt. TAFA is not involved with the negotiation of interest rates, maturity or collateral. TAFA/TDA reviews applications to ensure credibility and eligibility. 

- Open to all agricultural enterprises
- The applicant should discuss the program with his/her lender (including any commercial lending bank or Farm Credit System).
- The lender will submit an application to TAFA on the borrower’s behalf.
- The applicant must meet the lender’s underwriting criteria.
- The lender and borrower determine the loan terms, while TAFA retains the right to alter any loan terms as necessary to provide the guarantee.
- The borrower(s) should have a credit score of 650 or greater
- Equity injection of at least 15% of the loan amount
- Debt to equity of 2:1 or less
- Debt service coverage of 1.25 or better
- TAFA’s guarantee shall not exceed a maximum of 10 years or the useful life of the assets being financed.

- Loan Guarantee Application
- ALG Overview and FAQ
- Master Lender Agreement
- Publications 
- Online Submission Link


Guarantee Amounts:

There are two options depending on the terms of the loan:
- $250,000 or 90% of the loan amount, whichever is less 
- $500,000 or 80% of the loan amount, whichever is less.

The duration of a loan guarantee approved by TAFA must not exceed the useful life of the assets being financed or 10 years, whichever is less.

Use of Funds:

A loan guarantee recipient may use loan proceeds for any agricultural related purpose, including:
- Working capital for operating a farm or ranch;
- Lease of facilities;
- Purchase of machinery and equipment; and/or
- Purchase of real estate, as identified in recipient’s documentation submitted in support of the application.

Fees and Application Costs:

A nonrefundable application fee of $100 is due upon filing the application. An origination fee of no less than 1% of the loan guarantee amount will be due within 10 days of the initial funding of each loan. This money is returned to the Texas Agricultural Fund to finance additional guarantees.

Interest Rebate:

Borrowers under the ALG program may be eligible for a rebate of a portion of the interest they pay on the loan. Agricultural Loan Guarantees approved by the Department may be eligible for a rebate of no more than $500 annually, not to exceed the 1% origination fee over the term of the guarantee. The board may adjust the interest rebate within statutory limits. 

Applications are accepted through this secure online lending system.


Are you starting or expanding a small business in Nebraska? Do you need just a little bit more working capital? Have you tried, but&#x2004;have been unsuccessful in getting a traditional bank loan? Our small business loans may be your answer.


To serve a more diverse set of clients, our underwriting process is more flexible than traditional lenders. For example, CFRA can work with you if you have little or no credit history, are just starting your business, or if you are in an industry that is difficult for traditional banks to underwrite.


Loans can be used for working capital, equipment, inventory, and real estate.



Are you starting or expanding a small business in Nebraska? Do you need just a little bit more working capital? Have you tried, but have been unsuccessful in getting a traditional bank loan? Our small business loans may be your answer.

To serve a more diverse set of clients, our underwriting process is more flexible than traditional lenders. For example, CFRA can work with you if you have little or no credit history, are just starting your business, or if you are in an industry that is difficult for traditional banks to underwrite.

Loans can be used for working capital, equipment, inventory, and real estate.

- Prequalify in 2 days
- Affordable interest rate
- 1 to 15 year terms with fixed rate

To apply for a Kiva U.S. loan, start an application here.

The application is all online, and takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. Once you complete the application, a member of the Kiva U.S. team will reach out to you to better understand your business and ask any follow up questions. After reviewing the completed application, the Kiva U.S. team will determine what loan amount you qualify for and notify you of next steps.

If your application is approved, we’ll ask you to demonstrate your creditworthiness through our unique social underwriting.

More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services they&#x2004;need. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 in San Francisco, with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.


Kiva does this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.



More than 1.7 billion people around the world are unbanked and can’t access the financial services they need. Kiva is an international nonprofit, founded in 2005 in San Francisco, with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive.

Kiva does this by crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world. Through Kiva's work, students can pay for tuition, women can start businesses, farmers are able to invest in equipment and families can afford needed emergency care.

Unlike traditional bank loans, Kiva loans don’t require a minimum credit score, years of cash flow documents or collateral. But you do need to meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered:
- You and your business must be based in the United States.
- You must be over 18 years old.
- You must be using the loan for business purposes.
- Your business must not be engaged in any of the following activities: multi-level marketing / direct sales; illegal activities (e.g. gambling, scams); or pure financial investing (e.g. stocks)
- You cannot currently be in foreclosure, bankruptcy, or under any liens.
- You must be willing to demonstrate your social capital by having a small number of your friends and family make a loan to you.

A way of raising money to finance projects and businesses by interacting with investors, whether crowdfunding or venture capital, often in exchange for equity.

Fundraising

You can download an application to fill out by hand, or you can fill out an application online on this page. 

Applications are reviewed and approved by the LaM FUND Advisory Committee on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with us to review your application; to contact the LaM FUND committee, please email lmfund@lamontanita.coop. LaM FUND loans include a $25 application fee and a 5% access to funds fee.


Joseph P

The La Montañita (LaM) FUND is a member funded micro-lending program designed to grow the local food system and strengthen the local economy. It provides an opportunity for members of La Montañita Food Co-op to support farms, ranches, value-added producers, and other food system endeavors and related businesses in the La Montañita foodshed region, as well as non-food businesses in New Mexico&#x2004;that utilize the cooperative economic business model. La Montañita Co-op Members can purchase Interests (similar to investing in a mutual fund) in the LaM FUND. Proceeds from the sale of the Interests in this offering are deposited in an account with Nusenda Credit Union for use as collateral for loans made by Nusenda to local producers and based on the recommendations of the LaM FUND Loan Advisory Committee. The loans are administered by Nusenda.



The La Montañita (LaM) FUND is a member funded micro-lending program designed to grow the local food system and strengthen the local economy. It provides an opportunity for members of La Montañita Food Co-op to support farms, ranches, value-added producers, and other food system endeavors and related businesses in the La Montañita foodshed region, as well as non-food businesses in New Mexico that utilize the cooperative economic business model. La Montañita Co-op Members can purchase Interests (similar to investing in a mutual fund) in the LaM FUND. Proceeds from the sale of the Interests in this offering are deposited in an account with Nusenda Credit Union for use as collateral for loans made by Nusenda to local producers and based on the recommendations of the LaM FUND Loan Advisory Committee. The loans are administered by Nusenda.

If you are a farmer, rancher, value-added producer, operate some other food system endeavor, or manage a cooperative business, you can apply for a loan through the La Montañita (LaM) FUND. 

Farmers Market

La Montañita owns and controls the LaM FUND. The FUND consists of two types of Interests—A and B. Both A Interests and B Interests allow for the participation in LaM FUND activities but do not provide ownership of the LaM FUND. They do entitle A and B Interest purchasers to a share of any income from LaM FUND activities, such as loan fees, as determined by the La Montañita Board of Directors, proportional to the number of Interests they have purchased. La Montañita will purchase all A Interests by rolling over its A Interests purchased in the previous offerings. If a loan defaults, collateral provided by A Interests will be accessed first to repay Nusenda before collateral provided by B Interests is accessed.

The investing aspect of the LaM FUND is open to all current Co-op members who reside in New Mexico. The money raised from the sale of the “Interests” are placed in a Money Market account at Nusenda Credit Union, and are used to collateralize the loans to producers and other cooperative enterprises approved by the LaM FUND’s Loan Advisory Committee.

Interests are $250 each with a total 800 units in this year’s offering. The Interests are divided into 100, A-Interests and 700, B-Interests. La Montañita Co-op will purchase all 100, of the A-Interests for a total Co-op investment of $25,000 this year. Monies from the Co-op purchased A-Interests will be used first to cover outstanding balances in the event of a LaM FUND loan default. These A-Interests are the Co-op’s financial commitment to the program and although the purchase of LaM FUND’s interests are considered high risk, the A-Interests purchased by the Co-op, provide a lessening of risk to other LaM FUND investors.

B-Interests are available to all Co-op members on a first come first serve basis until they are gone. To keep the grassroots nature of the investing program individuals are limited to 40 B-Interests for an individual maximum investment of $10,000. Investors who purchase the “Interests” will receive the highest possible Nusenda money market interest rate (based on the total amount in the account) on our cooperatively pooled, federally insured account.  Any income generated by LaM FUND loans will be shared in proportion to the number of “Interests” purchased. The Interests have a one-year term beginning January 1st and ending on December 31.

Payments to investors on LaM FUND generated income will be approved by a vote of the Co-op Board of Directors in much the same manner as they now approve the annual membership patronage refunds and will be paid within the first 90 days of each year.

Co-op members can purchase B-Interests by December 31 for the following year.

Loan applications will be taken on an ongoing basis. The LaM FUND Loan Committee will meet periodically to review all applications. Funds for approved loans will be available in late winter and early spring just in time for the growing season.

Applications must be submitted through the Single Application for Assistance online application system and will be received until available funding is exhausted.
Applications received after funding is exhausted, will not be considered.
Applications received outside of that window, or after funding is exhausted, will not be considered.
The Department will review completed grant applications in the order received and will award grants on a first-come, first-served basis for complete applications for eligible projects until funds are no longer available.

Neil Imes

The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program will help fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm. The program will enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through sound business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building&#x2004;a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for Pennsylvania's farmers.


Grants may be used for expenses related to the following projects:

    - Creating or obtaining business plans or management strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of a farm.

    - Creating or obtaining plans for the transition of ownership and operation of a farm to new owners and operators.

    - Creating or obtaining plans for transfer of ownership and operation of a farm within the farmer's family.

    - Creating or obtaining business plans to diversify an existing agricultural operation to new or different forms of agricultural production.

    - Creating or obtaining business plans for a farm expansion or to seek financing for farm growth.

    - Creating or obtaining plans to maintain the long-term economic viability and protect the investment of public funds in preserving farms that are subject to perpetual agricultural conservation easements acquired under the Agricultural Area Security Law, for agricultural production.




The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program will help fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm. The program will enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms through sound business planning, efficient transitions of farm ownership, strategic farm expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for Pennsylvania's farmers.

Grants may be used for expenses related to the following projects:
    - Creating or obtaining business plans or management strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of a farm.
    - Creating or obtaining plans for the transition of ownership and operation of a farm to new owners and operators.
    - Creating or obtaining plans for transfer of ownership and operation of a farm within the farmer's family.
    - Creating or obtaining business plans to diversify an existing agricultural operation to new or different forms of agricultural production.
    - Creating or obtaining business plans for a farm expansion or to seek financing for farm growth.
    - Creating or obtaining plans to maintain the long-term economic viability and protect the investment of public funds in preserving farms that are subject to perpetual agricultural conservation easements acquired under the Agricultural Area Security Law, for agricultural production.


Eligible Costs
Ag professionals assisting with business, transition and/or succession plan development and related documents they create.

    - Accountant, CPA, Business Consultant, Financial Planner
    - Profitability and feasibility Studies
    - Financial guidance
    - Financial Statements
        - Income Statement
        - Cash Flow
        - Balance Sheet
    - Business planning services
    - Business software suggested by professionals (i.e. QuickBooks)
    - Appraiser
        - Appraisal directly related to succession
    - Attorney
        - Preparation and filing of legal documents
        - Setting up new entity with next generation
    - Facilitator
        - Facilitate farm succession meetings and communication
        - Mediator
    - Assists farm families with a succession conflict

Ineligible Costs
    - Capital improvements including:
        - Purchase of land or farm
        - Facilities
        - Equipment
        - Buildings
        - Remodels
        - Repairs and maintenance
        - Installation of conservation practices
    - Conservation Plans, Ag E&S Plans, Manure Management Plans, Nutrient Management Plans
    - Surveying and subdivision costs even if related to succession
    - Any taxes even if related to property transfer
    - Insurance premiums and related costs
    - Meals, mileage or other travel expenses


A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

- Budget & Service Provider Summary Template (Excel)
- Step-by-Step Application Guide (PDF)


Lender Match is a free online tool that connects small businesses with SBA-approved CDFIs and small lenders. Do not use if looking for Disaster loans. See this link: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/lender-match.

The SBA works with lenders to provide loans to small businesses. The agency doesn’t lend money directly to small business owners. Instead, it sets guidelines for loans made by its partnering lenders, community development organizations, and micro-lending institutions. The SBA reduces risk for lenders and makes it easier for them to access capital. That makes it easier for small businesses to get loans.



Historically Underserved

The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines a project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. Projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the potential to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.
BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture. For example, the growth could be measurable either in terms of increased sales (by dollar amount or percentage) or in number of jobs created.
The Council strongly urges applicants to contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, Small Business Development Center network, and their local economic development organization for assistance with their GTA application, financial projections, business and marketing plans as necessary. In addition, the Department is offering the use of this one-page financials template for interested businesses that have been invited to apply and present for the main GTA program.
Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. Examples of project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services such as engineering costs. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

MT Growth Through Agricultural Program

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the&#x2004;development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.

### New in 2023

The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:

- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.

- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.


**Cost-share Requirement** 

50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 


**Types of Funding Available**

Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 

- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 

- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding



The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering. The GTA program is administered by the Agriculture Development Council (Council) which is attached to the Department of Agriculture.
New in 2023
The Growth Through Agriculture Program has added two new options this year:
- The Business Acceleration Program will award grants of up to $20,000 over two years to support early business development or expansion.
- The Market Development Program will award grants of up to $5,000 to help eligible businesses access and develop new markets for their goods.

Cost-share Requirement 
50% cost-share is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans. For example, the GTA Program can reimburse 50% of an invoice paid by the business, thereby confirming cash cost-share, or “match” is in place. 

Types of Funding Available 
Maximum - $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding 
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

Projects should primarily add value to Montana’s agricultural products, have prospects for achieving commercial success given the current personnel, experience and resources of the applicant and have the possibility to create and/or retain jobs in Montana. In addition, projects should either benefit additional agricultural producers and/or companies, and/or projects should accomplish research that will benefit Montana’s agriculture industry as a whole. An applicant that receives any two GTA grants within a two-year period will have a one-year cooling off period before applying again, starting in the current calendar year. Please contact GTA staff for any questions on this recent adjustment. 

Additional Loan Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council has the option to offer high and low interest loans up to $100,000 for those projects that meet the general criteria for funding listed above. 
    - To be eligible for a low interest loan, the applicant must have unencumbered collateral to secure the full amount of the loan. 
    - The Council can select up to two targeted areas for projects which would be eligible for low interest loans. These targeted areas will encourage specific types of projects and will inform the public of the Council’s particular interests. These targeted areas must be announced 60 days prior to becoming effective. 

Additional Grant Eligibility Requirements:
- The Council may award grants up to $50,000. In addition to meeting the general criteria for funding, grant applicants must demonstrate through their application that they meet at least one of the following additional criteria: 
    - The project will benefit additional agricultural companies, 
    - The project will accomplish research that will benefit agriculture as a whole, or 
    - The applicant is a nonprofit entity.

Eligible Costs:
Eligible costs under the GTA program include, but are not limited to: 
- Equipment 
- Consultant Services (professional, technical, operational) 
- Travel 
- Advertising and Promotion 
- Supplies and Materials 
- Communication (telephone, postage, printing, etc.) 
- Data Processing

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

- Growth Through Agriculture Program Guidelines
- GTA Business Acceleration Program Guidelines
- GTA Marketing Development Program Guidelines
- FAQ


$1 for $1 match is required for all types of Growth Through Agriculture proposals including both grants and loans.

Maximum $150,000 made up of: 
- Up to $50,000 in the form of grant funding
- Up to $100,000 in the form of loan funding

The application form is located on the DATCP website and below.
Read the Request for Proposals carefully before filling out the application.
Applications must be emailed to ryand.dunn@wisconsin.gov by 5:00pm on Monday, January 30, 2022. 
If you do not have computer access to download and complete the application, contact Ryan Dunn at 608-590-7239

Ryan Dunn

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection administers a Dairy Processor Grant program whose goal is to foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.


Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy&#x2004;processing plant in Wisconsin engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process. A total grant up to $50,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount.


Grant applications are customized by each processor and can be used to hire consultants to address a wide range of business needs including food safety, staff training or modernization.



The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection administers a Dairy Processor Grant program whose goal is to foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities.

Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsin engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process. A total grant up to $50,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount.

Grant applications are customized by each processor and can be used to hire consultants to address a wide range of business needs including food safety, staff training or modernization.

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria to be deemed eligible for funding under the Dairy Processor Grant Program. An applicant must: 
- Operate a licensed dairy processing plant engaged in pasteurizing or manufacturing dairy products, or processing dairy products into other dairy products, for sale or distribution that is located in WI 
- Have a project(s) that will make operational improvements, improve profitability, and/or involve a new process or innovation 
- Have no outstanding state penalties or violations and be in good standing with Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions 
- Employees of Wisconsin DATCP and immediate family members (i.e. mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, and children) are not eligible to receive a grant 
- Entities with a current, open DATCP Dairy Processor Grant cannot apply for funding to further the same project
Eligible Projects
- The DATCP Dairy Processor Grant is designed to provide access to services and resources for proposed dairy processing plant projects that enhance or develop the current business, solve an existing problem or concern at the plant, improve production or profitability, and/or help the processor innovate. 
Eligible Expenses
Eligible project expenses include, but are not limited to: 
- Operating expenses directly related to the grant project, including expenses for salaries and wages, contract and consulting services, and *travel. (*all travel reimbursements must follow state rate requirements.) 
- Training costs to improve employee skills (eg. food safety, skills for operating new technology, managerial training, etc.) 
- Equipment rental 
- The purchase of supplies that the full value is ordinarily depreciable within one year and costs less than $5000 (software, etc.)
Ineligible Expenses
- Real estate purchases 
- Repayment of loans or mortgages 
- Rent or contract payments for time periods extending beyond the term of the grant contract 
- Equipment purchases, construction, or capital expenses (items whose cost is $5000 or more and depreciates over more than one year) 
- Administrative or overhead costs that are not direct costs of the grant project 
- Advertising expenses 
- Legal fees 
- Lobbying, fundraising, or other political activity 
- Any costs incurred by any firm for work performed in the preparation of and production of a proposal or for any work performed prior to the formal execution of a contract

Dairy

Butter

Cheese

Milk

Yogurt

Cow Milk

Goat Milk

- 2023 Request for Proposals
- Application​
- Press Release - DATCP Dairy Processor Grant Application Open through January 7
- 2021 Dairy Processor Grant Recipients ​

Recipients are chosen through a competitive process. A total grant up to $50,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount.

List of Agricultural Funding for General