Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness

The Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness Grant Program is a strategic initiative supported by Wells Fargo to enhance innovation and economic growth within South Carolina’s small-to-medium sized agribusiness sector. Managed in collaboration with the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), SC Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), and other partners, the program provides not only funding but also a robust support infrastructure designed to guide participants through a cohort-based innovation development process. Selected agribusinesses will engage in mentorship, technical assistance, and training while receiving financial support ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. Launched formally on December 1, 2025, with a kickoff event at the South Carolina State House, the program’s timeline includes a webinar on December 4, 2025, the application deadline on February 2, 2026, and cohort notifications by February 5, 2026. Participants will join a structured cohort starting February 12, 2026, featuring five targeted webinars covering key innovation topics, access to SC SBDC consultants, and support from a curated pool of expert mentors. Peer-to-peer networking and a final Capstone Innovation Showcase are designed to further amplify visibility and recognition for the participating agribusinesses. Funding must be used directly to advance the development, testing, or implementation of proposed innovations. Allowable costs include labor, project-specific working capital, R&D, supplies, equipment, legal/IP support, and marketing tied to commercial readiness. Projects cannot include land purchases, debt repayment, academic research without commercialization, or projects that fall outside of South Carolina or lack implementation feasibility. The program defines innovation broadly—covering product, service, process, practice, and technology adoption categories that generate tangible value. Eligible applicants are for-profit agribusinesses operating in South Carolina for at least one tax year. They must fall into one of several categories including agricultural producers, processors, marketers/distributors, or support industries. Applicants must also meet SBA-defined small to medium business size standards based on their NAICS code. The program explicitly prioritizes projects that promote inclusivity, benefit historically underserved farmers, utilize technology, demonstrate replicability, and show long-term financial viability. Applications require six components: an online business profile form, an innovation proposal, business viability overview, program alignment statement, a signed letter of commitment, and a 5-minute video pitch. Applicants must clearly present their business model, innovation rationale, implementation plan, and anticipated impact on South Carolina agriculture. Awards are evaluated on innovation merit, readiness to execute, alignment with the program’s objectives, and commitment to participate fully. This is an annually recurring grant opportunity, with the next application cycle expected to open in December 2026. The program aligns with Wells Fargo’s philanthropic mission and South Carolina’s strategic economic development goals, emphasizing resilience and inclusive innovation in the state’s agribusiness ecosystem.

Clearly connect the proposed innovation to real-world agribusiness challenges; demonstrate feasibility, business viability, and alignment with South Carolina’s economic impact.