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

**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 


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

Grant

Certification

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Certified Organic

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

**USDA has initiated a broad termination of the Regional Food Business Centers program, which was being administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS). As part&#x2004;of this process, the Department has issued a modified termination letter for our federal award supporting the National Intertribal Food Business Center. **

**​**

**The IAC team continues to seek clarity on what this means for the NIFBC's ongoing activities, and we look forward to keeping you as informed as possible.**


**[FAQ](https://www.indianag.org/_files/ugd/ce1214_fd75a56c134640da9f667aa12fa50238.pdf)**



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.



USDA has initiated a broad termination of the Regional Food Business Centers program, which was being administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS). As part of this process, the Department has issued a modified termination letter for our federal award supporting the National Intertribal Food Business Center. 
​
The IAC team continues to seek clarity on what this means for the NIFBC's ongoing activities, and we look forward to keeping you as informed as possible.

FAQ


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.

Are you interested in becoming involved in the TOPP network? Let us know using one of the following forms:
- General Interest Form
- Transitioning Producer (Mentee) Application
- Mentor Application

The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are&#x2004;partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.

The partner organizations will:

- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.

- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.

- Provide community building opportunities to include:

    - Train-the-mentor support

    - Technical assistance

    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing

- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.

- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 

Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.

TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.



The Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) is investing up to $100 million over five years in cooperative agreements with non-profit organizations who are partnering with others to provide technical assistance and wrap-around support for transitioning and existing organic farmers. AMS is building partnership networks in six regions across the United States with trusted organizations serving direct farmer training, education, and outreach activities.
The partner organizations will:
- Connect transitioning farmers with mentors for at least one year after certification.
- Build paid mentoring networks to share practical insights and advice.
- Provide community building opportunities to include:
    - Train-the-mentor support
    - Technical assistance
    - Workshops and field days covering topics including organic production practices, certification, conservation planning, business development (including navigating the supply chain), regulations, and marketing
- Help producers overcome technical, cultural, and financial shifts during and following certification.
- Engage educational and training institutions (including crop advisors and extension agents) on organic workforce training and education and future human capital planning. 
Over time, technical assistance resources will be made available to all candidate and existing organic farmers through the USDA website.
TOPP is a collaborative effort involving many partners working together towards a common goal. The TOPP partnership network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Organizations in these regions are actively forming partnerships to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. TOPP regions are set geographically and form a mix of states that are well-represented in organic and states that are currently underserved. Additional partners will be added as the initiative unfolds, as it will take more time to identify partners that have been traditionally under-represented in organic.

Education

A reduction or waiving of fees for meeting a certain criteria.

Discount

- Interactive TOPP map with state-by-state partner listings
    - Use this interactive map to explore the partner organizations located in your state. When you click on an individual state, the map will take you to the page in the document that displays contact information for partners in that state. When you click on a region, you will be taken to the first state, listed alphabetically in that region. In the bottom right corner of the contact information page, there is a link to return to the main map.
- Transitional Production Plan (TPP) - Crops (pdf)
- Transitional Production Plan (TPP) – Livestock (pdf)
- TOPP Fact Sheet (pdf)
- TOPP Success Stories
- News Release: Organic Transition Initiative (issued August 22, 2022)
- Transitioning to Organic
- Farmers.gov – Organic Farmers (check here for information on Organic Cost Share, NRCS programs, Insurance and Disaster Assistance and more)
- Organic Regulations


Succession

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Stewardship

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Labor

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

USDA RFBC

**US Department of Agriculture has decided to[ terminate the Regional Food&#x2004;Business Center program](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/07/15/secretary-rollins-terminates-covid-era-program)**


The USDA Regional Food Business Centers support farms and food businesses to create new market opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen their regional supply chains. In partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the Regional Food Business Centers are operated by lead organizations and partner networks embedded across each region. They offer technical assistance, capacity building awards, and coordinate services to catalyze the growth of regional food economies. [Visit the Awarded Centers webpage for further information.](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp/awarded-centers)



US Department of Agriculture has decided to terminate the Regional Food Business Center program

The USDA Regional Food Business Centers support farms and food businesses to create new market opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen their regional supply chains. In partnership with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the Regional Food Business Centers are operated by lead organizations and partner networks embedded across each region. They offer technical assistance, capacity building awards, and coordinate services to catalyze the growth of regional food economies. Visit the Awarded Centers webpage for further information.

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.

admin@deltarfbc.org

**US Department of Agriculture has [terminated the Regional Food Business Center program](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/07/15/secretary-rollins-terminates-covid-era-program)**


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. 



US Department of Agriculture has terminated the Regional Food Business Center program

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. 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers (RFBC) program. Due to the termination of the Business Builder Center, no awards will be given and all programs will be discontinued. 



- Application Page
- Request for Applications - RFA 0344 - Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program


NY State State Agriculture Commission Office

The third round of the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program offers **$2.5 million** in funding to support the development and enhancement of urban farms, school gardens, and community gardens statewide.


Funding through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program will help offset costs associated with projects that focus on food production, food safety, and food distribution, while creating a lasting impact on local food resiliency.



The third round of the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program offers $2.5 million in funding to support the development and enhancement of urban farms, school gardens, and community gardens statewide.

Funding through the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program will help offset costs associated with projects that focus on food production, food safety, and food distribution, while creating a lasting impact on local food resiliency.

Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, not-for-profit educational institutions, municipal government entities, and Indian tribal organizations.  

Vegetables

Watercress

Winter Cress

Yuca

Alfalfa Sprouts

Aloe Vera

Artichokes

Arugula

Asparagus

Bamboo Shoots

Batatas

Bean Sprouts

Beans

Beets

Bok Choy

Broccoflower

Broccoli

Broccolini

Broccolo-Cavalo

Brussel Sprouts

Cabbage

Calaloo

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celeriac

Celery

Chives

Collard Greens

Coriander

Cucumbers

Daikon

Dandelion Greens

Dill

Eggplant

Endive

Escarole

Frisee

Gailon

Garlic

Gourds

Greens

Heart Of Palm

Horseradish

Kale

Kohlrabi

Leeks

Lettuce

Malanga

Melongene

Mesculin Mix

Microgreens

Mushrooms

Okra

Onions

Oyster Plant

Parsnip

Peppers

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Radicchio

Radishes

Rhubarb

Rutabaga

Scallions

Shallots

Spinach

Squash

Sunchoke

Sweet

Swiss Chard

Tannier

Taro

Tomatillos

Tomatoes

Truffles

Turnips

Vegetable Seeds

Cilantro

Boston Lettuce

Green Leaf Lettuce

Iceberg Lettuce

Lolla Rossa Lettuce

Oak Leaf Lettuce

Red Leaf Lettuce

Romaine Lettuce

Dry Onions

Green Onions

Bell Peppers

Potato Seeds

Processing Potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini

Turnip Top

Specialty Crops

Public Health

Acceptable use of funds:
- Personnel costs (wages, internships)
- Materials, equipment, planning and consulting
- Infrastructure improvements related to food production, safety, and distribution

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

**US Department of Agriculture has decided to[ terminate the Regional Food Business Center&#x2004;program](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/07/15/secretary-rollins-terminates-covid-era-program)**


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





US Department of Agriculture has decided to terminate the Regional Food Business Center program

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.

Current Clients – sign into client portal here

**US Department of Agriculture has decided to[ terminate the Regional Food Business Center program](https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/07/15/secretary-rollins-terminates-covid-era-program)**


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/>





US Department of Agriculture has decided to terminate the Regional Food Business Center program

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/



List of Agricultural Funding for Food Supply Chain