Service Provider and Producer Association Grant

The Service Provider and Producer Association Grant is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, a state-created program established under Vermont Act 142 of 2011. The initiative is guided by the Working Lands Enterprise Board, which is composed of agricultural, forestry, and food system stakeholders along with representatives from multiple Vermont state agencies and partner organizations. The program’s mission is to strengthen Vermont’s working lands economy by investing in projects that enhance business viability, increase access to capital, and support sustainable agricultural and forestry systems. This grant program is designed to provide funding to organizations that deliver business support services to Vermont-based agriculture, food, forestry, and fiber businesses, as well as to strengthen producer associations operating within these sectors. The funding supports a wide range of activities including market development, financial and business planning, disaster preparedness, succession planning, workforce development, and access to capital. For producer associations, eligible projects may also focus on organizational development such as leadership training, membership expansion, and collaboration initiatives across industry groups. Funding for the program is provided through a state legislative appropriation, with up to 370000 dollars available in the most recent funding round. Individual awards range from 10000 to 75000 dollars for projects lasting between 3 and 15 months, and from 10000 to 100000 dollars for projects lasting between 24 and 30 months. There is no matching fund requirement for applicants. Projects are expected to begin on March 1, 2026, with end dates depending on the selected project duration, either May 30, 2027, or August 30, 2028. Eligible applicants include two primary groups: service providers that offer technical assistance or business support services to working lands businesses, and producer associations that represent and promote Vermont-based industries. Applicants must generally be based in Vermont, although out-of-state organizations may qualify if their proposed work exclusively benefits Vermont’s working lands. All organizational structures are eligible, including nonprofits, cooperatives, corporations, and sole proprietorships, provided they are in good standing with state regulations. Applications must be submitted through the WebGrants online system. Applicants are required to register in advance, complete a structured application including project description, goals, work plan, and budget, and submit all required documentation before the deadline. The application includes detailed narrative questions, measurable outcomes, and supporting materials such as letters of support and compliance certifications. The program does not accept late or incomplete submissions. Applications are reviewed through a competitive process based on criteria including quality of concept, project impact, budget clarity, collaboration, demonstrated need, engagement with underserved communities, and financial need. A review committee consisting of board members, agency staff, and industry partners evaluates submissions and makes recommendations for final funding decisions. The most recent application cycle opened on September 19, 2025, and closed on November 5, 2025, with applicant notifications expected in early January 2026. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, typically opening each fall. Applicants are encouraged to consult program staff for eligibility questions and technical assistance, with designated contacts available for both programmatic and system-related support.

Focus on clear measurable outcomes demonstrate collaboration and justify project need with evidence while aligning with Vermont working lands impact and underserved community engagement