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Here is a list of upcoming events hosted by the Chesapeake Ag. Innovation Center. We are excited to invite you to participate and join us.
The Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program helps agricultural producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income planning and working capital grants.
VAPG planning grants can only be used to pay a qualified consultant to conduct and develop a feasibility study, business plan, and/or marketing plan directly related to the processing and/or marketing of a value-added agricultural product. VAPG working capital grants can only be used to pay operational costs directly related to the processing and/or marketing of a value-added agricultural product. VAPG working capital grants cannot be used to purchase, lease purchase, or install fixed equipment, including processing equipment.
Grants are awarded through a national competition. Each fiscal year, applications are requested through a notice published in the Federal Register and through an announcement posted on Grants.gov.
The maximum grant amount for Planning Grants is $75,000, and Working Capital Grants is $250,000. There is a cost share match requirement of 100 percent of the grant amount required for all applications.
The VAPG application period is currently open with a deadline of 11:59P on May 11, 2023 to submit an electronic application through www.grants.gov or 4:30P on May 16, 2023 to submit paper or emailed application.
Sign up at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/value-added-producer-grant-workshop-tickets-621825566007
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.