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Thanks to USDA Support, We're able to Substantially Reduce the cost of participation in this 9-month mentorship program. for a registration fee of just $1,000, participants will receive up to $10,000 in subsidized business services, per participant.

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Here to help you grow

Build Stronger Businesses

Participants receive hands-on support in business planning, financial management, and performance optimization. From bookkeeping to strategic planning, CAIC mentors work alongside producers to ensure long-term business health and profitability.

Navigating Regulations and Scaling Operations

Our mentors help producers meet key compliance standards—including food safety and GAP certification—while providing tailored guidance for scaling value-added production, managing logistics, and accessing wholesale and retail markets.

Growing Brands and Expanding Markets

Producers work with marketing and design experts to refine their brand identity, develop strategic marketing plans, and strengthen online and local visibility. From labels and websites to social media and newsletters, we help farmers reach new customers and increase sales.

What is a value-Added Product?

A value-added product is an agricultural commodity that has been changed in physical state or form or has been produced in a way that enhances its value. The key goal is to expand the customer base and/or generate greater revenue for the producer than from the raw product alone. Examples include:
    • Creating or expanding a CSA network
    • Turning fruit into jam.
    • Locally grown wheat into flour or flour into artisan bread cookies, or pastries.
    • Processing raw milk into cheese or yogurt.
    • Vegetables into salsa, or bagged salad mix.
    • Processing raw meat into sausages.
    • Creating agritourism opportunities on a farm.

Why Join the Farm Mentorship Program?

  • Individual Support: With only 25 participants selected, the Mentorship Program offers focused, individualized attention. Each producer works one-on-one with program staff to identify clear goals, track progress, and receive customized guidance designed to drive business growth.
  • Specialized Expertise: Access consultants and mentors with decades of experience across finance, specialty crops, food safety & compliance, wholesale/retail, marketing, and operations.
  • Real Market Pathways: CAIC’s large network of distribution partners and industry contacts opens doors to wholesale, grocery, and regional markets so you can scale value-added production.
  • Access to Professional Services: Get direct support in financial analysis, bookkeeping, branding/marketing, and regulatory guidance to remove common roadblocks in value-added transitions.
  • Ongoing Resources and Community: After completing the program, participants remain part of the CAIC network, with continued access to the CAIC Resource Library, annual follow-up support, and a community of producers and industry partners to keep momentum going.

Program Requirements

Applicants must:

check Be a farmer located in Delaware, Maryland, Washington, D.C., or Virginia

check Have a value-added product currently in production or in development

check Have been in business for at least two years

check Generate a minimum of $100,000 in annual sales

check Demonstrate strong sales growth potential over the nine-month program period

Participants commit to:

  • Maintaining weekly communication with mentors and specialists (1 to 3 check-ins)
  • Attending a monthly mentor meeting (1 hour)
  • Participating in specialist consultations (1 to 2 hours per month)
  • Submitting monthly progress updates on goals and outcomes
  • Implementing at least one business improvement within the first three months
  • Submitting quarterly financial and metrics reports
  • Completing a final program evaluation at the end of the mentorship
  • Demonstrating measurable business progress, including increased sales

Application & Cost

There are four easy steps in the Farm Mentorship Program application process:

  1. Apply by mid-December.
  2. Schedule an interview with the Program Coordinator. 
  3. Track and report sales and performance metrics.
  4. Implement at least one key business improvement within 3 months and demonstrate measurable sales growth within 5 months.

Participation requires a $1,000 registration fee, made possible through USDA funding that subsidizes over $10,000 in services per participant. 

apply now

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.

MINI GRANT APPLICATION

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.

Register For The CAIC