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The Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC) began in 2020 as an initiative of the non-profit Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC). Founded in 2004, ESEC promotes economic development in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors—two industries that have traditionally been integral to our region.
In founding CAIC, we sought to create a dedicated resource hub specifically for the region’s farmers and value-added producers. Today, our team provides tailored education and training, consulting services, access to capital, and other tools to support agribusiness development. From product development to scaling, and from produce safety training to grant writing, we’re here to help you grow.
CAIC is committed to supporting and nurturing the business growth of farmers and producers in the agriculture and aquaculture sectors. We believe in their power and potential, and recognize their crucial role in the regional food supply chain. When our farmers and producers thrive, our entire region can thrive.
As we continue to expand our courses and services, we remain committed to our core mission: empowering the business growth of farmers and producers. In the longer term, our goal is to create a leading hub on the Eastern Shore for innovation and technology in agriculture and aquaculture—one that could serve as a model for other regions.
CAIC supports farmers and value-added producers in a number of ways:
CAIC offers education and training programs designed for all stages of growth. From our idea-stage Startup Program to our scaling-focused Producers Growth Program, we equip farmers and producers with essential skills. We also provide personalized food safety training and on-farm produce safety consultations, helping farmers ensure regulatory compliance.
Visit our Programs page to learn more, or take our quiz to find the program that’s right for you.
CAIC also provides access to training, consulting, and capital—essential building blocks for business success. From business plan development and market research to grant writing and legal support, we offer a range of resources that can be easily customized. Services are provided in house or through our vetted consultants, and they’re all available either free of charge or at a reduced cost.
Visit our Business Resources page to learn more, or take our quiz to be matched with a CAIC consultant.
CAIC is committed to building a thriving community of farmers and producers throughout Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Through educational webinars and other events, including our annual Producers Unveiled showcase, we help people connect and collaborate. Our free on-demand training and networking platform, AgriBiz Hub, enables farmers and producers to learn new skills on their own time, build connections, and browse resources.
Visit our AgriBiz Hub page to learn more, or visit our Events page to see what’s next on our calendar.
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.
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.