Service Provider and Manufacturer Association Grants Now Available for Vermont Businesses
Vermont-based businesses and organizations in the agriculture, forestry, food, beverage, and fiber industries are invited to apply for Service Provider & Producer Association Grants aimed at supporting their business endeavors.
With up to $370,000 available in total funding, grant amounts range from $10,000 to $25,000 for pilot projects serving a specific Vermont state, and $25,000 to $75,000 for statewide projects. No matching funds are required, and the grant period will run from March 2025 to June 2026.
Eligibility
This grant is open to two categories of applicants:
- Service Providers – Organizations that provide business support services to agribusinesses in Vermont, such as market development, business planning, and financial planning.
- Producers Associations – Industry trade groups that represent and promote Vermont-based agriculture, food, beverage, forestry, or fiber products. These organizations can apply for grants aimed at improving the performance of their organization or providing services to their members.
Eligible projects for service providers include providing assistance in areas such as market development, responses to crises such as COVID-19 and floods, business succession planning, and workforce development. Producer organization projects may also focus on organizational development, including leadership training, board governance, and membership outreach.
Applicants must be from Vermont or propose a project that focuses entirely on Vermont’s workplace and businesses. For out-of-state applicants, eligibility must be verified by the program contact.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- September 20, 2024: Request for applications issued and submission of application is open.
- September 24, 2024 (11 am – 12 pm): Applicant webinar and Q&A session. Registration is required.
- November 7, 2024 (11:59 pm): Application deadline.
- Early January 2025: Applicants are notified of funding decisions.
- January 2025: Sponsorship documents are required.
- February/March 2025: Project start date.
For more information, applicants can contact Clare Salerno of clare.salerno@vermont.gov or (802) 917-2637.
