Grant Assistance

Lack of capital is one of the biggest challenges every business faces. Whether you are starting a new business, launching a new product, or entering a new market, grants can be a good funding source.

While most grants are targeted to non-profits (i.e. Universities and government organizations) to conduct focused scientific and industry research, some grants exist which award funding directly to businesses and agricultural producers. Sometimes obtaining grants can be intimidating to those unfamiliar with the process.

Some of those challenges are:

• Locating federal and state grant opportunities
• Completing grant application in the allocated time period
• Including all criteria specified by the granting agency
• Completing all required forms and documentation
• Providing adequate matching funds as required by the grant
• Writing grants that win approval

We can help. The Food Processing Center has extensive experience in successfully completing the grant process. Improve you selection chances by utilizing the Food Processing Center's grant related services:

• Identifying viable grant opportunities
• Disseminating “Request for Proposals” to interested parties
• Ensuring timely and complete grant submissions
• Providing assistance in compiling and writing grant applications
• Acting as an independent, third party, industry-recognized consultant to review your business and business planning documents when necessary

The Food Processing Center has a long history of writing winning grants. Our experience includes:

• Created a widely used, nationally recognized application template for USDA's Value-Added Producer Grant program.
• Collaborated with other Nebraska state agencies to administer the Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a statewide program established in 1994 to improve the competitiveness of small businesses.
• Many years working alongside producers and businesses in writing and completing successful grant applications. From 2002-2005, we have successfully aided 29 Nebraska applicants receive funding through USDA's Value-Added Producer Grant program; resulting in voer $3.1 million in federal funds flowingto Nebraska's producers.
• Authored numerous winning grant proposals, including a multi-state $2.5 million USDA grant for improving small farm profitability.

Grant Sources

Funding programs available to agricultural producers and/or small businesses are provided below. Before applying for any grant, check with the appropriate administrative agency to verify your eligibility and application requirements.

Federal Grants available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture

1. Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
2. Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grants
3. Small Minority Producer Grants (SMPG)
4. Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR)
5. Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans
6. Food Export Association's Branded Program

State of Nebraska Grants

1. Agricultural Opportunities and Value-Added Partnership Act

LINKS:

United States Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development
Nebraska Rural Development Commission