Grants for Small businesses - Food and Nutrition

Community Climate Collaborative Energy Efficiency Grants are available to small businesses for energy efficiency upgrades (appliances, lighting, heating/cooling systems, etc). Donor Name: Community Climate Collaborative State: Virginia County: Albemarle County (VA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal is to help businesses achieve emissions reductions and financial savings through capital investment. Funding Information Grants are up to $2,000 each! Eligibility Criteria Have a business license in the City of Charlottesville or County of Albemarle. Qualify as a Microbusiness by Virginia SBSD criteria (25 employees or fewer). Preference will be given to Woman- or Minority-owned Business as defined by Virginia SBSD criteria. SWaM certification is desired, but equivalence is acceptable with valid documentation. Proposed upgrade must have demonstrable savings of energy usage and/or reduction of emissions. For more information, visit Community Climate Collaborative.

The Creative Economy Fund (fka Creative Industries Incentive Fund) awards project grants to arts, cultural, and creative-based commercial businesses that are located in the City of San José and involved in the production or distribution of the arts, including manufacturers, service providers, presenters, and designers, among others. Donor Name: Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding supports projects and activities aimed at building successful arts, cultural, and creative-based small businesses in San José.  The Creative Economy Fund is an initiative of the City of San José Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA). The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), a nonprofit intermediary focused on the economic security of individuals in the arts, is partnering with OEDCA to administer the Creative Economy Fund.  The goals of the Creative Economy Fund are to: Enhance San José’s creative economy. Bolster the growth and financial resilience of small arts, cultural, and creative-based businesses in San José. Provide financial support to artists and creative entrepreneurs (across all disciplines in both the non-commercial and commercial arenas). Funding Information For the 2024 grantmaking round, a total of $40,000 is available. Grants of up to $8,000 will be awarded through a competitive grant application process. Competitive applicants will contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy, demonstrate readiness for project implementation, grow and achieve greater financial resilience, and demonstrate economic impact (e.g., attracting visitors, generating sales tax, creating jobs) in the City of San José. Competitive applicants will also reflect the City’s diverse cultural communities and creative-based commercial landscape. Period of Support     September 2024 – September 2025. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible for Creative Economy Fund consideration, businesses must meet the following criteria:  Be a commercial enterprise, including small businesses (defined by the City of San José as businesses with 35 employees or less) and sole proprietorships (Note: businesses do not have to be brick and mortar; they can be online storefronts or nomadic enterprises); Be based in San José; Primarily provides a cultural, creative, or arts-related service or product;  Be in good standing with the City of San José, evidenced through possession of an active San José business tax certificate (aka business license, business permit)* and fulfillment of OEDCA or any other City department’s funding requirements, if applicable; and Cannot have a conflict of interest (family or financial relationships) with the boards, staff, and directors of CCI or OEDCA. The following are ineligible for funding consideration: Nonprofits; Individuals, organizations, or projects that will use a fiscal sponsor to receive grant funds if funding is approved; Businesses that are not arts, cultural, or creative-based;  Projects that are already funded through another Office of Cultural Affairs grant program;  Projects that have already taken place (funding can only be applied to expenses accrued during the grant period); and Incomplete Creative Economy Fund applications. For more information, visit CCI.

The Intentional Development Group is proud to announce The Small Business Boost Grant, a program designed to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the City of Youngstown’s economic landscape. Donor Name: Department of Agriculture and Markets State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Small Business Boost Program, managed by The Intentional Development Group with funds provided by the City of Youngstown, will help boost the economic impact of Small Businesses within the City of Youngstown. Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptation and resiliency to projected climate conditions. Applications must be for ONE of the following: Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management and Precision Feed Management; Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects Track 2: Adaptation and Resiliency; Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry); Track 3B: Soil Health Systems; OR Track 4: Agricultural Forest Management. Funding Information Total Available Funding: $28,750,000 Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 1B: Cover and Flare Projects $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency $5,000,000 State Funds Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems & BMPs that support soil health and agroforestry: $4,500,000 State Funds Track 3B: Soil Health Systems: $7,000,000 Federal Funds Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (carbon sequestration): $750,000 State Funds. Eligibility Requirements  Proposals for funding will be accepted from NYS Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Districts). Proposals may be for multiple projects and/or on multiple farm operations but must be for one Track only. Districts may submit more than one application, including separate applications for multiple Tracks on the same farm operation. For more information, visit Department of Agriculture and Markets.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

Clackamas County Public Health Division (CCPHD) Tobacco Prevention and Education Program (TPEP) is seeking applications from independently owned Clackamas County convenience stores to reduce the impact of tobacco on public health. Donor Name: Clackamas County Public Health Division (CCPHD) State: Oregon County: Clackamas County (OR) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: CCPHD TPEP will dedicate a portion of the tobacco tax revenue, allocated by the Oregon Healthy Authority, to one convenience store retailer agreeing to support community health by ending their tobacco sales and transitioning their business model to better support community health. Supporting the Retailer In addition to grant funding, TPEP will offer the following support to the retailer: Ongoing technical assistance to support the development and implementation of a new business plan. Assistance will be made available by LivelihoodNW, a local non-profit aiding businesses in all industries and at all stages of operation. Assistance in getting authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits from customers (if applicable). Connections to local producers and distributors to learn about opportunities to introduce new product categories and items. Professionally designed promotional materials to showcase new products and engage customers. Earned media and community outreach to highlight the new business model and commitment to community health as well as draw new customers. Benefits to the Retailer A Clackamas County retailer may benefit from healthy retail in several ways, including: Taking advantage of products with higher mark-ups than tobacco. Reaching new customers and expanding their customer base. Saving money on tobacco licenses. Staying ahead of trending tobacco regulations. Earning free store publicity. Differentiating their business from others in the community. Reducing crime associated with tobacco sales. Supporting a healthy community. Funding Information Up to $20,000 is available to help one retailer refocus their business model to one that supports a healthy community. Grant Period November 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Own an independently operated convenience store located in Clackamas County that is not part of a corporate franchise or owned by a corporate entity (such as 7-11, Plaid Pantry, etc.) and has authority to determine which products the business carries. Hold a valid, current Oregon Tobacco Retail License. Actively sell tobacco products as of the application deadline for this notice of funding opportunity. Must hold the following insurance and limits depending on the scope of the proposed project: Commercial General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability, Professional Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Abuse and Molestation Liability and Cyber Risk Limits. For more information, visit CCPHD.

This grant invites private sector companies and organizations to collaborate with USAID on projects that address economic growth, financial inclusion, and environmental sustainability, leveraging their resources and expertise to achieve shared development goals.

The Alachua County is seeking applications for its Small Farmer Grant Program. Donor Name: Alachua County State: Florida County: Alachua County (FL) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Small farmers and ranchers have a grant opportunity through the County Commission this summer. The Commission is funding a mini-grant to Alachua County-based farms and ranches that earn between $1,000 and $250,000 annually. Funding Information The total grant request must not exceed $5,000. The total funding available for this mini-grant is approximately $100,000. Criteria Promote local food system economic resilience and equity for marginalized communities that will: Assists Alachua County residents. Applicable to Alachua County based small producers (farms, ranches, or other agricultural operations) producing food stuffs for human consumption. Prioritize funding for small producers with annual gross cash income of no more than $75,000. Prioritize black, women, indigenous, and persons-of-color owned agricultural operations Support the immediate acquisition of capital infrastructure and equipment to enhance the farm’s productive capability and financial expansion. This grant recognizes that small producers may not have adequate cash flow to acquire capital equipment and then wait for reimbursement by the County. This grant offers an immediate infusion of funds at the point of award by the Board of County Commissioners. This grant is not a cost reimbursement grant. Improve the economic viability of these small producers. Increase the resiliency of local food production and expand the production of related value added farm products. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base. Achieve Board policies related to economic development: increases economic prosperity, economic equity and diverse tax base​. For more information, visit Alachua County.

The Garden Conservancy is now accepting applications for our 2024 Garden Futures Grants. These grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations and small public gardens across the United States that are either: 1) Making a significant impact in their communities through garden-based programming, with a focus on diverse populations; or 2) Contributing to the study and preservation of garden history. Grant Considerations: Grants are for general operating support and typically range from $5,000-$10,000. Organizations with an annual operating budget of $1 million or less will be prioritized. Organizations must either be a 501(c)3 OR apply through a fiscal sponsor that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code to be considered. Please note: Organizations that have received a grant from the Garden Conservancy within the past three years are ineligible for this grant cycle. Applications will be reviewed by committee and recipients will be notified in July 2024. DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 20, 2024

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture has entered into a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to administer the Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program in Vermont. Donor Name: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets (VAAFM) State: Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The program aims to: Promote development of Vermont value-added products; Support initiatives that provide fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities that keep profits in rural communities; Increase and diversify processing capacity across the state, with an emphasis on underserved communities; Improve the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of Vermont food products for local and regional markets; Target gaps and opportunities in pandemic assistance and existing USDA grant programs that support the agricultural supply chain. Funding will be focused on projects that: Improve job quality through increased wages, benefits, and/or worker safety and well being; Focus on small and medium-sized enterprises that expand services and product offerings for consumers and producers (with an emphasis on value-added products); Demonstrate local support for the project; Are submitted by cooperatives, farmer, and worker-owned enterprises. Funding Information Approximately $2,000,000 will be available for infrastructure projects. Grants can range from $100,000 – $500,000 and will run from fall 2024 through February 2027.  Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants must be domestically owned, physically located in Vermont, and registered in Vermont with the Vermont Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Vermont Secretary of State. Eligible entities can include: Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products. Nonprofit organizations operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products. Local government entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products. Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural product. These include organizations such schools (K-12; colleges/universities), hospitals, food banks, gleaners, food rescue, workplace cafeterias, correctional facilities, farmers markets, and care centers (senior, preschools). For-profit entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, or distribution of targeted agricultural products, whose activities are primarily focused for the benefit of local and regional producers, and that meet the eligibility requirements of the Small Business Administration (SBA) small business size standards, matched to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. For more information, visit VAAFM.

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is seeking applications for its Shaping a Healthy and Inclusive Future Together Grant Program. Donor Name: Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky State: Kentucky County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal is to SHIFT the fragmented communities of Kentucky into communities with a culture of inclusion for individuals engaging in substance use and/ or experiencing chemical dependence. The foundation is requesting proposals for support specifically from these organizations to further integrate harm reduction programing into the communities and help them build a Kentucky that is healthy, inclusive, and connected.  Project examples include:  Integrating naloxone, safe use kits, syringe exchanges, or testing strips distribution to programing  Community organizing and advocacy activities that give a voice to individuals with the lived experience of systemic oppression and state-sanctioned violence as a result of the War on Drugs • Stigma reduction trainings that help the public understand and articulate the importance of harm reduction models  Developing a coalition of local businesses who will provide free harm reduction supplies at their establishments  Building organizational partnerships and codifying referral protocol with providers of medications to treat substance use disorder  Creating goals and guidelines to fill staff positions outside of the recovery community with trained peer support professionals  Designing and providing culture of acceptance programing with mainstream program participants  Creation of a mail-based harm reduction supplies distribution system  Building advocacy capacity through story collection and story telling Funding Information The SHIFT program will provide 10-15 grants totaling either $10,000 to pilot new programing or $50,000 to support on-going harm reduction and racial equity work. Eligibility Criteria Applicant is a community-based organization that primarily serves under-resourced communities of color. Applicant’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected via BIPOC leadership within their staff and board of directors. Applicant is located in and provides services in the state of Kentucky. Applicant does not mandate sobriety in order for individuals to receive services. Outcomes of the grant must include one of the following: The introduction of a harm reduction service modality into mainstream services. The increased inclusion of people who use substances into mainstream services. For more information, visit Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.

This program provides financial assistance to small business and commercial property owners in Jackson, Mississippi, to improve the appearance of their buildings and attract more customers and investors.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, funded by the USDA, allocates approximately $2 million for infrastructure grants to Vermont businesses and organizations aiming to strengthen local and regional food systems. The grants support projects that improve the aggregation, distribution, manufacturing, processing, storing, transporting, and wholesaling of Vermont food products. This track encourages development of Vermont value-added products and promotes fair wages and job creation. A 50% match is required, which can be reduced to 25% for historically underserved farmers. Grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 and are available from fall 2024 through February 2027.

This track of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program provides approximately $1 million for grants aimed at purchasing equipment necessary for the middle of the food supply chain activities in Vermont. The grants range from $30,000 to $100,000 with no match requirement. Applications for this track are set to open in late August 2024 and close in early October 2024, with grant activities beginning in early 2025.

The Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's AGRI Program, supports Minnesota-based consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in food, beverage, or pet food sectors. The program reimburses 50% of eligible marketing investments up to a maximum of $3,000 per company per fiscal year. This funding can be used for in-store demonstrations, Minnesota Pavilion events, and B2B tradeshow costs, among other high-impact marketing activities. The program aims to help these companies increase their market presence both domestically and internationally.

The Community Livability Grant (CLG) provides grants to community-based organizations for projects that promote healthy, complete, and resilient neighborhoods and respond to and respect the diversity of its residents. Donor Name: Prosper Portland State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Prosper Portland seeks proposals from community-based organizations for projects that foster vibrant and healthy neighborhoods and improve the prosperity of area residents and businesses. Priorities The CLG program prioritizes projects that benefit historically underserved communities and promote widely shared prosperity. For example, such projects would: Improve access to jobs and workforce development services. Support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners. Honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and history. Deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priorities and opportunities. Funding Information The total maximum grant award is $300,000; awards typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. The project must be completed within one year of the grant award. Uses of funds Funding for the Grant Program is through tax increment financing (TIF) and, therefore, is tied to permanent, physical improvements (including tenant improvements) of real property. (Temporary installations, ongoing administration, routine maintenance costs (such as regular inspections and routine repairs), equipment, working capital, or work that was completed previous to the grant agreement execution are not eligible.) Who is the CLG for? Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups located within the Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center and North Macadam Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts are eligible. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups. Groups formed solely for performing a project in a neighborhood should have a 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 nonprofit organization to serve as their fiscal agent. Private property owner or for-profit entity may be eligible if the applicant does the following: leases or provides space for no fee or at a substantially reduced rate to meet the needs of a nonprofit organization or community group (it is strongly encouraged to apply in partnership with the non-profit organization); and provides or proposes to provide a significant community benefit that adds to the livability for area residents. If awarded, applicant must produce documentation that grant funds will be used only for improvements to space occupied by a nonprofit or directly related to providing a community benefit, and benefits will be ongoing for a minimum of three years. Schools if: The project provides a broad community benefit, is accessible to the public, and has been approved by the school district or other owner with a three-year maintenance and public access plan. The proposed project does not support a core educational function (e.g., building or improving pre-K-12 classrooms). For more information, visit Prosper Portland.

The Greenhouse Accelerator Program Juntos Crecemos Edition is a five-month, mentor-guided program to support the acceleration of emerging Hispanic food and beverages innovations that are transforming the way consumers live their lives. Donor Name: PepsiCo State: All States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This edition is an extension of the initial Greenhouse Accelerator program launched in 2018, in collaboration with PepsiCo Juntos Crecemos, part of PepsiCo’s Pep+ transformation agenda, designed to provide short and long-term support to Hispanic small businesses. The mission is to identify up to 8 high-potential emerging Hispanic-owned food and beverage consumer packaged goods small businesses. Driving growth for Hispanic founders in the food and beverage industry with operating businesses in the U.S. Program Benefits What the Greenhouse Accelerator can offer you: Grants Guaranteed $20,000 USD grant for each finalist. Winner awarded an additional $100,000 USD Guidance Expert guidance and learning modules across all aspects of business development Network Access and exposure to PepsiCo network and resources, industry experts, VCs and investors Collaboration Unlocking of potential collaboration opportunities with PepsiCo Mentorship Hands-on mentorship and support for refining business models, fortifying strategies, and enhancing impact Growth Accelerated pathways to launch, scale, and grow your breakthrough innovations. Eligibility Requirements  Net-revenue between $100,000 to $2,000,000 USD in the last financial year Be a Hispanic-owned business licensed and operating in the United States Be willing to work with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator mentors and public relations team throughout six-month Accelerator program and attend Accelerator events. An external third party will review all submissions. The selection committee will choose finalists based on the following criteria: A clear go-to-market strategy and plan for sustained in-market execution Post-prototype, ready for review with a multinational corporation or company Uniqueness in the market Balanced gender and ethnic diversity Clear & active social responsibility mission aligned with PepsiCo’s Juntos Crecemos Strategy Aligned with PepsiCo’s PepsiCo Positive Strategy Scalable business model. For more information, visit PepsiCo.

The HealthTech Accelerator is a 90-day tech business accelerator exclusively for pre-Series A HealthTech startups focused on Digital Health, Healthcare Services, Health Sustainability and Wellness, Medical Devices and Equipment, Software, Femtech, Augumented Reality, Virtual Reality, PharmacyTech, Wearables and Quantified Self, etc. Donor Name: Tampa Bay Wave State: Florida City: Tampa Type of Grant: Program Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: HealthTech|X is the latest startup focused business accelerator launched by Tampa Bay Wave, a nationally-recognized nonprofit, in partnership with the University of South Florida Research & Innovation, The Florida High Tech Corridor, U.S. Economic Development Corporation and more. Other Wave partnerships include Accenture, hospitals and health systems, healthcare specific VC funds, JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Raymond James, and more. Selected companies are not required to relocate for the duration of the program but must plan for on-site participation in Tampa, FL during each of the three blocks of programming.  Criteria for Consideration Business built with proprietary technology creating the next-generation of health technology products & solutions Dedicated management of at least two full-time people Ability to travel to Tampa at least 3 times during the 90-day program Proof of market validation Investable and/or scalable business Viable business plan Financial runaway of at least 6-12 months. For more information, visit Tampa Bay Wave.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers Simplified Equipment-Only Grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, aimed at strengthening food system infrastructure. These grants provide financial support solely for equipment purchases necessary for food production and processing. Each grant ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 and does not require cost-sharing or matching. Recipients must substantiate equipment costs through documentation such as contracts or quotes. The program emphasizes enhancing the capabilities of small and mid-size producers and benefits diverse groups including underserved and veteran farmers. Projects must be completed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2026.

Albemarle County is offering the second round of Agribusiness Resiliency Grants to support direct-market agribusinesses impacted by the pandemic, including local farms, food businesses, orchards, wineries, and cideries. The program aims to mitigate the effects of higher operating costs and difficulties in accessing capital by providing financial aid. The grants can be used for new capital investments, sustainable agricultural practices, public health and safety enhancements, and compliance with regulations. The application period is from April 19 to May 10, 2024, and applicants must be in good standing with a County business license.