Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture Agribusiness Pitch Competition

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has launched the FY25 Veterans and Heroes Agribusiness Pitch Competition to foster engagement in agriculture and agribusiness among veterans, first responders, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and their families. This initiative is administered through the Department’s Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture program, which was legislatively established to advance agricultural opportunities for those who have served the state and country. The competition is designed to stimulate the development of viable agribusiness ventures, support food security, and bolster economic growth within West Virginia. The competition encourages eligible individuals to propose projects with a clear beginning and end, a defined goal, and measurable outcomes. Acceptable projects include a wide variety of agricultural activities such as expanding pastures, constructing barns, developing on-farm accommodations, and launching marketing initiatives. Tasks supporting these projects may involve purchasing equipment, attending workshops, or acquiring licensure. Applicants must be program members and residents of West Virginia, and their businesses must also be based in the state. Submissions are reviewed by a committee that selects finalists for an in-person pitch event scheduled for March 7, 2026, at the Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, West Virginia. Finalists will present five-minute pitches to a panel of judges including investors, business leaders, and industry experts. Judges will evaluate entries on various aspects such as business vision, market alignment, management structure, technical feasibility, and financial viability. Pitch coaching support is available for those who advance to the finals. Applications must include a complete business plan following a detailed template provided by the WVDA. This template covers key areas such as executive summary, market analysis, operations, marketing, and financial planning. Submitted plans should be three to five pages long. A comprehensive review process evaluates project specificity, market understanding, investment requirements, and profitability projections. Projects previously funded under FY24 are not eligible to apply again until FY26. Approximately $60,000 in total funding will be awarded across multiple recipients for FY26. There is no cost to apply. Participants must provide documentation to prove eligibility, such as a DD214 or a letter from a supervisor. Terms and conditions include acceptance of public information disclosure under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act and acknowledgment that WVDA decisions are final and binding. All applications must be submitted by January 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact the WVDA Veterans and Heroes to Agriculture program at vetstoag@wvda.us or call 304-558-2210. This competition provides a meaningful opportunity for West Virginia’s veterans and service personnel to establish sustainable agribusiness ventures that benefit both their livelihoods and the broader agricultural landscape.

Clearly articulate market opportunity and business model; Ensure business plan addresses buyer/supplier details and projected ROI; Highlight "wow" factor and mission fit.