The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is now accepting applications for the Business Enhancement Grant.

Vermont-based farm, food and forest businesses with projects related to one or more of these categories may apply for grants for $15,000 - $50,000:

- Market Development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development)

- Research and Development – testing new systems or technology

- Infrastructure Development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs

- Workforce Training and Development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes

More Info on the Business Enhancement Grant

The application portal is open until November 20th, 2023.

Applicants will be notified of awards in early January 2024 and the estimated project start is February 2024. 

The Business Enhancement Grant expects a match equal to 100% of the grant request, meaning that for example a business applying for a $25,000 should expect to contribute $25,000 in their own cash and/or labor. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation. 

Visit the Business Enhancement Grant webpage for more information and to apply.