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Meet and learn from a community of rural
entrepreneurs. Interactive webinars and training
offer an opportunity for a deeper dive on business concepts while connecting you to a network of other rural entrepreneurs and experts from across the country. Navigate through the emerging environment of small business. Some classes are offered live and virtual on the same day.
Next Free Webinar: Key Financial Ratios Every Small Business Should Know
February 23, 2023 (6:00 P.M -7:30 P.M)
Learn on your own time, at your own pace.Self
guided online workshops for Value-Added
Producers that cover everything from understanding income statements and balance sheets to digital marketing solutions.
We have access to a catalog of online training created by our partner organization RCAP and
recordings from our previous Business Solutions for Value-Added Producers Programs.
Every small business needs to know how their business compares to their industry peers.
Understanding the financial and market. environment is an important step to setting successful benchmarks for your business. We use BizMiner software to provide up to date research that can be tailored to your business and location. To access these services, please register below.
Access to capital is important to your business. We offer loans up to $50,000
through our partner, SERCAP, Inc. Loans can be used for many business
purposes including: working capital, equipment, building needs, and
inventory. For more information .about this loan opportunity, please click the
learn more button bellow.
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.