Business Builder Subawards

The Business Builder Sub-Awards are a program of the Northeast Regional Food Business Center, hosted by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service, this initiative supports small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses working to strengthen regional food supply chains. By offering strategic sub-awards, the Center seeks to foster a Northeast food system that enhances community and economic resilience. The program is organized into three funding tracks tailored to business needs. Track 1 supports the purchase of special-purpose equipment for post-harvest processes such as processing, storage, and transportation, with awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 for businesses earning $350,000 or less annually. Track 2 backs business development, including improving financial acumen and industry knowledge, offering awards between $15,000 and $25,000 for the same revenue threshold. Track 3 focuses on product and market expansion, with awards from $50,000 to $100,000 for businesses with up to $1 million in revenue. Eligible applicants include small and mid-sized farm and food businesses, including aquaculture and wild-caught fisheries, as well as nonprofit organizations. Applicants must operate within the Northeast region for the duration of the funded project, be in good standing with tax obligations, and pursue projects aimed at expansion, value-added processing, or accessing new markets. A Unique Entity ID (UEI) is required at the time of application or proof of application in progress must be provided. The first application cycle opened on February 24, 2025, and closed on April 7, 2025, at 4:59 PM ET. An additional round is anticipated in Winter 2025/2026. A series of recorded information sessions was offered throughout March 2025 to support applicants, along with checklists and resources to guide them through the submission process. Project proposals are evaluated on alignment with the Center’s objectives, which include increasing the volume and diversity of regional food products, building operational capacity, and improving regional supply chain infrastructure. Technical assistance is available via Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, which manages a regional directory of support providers across the Northeast. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program team with questions. Although the timeline for award announcements and performance periods is not currently specified, future funding opportunities are expected, and applicants are advised to remain engaged with program updates and announcements.

Ensure revenue threshold aligns with track; begin UEI registration early; align project with Center priorities for supply chain and regional impact.