The Chesapeake Agriculture Innovation Center (CAIC) supports value-added producers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia by providing access to training, consulting, and capital—essential building blocks for business success. Whether you’re still in the idea stage or whether you’ve been established for longer, we offer a range of resources designed to enhance your business knowledge and skills. These services are separate from our signature Producers Startup Program and Developing a New Value-Added Product Program, and can be easily customized to meet your specific needs.
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Services are provided in house or through our partners, and they’re all available either free of charge or at a reduced cost. Start your journey today by learning more about our programming!
Validate your farm business idea before investing. We’ll help you assess market demand, financial feasibility, and operational challenges, ensuring your venture or decision is profitable.
Plan for your success. Our expert consultants are here to assist you in creating business and marketing plans that are tailored to your specific needs and goals.
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Find your customers, and set your financial benchmarks. With this information, you’ll be able to create accurate budgets and make projections aligned with industry trends.
Our experts will assist you in crafting a compelling grant proposal that aligns with funder priorities, improving your chances of receiving financial support for your farm.
Access the capital you need to take your company to the next level. Through our partners, we can help to pursue business loans of up to $100,000 for purposes including working capital, equipment, construction, and inventory.
 Enhance your product’s market appeal. Our design team will help create a professional label that meets standards and attracts customers to your farm’s value-added products.
To sign up for any of our business services, please fill out the brief registration form linked below.Â
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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