Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Vermont Farm Fund (VTFF)

Prepare the below materials and apply online here. 
Application Checklist
1. Completed Application (Either fill them out in advance or complete online as you apply. Can be downloaded here: Word, PDF)
    a. During the application, you will be asked for the business tax ID (if any), as well as the social security numbers of all parties signing the loan. Note that all members of a partnership, as well as any corporate owner/officer with a 20% share or greater in the corporation must be listed on the application.
    b. The application also includes space for a high-level budget of the project you’ll be financing with the loan.
    c. You will also be asked for the contact information for three personal references we can speak to, including one person you have done business with.
2. A completed Financial Projections form (Templates available here: Excel,PDF)
3. Your most recent tax return (Schedule F for farm businesses, or personal return if you are a sole proprietor)
4. Balance Sheet (Optional)
5. Business plan or other supporting documentation (Optional)

Kate Stephenson

The Business Builder Loan program was launched in June 2012. This loan program supports Vermont farms and food producers and those who directly support the growing of the&#x2004;VT food system. The loans are for businesses to invest and innovate for growth, increasing the availability of local foods in Vermont. 	

Examples of uses of a Business Builder Loan include: 

- Development of a new crop, product, process, or market

- Business and/or financial planning for diversifying product lines

- Equipment and/or infrastructure investments to increase the efficiency of the business

- New kinds of infrastructure and equipment that would increase the amount of local food or local ingredients in a commonly used product




The Business Builder Loan program was launched in June 2012. This loan program supports Vermont farms and food producers and those who directly support the growing of the VT food system. The loans are for businesses to invest and innovate for growth, increasing the availability of local foods in Vermont. 	
Examples of uses of a Business Builder Loan include: 
- Development of a new crop, product, process, or market
- Business and/or financial planning for diversifying product lines
- Equipment and/or infrastructure investments to increase the efficiency of the business
- New kinds of infrastructure and equipment that would increase the amount of local food or local ingredients in a commonly used product


Business Builder loans are exclusively for Vermont farmers, those who own a Vermont food-related business whose primary inputs are Vermont farm products, and those who support Vermont farmers. VTFF focuses on small and midscale producers that are trying to build their businesses, and larger enterprises that are working on smaller, innovative projects and pilot business ventures.  

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

Loan

Farmers Market

Food Systems

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days, with most loan funds being granted to approved recipients within 14 business days. 

Prepare the below materials and apply online here. 

Application Checklist
1. Completed Application (Either fill them out in advance or complete online as you apply. Can be downloaded here: Word, PDF)
    a. During the application, you will be asked for the business tax ID (if any), as well as the social security numbers of all parties signing the loan. Note that all members of a partnership, as well as any corporate owner/officer with a 20% share or greater in the corporation must be listed on the application.
    b. The application also includes space for a high-level budget of the project you’ll be financing with the loan.
    c. You will also be asked for the contact information for three personal references we can speak to, including one person you have done business with.
2. A completed Financial Projections form (Templates available here: Excel,PDF)
3. Your most recent tax return (Schedule F for farm businesses, or personal return if you are a sole proprietor)
4. Balance Sheet (Optional)
5. Business plan or other supporting documentation (Optional)

Note: The application portal is shared among all of Vermont Farm Funds loan programs, make sure to apply for anEmergency Loan.

Started in response to the devastation our Vermont farms suffered at the hands of Tropical Storm Irene, the VFF seeks to minimize the hurdles to secure a loan and receive funds to begin the recovery process. The maximum Emergency Loan amount is currently $15,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 36-48 months with a flexible payment schedule.

Examples of qualifying emergencies include loss of the below due to fire, flood, wind, drought and/or hail: 

- Buildings

- Animals

- Equipment

- Greenhouses

- Hay fields



Started in response to the devastation our Vermont farms suffered at the hands of Tropical Storm Irene, the VFF seeks to minimize the hurdles to secure a loan and receive funds to begin the recovery process. The maximum Emergency Loan amount is currently $15,000. This is a zero percent interest loan, payable over 36-48 months with a flexible payment schedule.
Examples of qualifying emergencies include loss of the below due to fire, flood, wind, drought and/or hail: 
- Buildings
- Animals
- Equipment
- Greenhouses
- Hay fields

Qualifying applicants must be Vermont farmers or food producers who have suffered a devastating loss due to an unexpected natural disaster that puts their farm or farming career in danger. 
Businesses should be in otherwise good financial health, save for the unexpected natural disaster. The loan should help put the business back on track to profitability.  
Cash shortfalls due to equipment failure, unanticipated business situations and/or insufficient cash flow not caused by nature do not qualify as emergencies for the sake of the loan. 

Disaster Relief

Trade Relief

Trees

Wildfire

Weather

Coronavirus

Fencing

Hurricane

Tornado

Flood

Drought

Applications are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days. Most loan funds are granted within 14 business days.

The New Producer Loan program was launched in 2021 to support new farmers and food producers who need funding for infrastructure on new property or equipment for launching a value added food business. 

Examples of a New Producer Loan include:

- Infrastructure improvements to convert an existing farm to new crops or products

- Purchase of food processing equipment

- Launching a website to promote a new CSA




The New Producer Loan program was launched in 2021 to support new farmers and food producers who need funding for infrastructure on new property or equipment for launching a value added food business. 
Examples of a New Producer Loan include:
- Infrastructure improvements to convert an existing farm to new crops or products
- Purchase of food processing equipment
- Launching a website to promote a new CSA


New Producer Loans range from $5,000 to $20,000 at 3% amortized interest, and are available to businesses with less than 2 years of operating history. The loan term ranges between 24-60 months, with the option to defer payments for up to a year.
New Producer Loans are exclusively for farm and food-related businesses registered and located in Vermont that either produce or source ingredients for their value added food processing from local farms/producers (Vermont plus 30 miles).

Applicants are required to supply a written business plan prepared with outside support from a technical assistance provider that includes at least two years of financial projections. Local TA providers that can provide no-cost support include: Center for an Agricultural Economy, Farm Viability, Center for Women & Enterprise, Land for Good, UVM Extension, CVOEO, and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. The VFF can help you connect with a business advisor if you are not working with one already. Typically the business planning process can take between 5-15 hours of time working with a business advisor, sometimes more depending on complexity.
Once we receive your application and business plan, loan requests are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days, with most loan funds being granted to approved recipients within 14 business days. 

List of Vermont Farm Fund (VTFF) Funding Opportunities