Service Provider & Producer Association Grants

The Service Provider and Producer Association Grant, offered through the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI), is a funding opportunity aimed at strengthening the viability and resilience of Vermont’s farm, food, and forest economies. Created under Vermont Act 142 of 2011, the WLEI and its governing board, the Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB), support strategic investments in business development and policy advancement for agriculture and forestry-related enterprises. The program’s goals include increasing access to capital, expanding business support services, reducing barriers for underserved communities, and improving the operating environment for working lands businesses. This grant specifically targets two applicant types: service providers and producer associations. Service providers are organizations offering technical assistance and business development services to Vermont-based agricultural and forestry businesses. Producer associations, including trade or industry groups, must be Vermont-based and represent or promote Vermont food, agriculture, forest, beverage, or fiber products. Projects may involve offering direct services to businesses or focus on internal organizational development. Eligible services include market development, financial planning, disaster preparedness, succession planning, access to capital, manufacturing process improvements, R&D, and workforce development. Association development activities may include leadership training, board development, membership outreach, and inter-organizational collaboration. Applicants must either be Vermont-based or, if located out of state, propose projects entirely focused on Vermont’s working landscape. All organizational types are eligible, including nonprofits, cooperatives, sole proprietorships, LLCs, and corporations. Previous recipients of Working Lands funding may reapply but must demonstrate either project continuity or a new focus serving a distinct group of businesses. No matching funds are required for this opportunity. A total of up to $370,000 in funding is available. Applicants can request between $10,000 and $75,000 for 3- to 15-month projects, or between $10,000 and $100,000 for 24- to 30-month projects. All projects must begin on March 1, 2026. The end dates vary depending on project length: May 30, 2027 for 15-month projects and August 30, 2028 for 30-month projects. The application period opens on September 19, 2025, and all applications must be submitted through the WebGrants portal by noon on November 5, 2025. Prior registration in WebGrants is required and may take up to two business days. Applicants are encouraged to consult the application guide and FAQs for detailed guidance. A recorded applicant webinar will be available after October 1, 2025. Notifications are expected in early January 2026. For questions about eligibility or the application process, applicants should contact Program Manager Elizabeth Sipple at elizabeth.sipple@vermont.gov or (802) 917-1134. Technical issues with the WebGrants portal should be directed to Lily Bradburn at lily.bradburn@vermont.gov or (802) 480-1652. This opportunity is part of Vermont's continued commitment to supporting rural economies and improving the sustainability of its agricultural and forestry sectors.

Strong applications are backed by evidence of need, clear outcomes, a qualified team, and outreach plans. Producer associations must upload board and member support letters.