Business Enhancement Grants

The Business Enhancement Grant is administered through Vermont’s Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), a program established by Vermont Act 142 of 2011 to support the state’s farm, food, and forest economies. This grant program reflects the WLEI’s mission to make strategic investments that build sustainable and viable working lands enterprises throughout the state. In Fiscal Year 2026, $620,000 in total funding is available to support Vermont-based businesses with award sizes ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for projects that enhance infrastructure, workforce development, marketing, equipment, and innovation within eligible sectors. This grant opportunity is intended for Vermont-based agricultural and forestry enterprises, including farms of any size that produce food or fiber, logging businesses, sawmills, wood product manufacturers, agricultural and forestry distributors, and value-added businesses that use Vermont-sourced inputs. Retailers selling primarily Vermont-made food and fiber products are also eligible. Applicants must demonstrate sound business and financial management, as evidenced through required financial documentation, including balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and projected cash flow reports. Sole proprietors must have registered assumed business names with the Secretary of State, and all applicants must be in good standing with Vermont regulatory requirements. Eligible projects must be completed within a 12-month period, beginning in April 2026 and ending in March 2027. Allowable project types include equipment purchases (new, used, upgrades), infrastructure development (construction, permitting, planning), market development (branding, strategy execution), research and development (innovation and testing), and workforce training (technical skills). Projects involving land acquisition, animal purchases, ongoing business operating expenses, or those primarily focused on costs like general labor, packaging, and utility bills are not eligible. Projects already funded through other WLEI programs within the past three fiscal years are also excluded. The application process is managed through the WebGrants platform, and applicants must register early, as approval may take up to two business days. Applications opened on October 17, 2025, and are due no later than December 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM ET. Applicants may attend virtual Q&A sessions and are encouraged to consult the Application Guide and FAQ documents. Optional support is available for project planning through the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program. While a business plan is not required, applicants with one may include it for review. Applications are evaluated by a panel using a criteria-based scoring system that includes project impact, business viability, financial management, demonstrated project need, quality of proposed activities, equity and inclusion considerations, and overall budget clarity. Notifications will be sent in late February or early March 2026, and projects must commence promptly after agreements are executed. Grantees will receive up to 40% of funding upfront, with remaining disbursements based on progress reports and final deliverables submitted through WebGrants. All reporting and project work must be finalized by April 2027.

Focus on one project per application; Request minimum funds needed due to high demand; Ensure financials are clear and accurate; Project must begin within two months after award; Past grantees must sit out 3 years.