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.
Join us for an exciting opportunity to develop and grow your business at the Producers Startup Program Event. This comprehensive six-week program is designed to help farmers and value-added producers develop the essential tools necessary to begin and manage operations successfully. The program is web-based, and we will meet every Wednesday for an hour and […]
The Edge Accelerator is an industry-agnostic program that is open to all entrepreneurs and industries. The 2023 cohort will include a special focus on businesses in AgTech, AgBio, AquaTech, CleanTech and the like industries! The Edge Accelerator drives start-up formation, entrepreneurial development, and small business expansion. This 12-week program is an intensive, boot-camp style […]
Join us for an exciting opportunity to develop and grow your business at the Producers Startup Program Event. This comprehensive six-week program is designed to help farmers and value-added producers develop the essential tools necessary to begin and manage operations successfully. The program is web-based, and we will meet every Wednesday for an hour and […]
About the Course: Operating a successful business starts with knowing your clients: who they are, where they live, where they shop, and more. How can you both identify these customers and successfully connect with them? During this one-hour course, you’ll learn how to segment your markets based on different variables, target the segments with the […]
About the Course: Small businesses can struggle with profitability for a number of reasons. Even if your business doesn’t make a lot of money early on, the goal should eventually be to sustain operations and earn a profit. In this course, we will learn how to make your business more profitable. Click here to register […]
Are you ready to grow your food or beverage company? The Producers Growth Program will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to assess, plan, and execute a growth and scaling strategy for your business. At the start of the six-month program, you’ll be matched with an industry advisor who has experience in […]
About the Course: Small business owners often face stress in the operation of the business and the effect it can have on their health. We will work to teach techniques to help reduce stress and provide tools to effectively manage your business. Click here to register for free. About your instructor: Your instructor for this […]
About the Program: The Producers Startup Program is a free six-week course designed for entrepreneurs with idea-stage and startup-stage companies. (Multiple cohorts, capped at 15 people, are offered throughout the year.) During the virtual weekly meetings, you’ll learn the skills and tools you need to begin and successfully manage your company’s operations. The curriculum starts […]
About the Course: Selecting a location for a business is a big decision. From traffic counts to lease terms to zoning requirements, there are several things you need to know to make an informed decision. This webinar will provide some of the key points to help with the selection process. About your instructor: Your […]
CAIC wants to help you get the funding that you need to grow your business! Each spring, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) opens up applications for its Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, which can be an invaluable resource for people looking to introduce their products to new customers and markets. Funds can be used to cover production […]
About the Course: In the age of Instagram and TikTok, social media has become one of the most important aspects of any organization’s marketing strategy. How can you most effectively use these platforms to advertise your company, services, and products—even if you only have limited time to spend on it? This lesson will equip you […]
About the Course: Value-added producers don’t need be accountants to successfully run their companies. However, knowing certain key financial ratios is an essential part of effective business management. During this lesson, we’ll cover some of the ratios, and discuss the ways that you can use them to pinpoint cost-related challenges, efficiently manage working capital, and […]
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.
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