Don't Miss Out on the Next Producers Startup Program Beginning July 12th – Reserve Your Spot Now!

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Producers Startup Program

The Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center supports Value-Added Producers in the state of Maryland and Delaware through its Producers Startup Program. This program is designed for idea or early stage producers to pick from a variety of workshops, live and online trainings, coaching and business plan consulting, depending on their specific needs.

Next Webinar: December 6

Managing Cashflow, How to Maintain the Fuel to Run Your Business

CAIC’s Business Growth for Value-Added Producers Program supports business owners to scale their Value-Added business through industry connections, business coaching and mentorship, access to funding and more. Take advantage of this opportunity and join the next cohort starting in October 2022

 

Applications close on Monday, September 26, 2022.

RECENT NEWS

Scott Sanders’s PODCAST

Botanicals offer natural ingredients for herbal teas, body care products, natural products for your home and garden, and many other items for people looking for products that are free from man-made chemical ingredients. Natalie Beneventi grows many of the ingredients she uses in her Beneventi

Podcast: Natalie Beneventi’s

Botanicals offer natural ingredients for herbal teas, body care products, natural products for your home and garden, and many other items for people looking for products that are free from man-made chemical ingredients. Natalie Beneventi grows many of the ingredients she uses in her Beneventi

FUNDERS

These Partners Help Bring Entrepreneurship and Innovation to Maryland and Delaware’s Eastern Shore

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FEATURED PODCAST

  • Botanicals offer natural ingredients for herbal teas, body care products, natural products for your home and garden, and many other items for people looking for products that are free from man-made chemical ingredients. Natalie Beneventi grows many of the ingredients she uses in her Beneventi......

  • Botanicals offer natural ingredients for herbal teas, body care products, natural products for your home and garden, and many other items for people looking for products that are free from man-made chemical ingredients. Natalie Beneventi grows many of the ingredients she uses in her Beneventi......

  • Kombucha has made its mark on the wellness world for several years. Now it is becoming popular with consumers at all levels…and it has made its way to bars, coffee houses, breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Liz Dodson, the Kombucha Lady, sits downwith Emiliano Espinosa and......

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ADVISORS

GET TO KNOW OUR MENTORS AND INDUSTRY EXPERTS WHOSE EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHTS MAKE BUSINESSES WORK.

SERVICES

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SERVICES DESIGNED TO HELP YOUR BUSINESSES COMMERCIALIZE AND ACHIEVE SUCCESS.

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MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.