HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center and the NASDA Foundation, has unveiled the first round of Business Builder sub-awards. This initiative is set to provide direct financial support to small- and mid-sized agricultural operations, aimed at strengthening local and regional food systems while bolstering the state’s agricultural economy.
With $10 million in funding now available, the Business Builder program offers grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. These funds will target small farms, food businesses, aquaculture operations, and wild-caught marine enterprises to enhance growth, expand markets, and improve supply chain linkages.
Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Through Strategic Investment
Agriculture remains the backbone of Pennsylvania’s economy, and this initiative is designed to ensure long-term growth by addressing systemic challenges in the food supply chain. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted the state’s unique advantages, stating, “Pennsylvania’s prime location near four of the 10 largest U.S. markets, coupled with our outstanding transportation infrastructure gives our agriculture businesses an edge, with access to the customers and markets they need to reach. Investing to strengthen those markets and supply chains makes sense for agriculture.”
Redding also emphasized that this partnership with the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center leverages federal and state resources to maximize the impact of investments under Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration, which prioritizes strengthening agriculture and enhancing the region’s food system viability.
Three Specialized Funding Tracks
The Business Builder sub-awards provide flexible funding through three specific tracks, each addressing unique business needs and challenges within the agricultural sector.
Track 1: Equipment Acquisition ($25,000 – $50,000)
This track supports the purchase of essential post-harvest tools and equipment. Funding can be used for refrigerated vans, cold storage units, wash-and-pack stations, and upgrades necessary to meet food safety standards.
Track 2: Business Development ($15,000 – $25,000)
Focused on enhancing operational capabilities, this track provides grants for activities such as business planning, supply chain analysis, workforce development, and food safety training. It targets businesses looking to optimize their strategies and establish sustainable growth paths.
Track 3: Product & Market Expansion ($50,000 – $100,000)
Designed for enterprises aiming to scale or diversify, this track helps fund new product development, packaging enhancements, market research, and specialized kitchen or software upgrades to reach broader customer bases.
Application Process and Timeline
Applications for the inaugural funding round opened on February 24 and will close on April 7, with awardees set to be announced in July. Funded projects are expected to begin in August, bringing immediate benefits to Pennsylvania’s food and farming community.
To aid potential applicants, the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center will provide several resources, including a pre-recorded webinar and a series of live informational webinars on March 11, March 19, and March 27. These sessions will offer guidance on submitting applications while addressing technical questions.
Regional and National Collaboration
Launched in 2023, the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center operates under a collaborative framework with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the NASDA Foundation, and other key partners like the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, Maine Department of Agriculture, Cornell University, Buffalo Go Green, and regional advisory councils.
The initiative represents a significant step in uniting state and federal efforts to empower agricultural enterprises while addressing the broader challenges of market connectivity and sustainable growth.
A Future Vision for Pennsylvania’s Food System
By unlocking critical funding and fostering collaboration across the agriculture sector, the Business Builder sub-awards aim to secure long-term viability for Pennsylvania’s small- to mid-sized farms and promote a resilient local food system. Applications are now open, offering a pathway for farms and food businesses to thrive while contributing to the state’s economic and agricultural vitality.
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