Exciting Partnership: MDA Joins Forces with Northeast Regional Food Business Center to Boost Local Food Innovation!

Exciting New Funding for Food Businesses

On February 24, the Maryland Department of Agriculture teamed up with the Northeast Regional Food Business Center to kick off the Business Builder sub-awards. This initiative aims to boost the local food system by providing much-needed funds to small and medium-sized farms and food businesses, including those involved in aquaculture and wild-caught fish.

A total of $10 million is available in this round, with grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. These funds will help businesses grow, reach wider markets, and enhance connections within the regional food supply chain.

The Business Builder program focuses on three specific funding areas:

• Equipment Support: Funding can help purchase post-harvest equipment like wash-and-pack stations, refrigerated vans, and cold storage units. This equipment is vital for maintaining food safety and quality.
• Business Development: Financial assistance is available for business planning, workforce training, and supply chain analysis. This support helps businesses become more efficient and sustainable.
• Market Expansion: Grants can also be used for creating new products, market research, and investing in necessary kitchen tools or software.

Applications for this funding opportunity are open until April 7. The winners will be announced in July, with projects starting in August.

To help applicants, the Center has prepared a pre-recorded webinar and will hold four live sessions on March 3, March 11, March 19, and March 27. These webinars will offer guidance on the application process and answer any technical questions.

The Northeast Regional Food Business Center, established in 2023, works closely with other organizations, including various state agriculture departments and universities, to support regional food systems.

For more details and to apply for the Business Builder sub-awards, visit the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website.

–Jessica Hackett, Maryland Department of Agriculture