Business Enhancement Grant
Business Enhancement Grant supports Vermont farm, food, and forest businesses with equipment, infrastructure, marketing, research, and staff training to strengthen a sustainable working lands economy.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates: December 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (Application) | May 30, 2028 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$50,000 per award; $508,000 available; projects run April 2027–April 2028
Summary: Supports equipment, infrastructure, market development, research, and workforce training for Vermont’s farm, forest, and eligible food businesses.
Key Information: Applicants need at least one year of operating history, revenue in 2025, and business financial statements.
Description
The Business Enhancement Grant is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets through the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. It supports investments in a sustainable farm, food, and forest economy, with awards decided by the Working Lands Enterprise Board through competitive review.
Projects may purchase new or used equipment, make down payments, rehabilitate equipment new to the business, or add features. Infrastructure support includes planning, permitting, engineering, construction, installation, and privately owned roads used primarily for business. Market development can fund professional strategy and implementation, including branding, websites, and social media. Research and development includes testing systems or technology, animal genetics, and root, seed, or nursery stock. Workforce funding supports technical skills training for staff.
