VAAFM Trade Show Assistance Grants

The Trade Show Assistance Grants (TSAG) are administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) and are designed to support Vermont-based agricultural, food, and forestry businesses in expanding their market reach. Specifically, these matching grants help businesses cover the costs of participating in trade shows aimed at out-of-state, wholesale buyers. The initiative reflects Vermont’s strategic interest in promoting its local products to broader domestic and international markets, enabling participating businesses to build wholesale relationships and generate new sales opportunities. Eligible applicants must be Vermont-based, having their headquarters or a substantial business presence in the state, and be registered with the Vermont Secretary of State (unless operating as sole proprietors). Businesses must have been in operation for at least one year, hold three or more wholesale accounts, and their products must meet the Vermont Local Definition as set by Act 129. An additional eligibility condition is that businesses must not have attended any individual trade show more than four times previously, unless they have not participated in that show within the past three years. Funding can be requested for participation in up to four trade shows, provided they take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. Awards range from $2,000 to $7,500, and applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum 25% cash match toward eligible costs. Allowable expenses under the grant include travel and accommodations, registration and booth fees, marketing and design services, printed materials, samples, and shipping. Direct-to-consumer events, labor, food, and beverage costs are not eligible. Applications must be submitted through the WebGrants system between December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM and January 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. To apply, businesses must register in WebGrants, review the application guide, and complete a detailed online submission that includes trade show selection, budget justification, and verification of eligibility. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted. Evaluation of applications will consider the applicant’s readiness to engage buyers, their alignment with program eligibility, and the potential for economic impact on both the business and Vermont’s broader economy. Notification of awards is anticipated in mid-February 2026. Awardees must sign a grant agreement and submit required documents including proof of insurance and matching fund documentation before receiving funding. Reporting requirements include two post-event reporting periods: October 1–31, 2026 and April 1–30, 2027. Reports must be submitted via WebGrants and must include documentation such as receipts, proof of eligible expenses, photos, and metrics related to trade show outcomes. These documents are essential for reimbursement, which will only be processed after successful report submission and approval.

Ensure compliance with Act 129, explain wholesale readiness and follow-up strategies; show fit with marketing plan; clarify all costs.