HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the NASDA Foundation’s USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center, has launched a new funding initiative aimed at supporting small to mid-sized farm and food businesses. This program, called Business Builder, has a total of ten million dollars available, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. The goal is to help these businesses grow, reach new markets, and improve their connection within the regional food supply chain.
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding expressed the competitive advantage of the state, saying, “Pennsylvania’s prime location near four of the 10 largest U.S. markets, combined with our strong transportation system, gives our agriculture businesses an edge.” He highlighted that investing in agriculture not only strengthens these businesses but also enhances the entire regional food system.
The Business Builder program features three distinct funding tracks to cater to different needs:
- Track 1: Equipment Acquisition ($25,000 – $50,000) – This supports the purchase of essential post-harvest equipment like wash-and-pack stations and refrigerated vans.
- Track 2: Business Development ($15,000 – $25,000) – This funding can be used for business planning, financial advice, supply chain analysis, and workforce development.
- Track 3: Product & Market Expansion ($50,000 – $100,000) – This assists businesses in growing through new product development and market analysis.
Applications are open until April 7, with winners set to be announced in July. Funded projects are expected to kick off in August. To help applicants, the Center has created a pre-recorded webinar and is holding live informational sessions on March 11, March 19, and March 27. These webinars will focus on technical support and guidance for completing applications.
The USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center began in 2023, and its collaborative structure includes multiple organizations, ensuring comprehensive support for agricultural growth. The NASDA Foundation plays a crucial role in this initiative, promoting education, outreach, and research for state departments worldwide, working to improve food and agricultural communities.
If you’re interested in applying for the Business Builder subawards or want to learn more about this funding opportunity, visit the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website.
Stay informed about advancements in Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector in Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal at shapirobudget.pa.gov.
–Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Check out this related article: Important Update: Federal Food Safety Advisory Committees NACMCF and NACMPI Disbanded – What It Means for You
Source link