The Southwest Regional Food Business Center’s Business Builder Award Program is a USDA-funded initiative aimed at strengthening food supply chain resiliency across Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. With $4.1 million allocated between 2025 and 2027, this program supports small and mid-sized food businesses by providing capital to expand market access, diversify revenue, and enhance compliance and viability in local and regional food systems.
Eligible applicants include agricultural producers, food processors, distributors, cooperatives, non-profits, food hubs, retailers, and farmers markets. Applicants must demonstrate gross annual sales below $1 million and cannot apply through a fiscal sponsor. Businesses must also secure a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to apply and ensure readiness to manage reimbursable, taxable funding.
The program offers two types of support: technical assistance-linked (non-competitive) and competitive awards. While the technical assistance awards are distributed on a rolling basis within California, Nevada, and Utah, competitive awards are available for businesses that are ready to scale operations and align with state-specific priorities. Each state coordinates the program for its local applicants.
Applicants must prepare narrative responses, a detailed budget, and a workplan using provided templates. Applications are submitted online through each state’s designated portal. Awards are reimbursable and taxable, and awardees must provide documentation for expenses and commit to outcome reporting. A single business can receive a total of up to $100,000 in awards over the program’s duration.
Currently, the program’s funding is under federal review and temporarily frozen. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates through the Business Builder website and prepare application materials in advance. For inquiries, contact the center at info@swfoodbiz.org or call (530) 236-7360.
