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

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360205

AFRI Grant Coordination Team

This competitive grant program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supports both foundational and applied research, education, and extension in agriculture. The program targets six core priority areas:

- Plant Health & Production and Plant Products

- Animal Health & Production and Animal Products

- Food Safety, Nutrition, & Health

- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, & Environment

- Agriculture Systems & Technology

- Agricultural Economics & Rural Communities 


This program funds a diversity of project types—research-only, extension-only, education-only, and integrated efforts—across standard, conference, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) grants. 




This competitive grant program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supports both foundational and applied research, education, and extension in agriculture. The program targets six core priority areas:
- Plant Health & Production and Plant Products
- Animal Health & Production and Animal Products
- Food Safety, Nutrition, & Health
- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, & Environment
- Agriculture Systems & Technology
- Agricultural Economics & Rural Communities 

This program funds a diversity of project types—research-only, extension-only, education-only, and integrated efforts—across standard, conference, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) grants. 


Eligibility varies by project type:
- Research/Education/Extension (single-function):
    - State agricultural experiment stations
    - Colleges and universities (including 2-year institutions)
    - University research foundations
    - Federal agencies
    - National labs
    - Private organizations or corporations
    - U.S. individuals (citizens, nationals, or permanent residents)

Integrated Projects (combining functions):
- Colleges and universities (as defined under eligibility)
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities

Other Eligible Entities (depending on category):
- 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
- Tribal Organizations (non-federally recognized)
- Nonprofits (501(c)(3) and others)
- Small businesses
- Other entities as defined in the RFA





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

Grant

Public Health

Compliance

Alternative Energy

See specific funding project type for more detailed information on terms of this grant. 


**Notice**: _Per the USDA announcement on July 15, 2025, the Regional Food Business Centers program was terminated, prior to its original end date of July 2028. Because of this, the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center halted operations on September 15, 2025 and was unable to responsibly launch the Business Builder Subaward and assistance  programs. Please see our [related press release](https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/usda-closes-regional-food-business-center-program-halting-funding-and-support-for-great-lakes-midwest-farmers). Resources intended to help food and farm businesses will remain freely available on this website and additional resources can be found at [foodsystems.msu.edu/resources](https://www.canr.msu.edu/foodsystems/resources/).   _

_The Great Lakes&#x2004;Midwest Regional Food Business Center offered assistance to support food and farm business owners across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin through September 15, 2025.   _


**Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant.** This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant



Notice: Per the USDA announcement on July 15, 2025, the Regional Food Business Centers program was terminated, prior to its original end date of July 2028. Because of this, the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center halted operations on September 15, 2025 and was unable to responsibly launch the Business Builder Subaward and assistance  programs. Please see our related press release. Resources intended to help food and farm businesses will remain freely available on this website and additional resources can be found at foodsystems.msu.edu/resources.   
The Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center offered assistance to support food and farm business owners across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin through September 15, 2025.   

Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant

- Farmers, producers, and food business owners 
    - With small- or mid-sized businesses 
    - Seeking support for post-production and/or marketing activities 
    - Launching or growing a business 
- Service providers who can offer assistance to these business owners in this region 


Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

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

Loan

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

**Interested in applying? You could get&#x2004;a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant.** This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant. 


The National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC) is committed to empowering food businesses by expanding market opportunities, enhancing access to capital, and streamlining regulatory pathways for growth. This initiative cultivates self-sufficiency, economic development, and national food security while honoring the traditions and knowledge of producers across Indian Country. The NIFBC is dedicated to strengthening Indian Country food businesses by creating opportunities for market expansion, capital investment, and business development. By fostering entrepreneurship and private-sector partnerships, we are ensuring that Indian Country food systems play a key role in the broader American food system and contribute to national food security. 



Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) will establish the National Intertribal Food Business Center—the only USDA food business center prioritizing Indian Country—to impact greater food security nationwide. 


Through targeted technical assistance and Business Builder Awards, NIFBC ensures food producers have the tools, training, and funding to scale their businesses, access broader markets, and contribute to the U.S. economy. We work alongside entrepreneurs to drive investment and increase productivity. 

The NIFBC will work to create new markets and expand current linkages throughout the supply chain to address challenges faced by food and farm businesses. IAC will engage with key partners to develop a coordinated national food security development plan that supports the growth and expansion of Indian Country food businesses. The focus will be on small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses.


The NIFBC aims to be supportive of the needs of food businesses and food business leaders. Our intention is to serve food business leaders, farmers, ranchers, fishers, gatherers, value-added food producers, food product aggregators, distributors, food business owners, and more.



Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant. 

The National Intertribal Food Business Center (NIFBC) is committed to empowering food businesses by expanding market opportunities, enhancing access to capital, and streamlining regulatory pathways for growth. This initiative cultivates self-sufficiency, economic development, and national food security while honoring the traditions and knowledge of producers across Indian Country. The NIFBC is dedicated to strengthening Indian Country food businesses by creating opportunities for market expansion, capital investment, and business development. By fostering entrepreneurship and private-sector partnerships, we are ensuring that Indian Country food systems play a key role in the broader American food system and contribute to national food security. 


Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) will establish the National Intertribal Food Business Center—the only USDA food business center prioritizing Indian Country—to impact greater food security nationwide. 

Through targeted technical assistance and Business Builder Awards, NIFBC ensures food producers have the tools, training, and funding to scale their businesses, access broader markets, and contribute to the U.S. economy. We work alongside entrepreneurs to drive investment and increase productivity. 
The NIFBC will work to create new markets and expand current linkages throughout the supply chain to address challenges faced by food and farm businesses. IAC will engage with key partners to develop a coordinated national food security development plan that supports the growth and expansion of Indian Country food businesses. The focus will be on small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses.

The NIFBC aims to be supportive of the needs of food businesses and food business leaders. Our intention is to serve food business leaders, farmers, ranchers, fishers, gatherers, value-added food producers, food product aggregators, distributors, food business owners, and more.

Make an account here to start you application.

Steps to expect:
1. Apply: Complete the online loan application, telling us more about your business and financial needs.
2. Approval: Work with the Steward team to confirm loan terms and plan for your raise campaign on Steward’s lending platform.
3. Private Raise: Start by sending emails and making phone calls to invite qualified “anchor lenders” in your network to participate early in your campaign to build momentum.
4. Public Raise: Once a campaign reaches a certain percentage funded (typically 20-25%), the raise is featured on Steward’s public website. Here we co-market the campaign with outreach to prospective lenders in your community, as well as Steward's national lender network.
5. Receive Capital: After a successful raise, Steward will finalize its loan to your farm business by disbursing funds through our secure lending platform.
6. Grow: Expand your business and share your success! Begin repaying your loan to Steward starting 90 days* after the loan funds are received. At that point, Steward will automatically begin repayments to participating lenders in this project.

Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.


Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).


**What They Fund:**

- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.

- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.



Unlike traditional banks or lenders, Steward is 100% focused on the growth of regenerative farms, ranches, fisheries, and local food producers. Steward offers business loans tailored to your specific financial situation. So whether you’re looking to add a hoop house, purchase new equipment, or acquire the land you cultivate, a Steward loan may help propel your business forward.

Steward loans range from $10,000 to $1,000,000+ (average loan ~ $50k, largest loan to-date $700k).

What They Fund:
- Human-scale fruit & vegetable farms, livestock (animals, poultry, eggs, etc.), seafood & aquaculture, food & textile products, supply chain & food system infrastructure.
- Funds may be used for equipment, infrastructure, land, inventory, working capital, marketing.

- 3+ years farming experience (new operations with significant experience)
- U.S. business in good standing (LLC, Inc., or registered nonprofit)
- Incorporate regenerative and sustainable practices
- Securable assets (loan collateralized by land, equipment, inventory, etc.) 


Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Soil Health

Air Quality

High Tunnel

Landscape

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Local Food

Reduced Tillage

Farmers Market

Conservation

Historically Underserved

Regenerative

Carbon Capture

Water Management

- Loan Terms: range from 36 months to 60 months (sometimes longer)
- Interest Rate: range from 5% to 10% depending on purpose of loan and state of business (6%- 8% is most common, all interest passed on to lenders).
- Repayment: typically begin 3-6 months after funds are disbursed.
- Fees: Steward charges a fixed 3% origination fee, that’s it.

How to Apply
1. Review the full Request for Applications (FY 2024 linked as a sample) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

Key Dates and Deadlines - sample
- October 6, 2023: Request for Applications (RFA) released and application opens for submission
- October 11, 2023 12-1: Applicant webinar with Q&A. View the slides and recording.
- October 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM/noon: Deadline to Request Optional Assistance with Grant Project Planning: Contact Clare Salerno at Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to be referred to a business advisor from the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program.
- November 20, 2023: Application deadline
- Early January 2024: Applicants notified of funding decisions
- Late January 2024: Grantee documentation due
- February 2024: Estimated project start date
- 

Clare Salerno

Diana Ferguson

WebGrants Technical Assistance

This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the&#x2004;fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 


## **Grant Overview**

- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000

- Project types:

    - **Market development** – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

    - **Research and development** – testing new systems or technology 

    - **Infrastructure development** – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 

    - **Workforce training and development** – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.



This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 

Grant Overview
- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000
- Project types:
    - Market development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 
    - Research and development – testing new systems or technology 
    - Infrastructure development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 
    - Workforce training and development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 
- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.

Eligibility
- Applicant organizations/businesses must be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
- All structures are eligible (e.g., Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, B Corporations, and/or non-profits that are involved in the support of production of agriculture and/or forest products).
- All legally incorporated enterprises must be registered with the VT Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Secretary of State. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2024. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, ARPA Primary Producer, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2021 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.


- Request for Applications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Guide

Trials

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Infrastructure

Equipment

Labor

Transition

How to Apply
1. Review the full Request for Applications (FY 2024 linked as a sample) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

The mission&#x2004;of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is to strengthen and grow the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape. The Working Lands Enterprise Board achieves this by making essential, catalytic investments in critical leverage points of the Vermont farm and forest economy, and facilitating policy development to optimize the agricultural and forest use of Vermont lands.


This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 


## **Grant Overview**

- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000

- Project types:

    - **Market development** – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

    - **Research and development** – testing new systems or technology 

    - **Infrastructure development** – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 

    - **Workforce training and development** – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.




The mission of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is to strengthen and grow the economies, cultures, and communities of Vermont's working landscape. The Working Lands Enterprise Board achieves this by making essential, catalytic investments in critical leverage points of the Vermont farm and forest economy, and facilitating policy development to optimize the agricultural and forest use of Vermont lands.

This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 

Grant Overview
- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000
- Project types:
    - Market development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 
    - Research and development – testing new systems or technology 
    - Infrastructure development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 
    - Workforce training and development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 
- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.


- Value-added food businesses that source at least 50% of raw ingredients from Vermont OR are applying for a Working Lands grant to significantly increase use of ingredients sourced from Vermont are eligible. • Businesses that sell “unique food products” are not eligible unless the business will use grant funds to increase production of raw ingredients in Vermont. o Unique food products are processed foods made from ingredients that are not regularly produced in Vermont or are not available in sufficient quantities to meet production requirements. 
- Secondary forestry businesses are eligible if at least 50% of the wood they use is grown in the Northeast OR the Working Lands grant project will significantly increase use of wood sourced from the Northeast.
- Applicant organizations/businesses must be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
- All structures are eligible (e.g., Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, B Corporations, and/or non-profits that are involved in the support of production of agriculture and/or forest products).
- All legally incorporated enterprises must be registered with the VT Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Secretary of State. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2024. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, ARPA Primary Producer, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2021 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.


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

Cost Share

- Working Lands Business Grant 2024 Presentation Power Point
- Working Lands Business Development Directory

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

Storage

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has received from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.
- Match waiver or reduction request: • In budget table, enter amount of match you can realistically commit to (if full waiver requested, enter $0) • Explain why match waiver is needed at this time


Visit the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory to connect with women founders in the space.
If you would like to add your own name to the directory fill out the survey here! You may use the same survey to update your information.

Amy Wu

Connie Bowen

Lenders and grantors care as much about a farmer's network and mentors as they do about a farmer's business plan and physical collateral. Ambrook is proud to&#x2004;share the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory which can be found on the Farms to Incubators website. It is a great living resource highlighting the contributions of women in the industry who are open to being great partners and mentors. 

The “Women in Agrifoodtech Directory” is a searchable Airtable directory that lists the names and social media platforms  of women founders and leaders in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally. 

The idea was started in 2018 by Alison Kopf who was motivated by a "stark vacancy of diverse voices on panels and events in our industry and wanted to elevate women to the table, especially when in ag — mostly corporate ag — there are already strong women voices at the top.” Since then, it has extended into a joint team effort by Kopf, Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators, Connie Bowen, Pam Marrone of Marrone Bio Innovations, Louisa Burwood-Taylor of AgFunder, Danielle Gould of Food+Tech Connect and Sarah Nolet of Tenacious Ventures.

The Directory is intended to be an accessible resource for those seeking to add diverse leaders in agrifoodtech to their events as speakers, to their teams as employees/partners, and to their networks as peers. The initiative is currently being led by Amy Wu and Connie Bowen. 

Wu hopes that "the directory will someday grow to include every woman who works in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally." 

Read more about the directory in a recent [Agfunder article](https://agfundernews.com/list-of-701-women-in-agrifood-is-growing-but-are-we-making-progress).



Lenders and grantors care as much about a farmer's network and mentors as they do about a farmer's business plan and physical collateral. Ambrook is proud to share the Women in Agrifoodtech Directory which can be found on the Farms to Incubators website. It is a great living resource highlighting the contributions of women in the industry who are open to being great partners and mentors. 
The “Women in Agrifoodtech Directory” is a searchable Airtable directory that lists the names and social media platforms  of women founders and leaders in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally. 
The idea was started in 2018 by Alison Kopf who was motivated by a "stark vacancy of diverse voices on panels and events in our industry and wanted to elevate women to the table, especially when in ag — mostly corporate ag — there are already strong women voices at the top.” Since then, it has extended into a joint team effort by Kopf, Amy Wu of From Farms to Incubators, Connie Bowen, Pam Marrone of Marrone Bio Innovations, Louisa Burwood-Taylor of AgFunder, Danielle Gould of Food+Tech Connect and Sarah Nolet of Tenacious Ventures.
The Directory is intended to be an accessible resource for those seeking to add diverse leaders in agrifoodtech to their events as speakers, to their teams as employees/partners, and to their networks as peers. The initiative is currently being led by Amy Wu and Connie Bowen. 
Wu hopes that "the directory will someday grow to include every woman who works in agrifoodtech in the U.S. and internationally." 
Read more about the directory in a recent Agfunder article.

Education

- Direct Link to Women in Agtech Directory
- "A New Searchable Directory Focuses on Women Innovators in Agrifoodtech" — AgFunder

Business Plan

Cash Rent

Refinancing

Succession

Socially Disadvantaged

admin@deltarfbc.org

**Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant**. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to [ambrook.com](http://ambrook.com/) to learn more or contact [sherry@ambrook.com](mailto:sherry@ambrook.com) to incorporate this into your grant


The USDA Delta Regional Food Business Center is&#x2004;dedicated to enhancing the resilience, diversity, and competitiveness of our local food system. Our center is one of twelve regional centers supported by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. In partnership with local regional organizations throughout the food system, we serve the southern states of Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and East Texas. We will use the Delta Regional Food Business Center’s tools – Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building – to build the qualities of a resilient Southern food system: Connectivity, Local Self-organization, Physical Infrastructure, Recruitment, Diversity, Innovation, Climate Smart Integration, and Leader Development. 



Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant

The USDA Delta Regional Food Business Center is dedicated to enhancing the resilience, diversity, and competitiveness of our local food system. Our center is one of twelve regional centers supported by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. In partnership with local regional organizations throughout the food system, we serve the southern states of Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and East Texas. We will use the Delta Regional Food Business Center’s tools – Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building – to build the qualities of a resilient Southern food system: Connectivity, Local Self-organization, Physical Infrastructure, Recruitment, Diversity, Innovation, Climate Smart Integration, and Leader Development. 

Business Builder awards support the growth and viability of small and mid-sized producers and food businesses along local and regional food supply chains, including agricultural producers, growers, processors, aggregators, and distributors, producers that supply local food systems, farmers markets, restaurants, and schools. Each Center provides their specific definition of small and mid-sized food and farm businesses and may identify additional priorities that align unique market-based opportunities within their region.
The program is inclusive of all types of products produced locally or regionally, and all types of market channels. This includes, but is not limited to, specialty crops, livestock, poultry, dairy, grains, fish, non-food revenue streams from by-products or co-products such as leathers, ornamentals, agritourism, etc. Please visit your regional Center’s website for specific information about the regional Business Builder program. You can find links to each Center’s website and contact information, on the RFBC Awarded Center page of the Regional Food Business Center website.

Apply through MDA's online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select New Markets: Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023).
If this is your first time applying for reimbursement, you must also submit a W-9 (Request for Taxpayer ID and Certification) by either:
- Uploading a completed and signed IRS form W-9 (PDF), or
- Within the application system, completing the online W-9 PowerForm hosted by DocuSign.

Brian Erickson

Jennifer Alexander

The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.

This year's program combines two previous programs – the _E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share_ and the _Wholesale Cost-Share_.

**MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first.** 



The AGRI New Markets Cost-Share Program can help your Minnesota farm or branded food, beverage, or pet food company take advantage of market opportunities through E-commerce, digital and e-mail marketing, Business-to-Business (B2B) tradeshows (virtual and in-person), and store demos.
This year's program combines two previous programs – the E-Commerce and Digital Marketing Cost-Share and the Wholesale Cost-Share.
MDA processes applications as they come in (first-come, first-served) until the application deadline or the funds are gone, whichever is first. 

To apply for either of these programs, your business must be:
- A Minnesota farm, or a branded food, beverage, or pet food making company registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, 
- A small-to-medium enterprise, which is an entity with fewer than 500 employees, AND
- A current holder of an MDA Food or Feed License or Minnesota Grown License number
You must also agree to:
- Promptly return post-event and follow-up surveys that ask for information including the number of leads generated and sales projections.
- Retain receipts and records for three years and make them available for audit or inspection by the MDA or state auditor on request.

- How to Fill Out Your Online Application

These cost-share programs are reimbursed at a rate of 50% of eligible investment made.

https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/connect-with-your-state/

**Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this&#x2004;grant.** This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant. 


The Business Builder Grant Program is a dynamic funding initiative developed through the USDA’s network of [Regional Food Business Centers](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp) (RFBCs). In the Northwest and Rocky Mountain (NWRM) region, these grants are designed to empower small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, helping them scale, enter new markets, and expand their impact. The program also extends to essential partners—aggregators, processors, distributors, and more—who play a critical role in bringing local food to market.

The NWRM RFBC has designed its grant program to address regional priorities and support the unique characteristics of its six-state area (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming).

With $6,755,000 total to distribute in grants across our region between 2024 and 2027, we are:

- Making primarily small- and medium-sized grants, from $3,000 to $50,000

- Creating opportunities for businesses to receive a grant after successful completion of a technical assistance program

- Providing a $500,000 funding pool for each state

- Designating a $500,000 funding pool for “Native Grown and Gathered”

- Providing one pool of $470,000 for each of our four priority topics:

    - **[Building Meat Supply Chain Capacity](https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/animal/)**

    - **[Creating Diverse Markets for Climate Resilient Ag](https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/climate/)**

    - **[Connecting and Scaling Food Entrepreneurs](https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/scaling-food/)**

    - **[Supporting Right-Size Investing and Infrastructure](https://nwrockymountainregionalfoodbusiness.com/investing-and-infrastructure/)**

- Designating one pool of $400,000 for topics that emerge as regionally important \*will be identified 2025/2026

- Designating $975,000 for projects that will impact farm and food businesses across states in our region





Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant. 

The Business Builder Grant Program is a dynamic funding initiative developed through the USDA’s network of Regional Food Business Centers (RFBCs). In the Northwest and Rocky Mountain (NWRM) region, these grants are designed to empower small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, helping them scale, enter new markets, and expand their impact. The program also extends to essential partners—aggregators, processors, distributors, and more—who play a critical role in bringing local food to market.
The NWRM RFBC has designed its grant program to address regional priorities and support the unique characteristics of its six-state area (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming).
With $6,755,000 total to distribute in grants across our region between 2024 and 2027, we are:
- Making primarily small- and medium-sized grants, from $3,000 to $50,000
- Creating opportunities for businesses to receive a grant after successful completion of a technical assistance program
- Providing a $500,000 funding pool for each state
- Designating a $500,000 funding pool for “Native Grown and Gathered”
- Providing one pool of $470,000 for each of our four priority topics:
    - Building Meat Supply Chain Capacity
    - Creating Diverse Markets for Climate Resilient Ag
    - Connecting and Scaling Food Entrepreneurs
    - Supporting Right-Size Investing and Infrastructure
- Designating one pool of $400,000 for topics that emerge as regionally important *will be identified 2025/2026
- Designating $975,000 for projects that will impact farm and food businesses across states in our region



Each Business Builder Grant Program has different eligibility. Please review the specific Request for Applications (RFA) webpage to learn more about the specific criteria needed for eligibility. While each program is different, there are some similarities across all Business Builder Grant Programs, which are explained below.
Each Awardee needs an Unique Entity Identification (UEI) Number
To apply for a Business Builder grant, your business must have a Unique Entity Identification (UEI) number issued by the U.S. government. If you do not have one, here is a Quick Guide for Getting a UEI. At no cost, you can apply for one on the SAM.gov website, which is managed by the General Services Administration of the United States government. While you may apply for a Business Builder grant before receiving your UEI, if you are selected for a grant, you will not be able to sign your grant agreement or receive grant funds until you provide your UEI.
Each Program is designed for Regional Connectivity
As a strategy to strengthen local and regional food systems, while each Business Builder Grant Program has a different audience type, the overall goal remains the same. Typically, the programs are meant to serve the following audience types:
- Small- and mid-scale farm, ranch, fish/seafood, and value-added food businesses producing in, sourcing from, and focused on local and regional markets
- Food processors, aggregators, and distributors that source locally and/or regionally, serve multiple small- and mid-scale food and farm businesses, and focus on local and/or regional markets. (Processors, aggregators, and distributors do not have to be small- or mid-scale themselves.)
- Value-Added Food Businesses that are the following:
    - Farm businesses that make value-added products out of what they produce and/or source from other producers in their region
    - Food businesses that are currently sourcing or actively trying to increase the ingredients they source from producers locally or regionally
Given the variety of programs that we offer, it is important to understand the current offerings to see which one is more aligned with your business/project.
In addition to audience type, business type can be a factor. The Business Builder program is designed for for-profit businesses, which includes cooperatives; however, there are some exceptions to this. Non-profits that operate a farm or food business are eligible as long as the grant funds are used solely for the business operations or market development. In addition, non-profits with educational farms or food processing businesses are eligible as long as they can show at least 50% of the funds will improve market access for farmers, ranchers, and/or fishers.
Each Program has shared language
For the Business Builder Grant programs, there is a shared language among all of our programming. For this opportunity, “small” and “mid-scale” are based on income, not acreage or sales volume.
For Farms, Ranches, and Seafood Harvesters:
- Small = Up to $350,000 in gross cash farm income (GCFI) *Read grant specific RFA carefully for details
- Mid-scale = $350,000 to $999,999 GCFI
For Other Eligible Food Businesses:
- Small = Up to $350,000 in annual sales
- Mid-scale = $350,000 to $999,999 in annual sales
In contrast, “local” and “regional” may vary by grant program. For example, one state may define “local” as within state boundaries, while another might define it as within 400 miles of the business. In some cases, businesses will need to confirm they focus on local and regional markets. Always check the specific guidelines for the grant program you’re applying for.

Business Builder grants are for businesses to strengthen their business viability and/or expand their markets. While there are many ways to achieve this, below are some eligible project ideas to consider for your application:
- Business planning, feasibility studies, writing grants and loan applications
- Value chain coordination salaries, operating costs and equipment/vehicles
- Developing your brand and marketing materials, including websites
- Market analysis, brokering services, and outreach to potential customers
- Attending, developing marketing materials and buying supplies for trade shows focused on local or regional markets
- Developing new products, labels, or packaging, including pilots to trial new formulations or recipes
- Improving processing, marketing, and distribution activities for your products
- Legal support for business resilience, market risk management, and growth
- Food safety training, planning, compliance for owners and/or employees
- Worker safety improvements for post-harvest handling and market management: training staff, purchasing safety equipment
- Creating, updating or expanding a farm stand, U-Pick, CSA, or other farm-direct sales platform
Please ensure your project aligns with the specific RFA you are applying for.

**Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant**. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to [ambrook.com](http://ambrook.com/) to learn more or contact [sherry@ambrook.com](mailto:sherry@ambrook.com) to incorporate this into your grant


The Rio Grande Colonias Center will facilitate the application process for and distribution&#x2004;of **two different grant tracks** to eligible small and mid-sized food producers and food businesses in Texas and New Mexico. These funds will support producers with the capital they need to grow their businesses and access larger markets. Grants can only be used for eligible post-harvest projects and expenses.


**Frontera Farm and Food Business Grant:**

- Business must operate within the Center’s 38 Priority Counties in Texas and New Mexico, which include Colonias in both states. See graphic below for full list of eligible counties.

- Non-competitive application process: Completing technical assistance and meeting other outlined requirements will factor into eligibility for grant funding toward a specific post-harvest project or business need.

- Eligible applicants will receive focused technical assistance and coordination support from one of our Center’s Business Development Coordinators who can guide them through the application process and other resources.

- Zero or more years in business

- Gross revenue caps of $500,000 for food producers and $5,000,000 for food businesses.

- Awards of up to $50,000


**Business Builder Farm and Food Grant:**

- Applications are open to small and mid-sized farm and food businesses across Texas and New Mexico, with the exception of 53 counties in East Texas, which are being served by the **[Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center](https://deltarfbc.org/)** through separate funding.

- These grants can support items such as staff time, business planning activities, software implementation, value chain coordination, the purchase of special purpose equipment, such as food safety, processing and packaging equipment, and other allowable expenses.

- Total funding available in this grant cycle is: $1,000,000

    - **Minimum award amount: $1,000**

    - **Maximum award amount: $100,000**

- Application Process: Completing your application is a **multi-step** process.

    - **Applications Open: 8am MST – March 3, 2025**

- **Intent to Apply Due: April 3, 2025**

        - Applicants will need to complete an intake form for this step.

        - All intake forms will be verified by a Rio Grande Colonias staff member.

    - **[Click here to get started!](https://portal.rgcolonias.org/request)**

- Submission of application

    - Upon successful verification of your intake form, you will receive a unique link to start and submit your proposal application. This link will give you access to your client dashboard.

    - **Applications Close: Midnight MST – May 02, 2025 **

    - **Selections Announced: End of June 2025 **

- **Official Request for Applications (RFA)**

    - **[Click here to read the official Business Builder Farm and Food Request for Applications (RFA)](https://rgcolonias.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FC.-RFA_Competitve-BBA_3.5.25.pdf)**

- **[Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions for this grant.](https://rgcolonias.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FAQ-Business-Builder-Farm-and-Food-Grant.pdf)**

- **[Click here for a sample of the questions you will be asked to answer on the proposal application portal.](https://rgcolonias.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sample-of-BBFFG-Proposal-Application-Form.pdf)**

- **Learn more about the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant:**

- The Rio Grande Colonias Team will host a series of webinars during the Spring of 2025 about the program and other technical assistance opportunities. All information sessions will be recorded and posted on the website. 

    - Join our upcoming session on **March 10,02025** to learn more about the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant. This will be a great opportunity to ask our staff questions about the program. **[Click here to Register.](https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Na8El_VlSFqNw1RqAueJiQ#/registration) **

- **For questions about our grant opportunities please fill out our Contact Us Form:** <https://rgcolonias.org/contact-us/>





Interested in applying? You could get a subscription to Ambrook subsidized by this grant. This grant covers software costs for financial management and bookkeeping tools - Ambrook helps you track your income and expenses, by enterprise, so you can run a financially sustainable business. Questions? Go to ambrook.com to learn more or contact sherry@ambrook.com to incorporate this into your grant

The Rio Grande Colonias Center will facilitate the application process for and distribution of two different grant tracks to eligible small and mid-sized food producers and food businesses in Texas and New Mexico. These funds will support producers with the capital they need to grow their businesses and access larger markets. Grants can only be used for eligible post-harvest projects and expenses.

Frontera Farm and Food Business Grant:
- Business must operate within the Center’s 38 Priority Counties in Texas and New Mexico, which include Colonias in both states. See graphic below for full list of eligible counties.
- Non-competitive application process: Completing technical assistance and meeting other outlined requirements will factor into eligibility for grant funding toward a specific post-harvest project or business need.
- Eligible applicants will receive focused technical assistance and coordination support from one of our Center’s Business Development Coordinators who can guide them through the application process and other resources.
- Zero or more years in business
- Gross revenue caps of $500,000 for food producers and $5,000,000 for food businesses.
- Awards of up to $50,000

Business Builder Farm and Food Grant:
- Applications are open to small and mid-sized farm and food businesses across Texas and New Mexico, with the exception of 53 counties in East Texas, which are being served by the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center through separate funding.
- These grants can support items such as staff time, business planning activities, software implementation, value chain coordination, the purchase of special purpose equipment, such as food safety, processing and packaging equipment, and other allowable expenses.
- Total funding available in this grant cycle is: $1,000,000
    - Minimum award amount: $1,000
    - Maximum award amount: $100,000
- Application Process: Completing your application is a multi-step process.
    - Applications Open: 8am MST – March 3, 2025
- Intent to Apply Due: April 3, 2025
        - Applicants will need to complete an intake form for this step.
        - All intake forms will be verified by a Rio Grande Colonias staff member.
    - Click here to get started!
- Submission of application
    - Upon successful verification of your intake form, you will receive a unique link to start and submit your proposal application. This link will give you access to your client dashboard.
    - Applications Close: Midnight MST – May 02, 2025 
    - Selections Announced: End of June 2025 
- Official Request for Applications (RFA)
    - Click here to read the official Business Builder Farm and Food Request for Applications (RFA)
- Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions for this grant.
- Click here for a sample of the questions you will be asked to answer on the proposal application portal.
- Learn more about the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant:
- The Rio Grande Colonias Team will host a series of webinars during the Spring of 2025 about the program and other technical assistance opportunities. All information sessions will be recorded and posted on the website. 
    - Join our upcoming session on March 10,02025 to learn more about the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant. This will be a great opportunity to ask our staff questions about the program. Click here to Register. 
- For questions about our grant opportunities please fill out our Contact Us Form: https://rgcolonias.org/contact-us/



To apply, applicants must first complete the pre-proposal document and schedule a call with VDACS program staff using this calendly link. Following that call, the application will complete a full application. 
It is required that all VFAIF applicants attend one "How to Apply" webinar. Select one from the dates on the bottom of this page.

Successful applications will show a clear vision and plan, including a timeline and deliverables; will have a comprehensive budget; and will demonstrate a path to financial sustainability or profitability.

Sarah Santa Cruz

Coordinator, Virginia Food Access Investment Fund

The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access&#x2004;communities.

Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.

For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:

- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;

- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;

- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;

- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and

- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.



The Virginia Food Access Investment Fund (VFAIF) is a statewide program that focuses on equity and justice in local food systems by investing in new or expanding food retailers that address food access issues in the Commonwealth. VFAIF offers grants and loans to fund the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades and expansion of grocery stores, small food retailers, and innovative food retail projects in historically low-income, low-access communities.
Food acts as a common thread between history and culture, neighborhood empowerment and economic sustainability, and healthier lifestyles. The VFAIF program has been developed using the Equitable Food-Oriented Development model, a development strategy that uses food and agriculture to create economic opportunities and healthy neighborhoods and that explicitly seeks to build community assets, pride, and power by and with historically low-income, low-access communities.
For the purposes of this program, historically low-income, low-access communities are defined as minority or low-income, low-access, as well as those experiencing low food access. In these communities, the objectives of this program are to:
- improve access to fresh foods and reduce food deserts across the Commonwealth;
- create wealth, support leadership, and improve access to capital in historically low-income, low-access communities;
- assess, support and transform existing or potential businesses into sustainable community-owned businesses;
- foster innovative solutions that uplift and share successful food business models; and
- reduce food insecurity, strengthen food systems and improve health outcomes for historically low-income, low-access communities.

Eligible projects include the business development, construction, rehabilitation, equipment upgrades, or expansion of:
- Grocery stores that primarily sell meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, dry groceries, household products, sundries, and healthy food options
- Innovative food retail projects such as mobile markets or delivery models, including food trucks
- Small food retailers, such as small-scale stores, neighborhood stores, small groceries, farmers’ markets, or corner stores
- Small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers; small, limited resource or socially disadvantaged farm co-ops, community gardens, restaurants or cafes with a direct food retail component or in partnership with a qualified food retailer, food hub, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), and/or farm stand
Mandatory Requirements
Projects must meet the following requirements to be considered for funding:
- Be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia
- Have a retail component where consumers can purchase fresh meats, seafood, dairy, produce, and/or healthy food options
- Directly serve residents within low-income, low-access communities
- Demonstrate a history of community engagement, work in the community, and community support for the project
- Accept SNAP benefits and offer Virginia Fresh Match incentives
- Purchase a minimum of 25% of fresh products from Virginia’s small, beginning, limited resource, Veteran, and/or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers


- VFAIF Grant Guidelines
- How to submit a pre-proposal
- Introduction to the Food Access Research Atlas
- Additional Food System Resources
- FeedVA
- How to become a SNAP retailer

Prioritization will be given to projects that meet the following criteria: 
- The entity receiving funds is owned or substantially led by individuals from low-income, low-access communities, or is working in an active, ongoing partnership with these individuals, which must include shared leadership, decision-making, resources, and/or shared economic benefit
- Integrate community culture and artistic expression in the business model and/or customer experience
- Provide a path for financial sustainability and positive outcomes to the community, including education, leadership and youth development, employment of community residents, job training, or workforce development
- Demonstrate success in creating partnerships and/or efforts to leverage additional funding. 

List of Agricultural Funding for Digital Technology