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 […]
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 […]
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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