Business Enhancement Grant
Business Enhancement Grant supports Vermont farm, food, and forest businesses with equipment, infrastructure, marketing, technology testing, and staff training to sustain the state’s working-landscape economy.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates: December 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM (Application) | May 30, 2028 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$50,000 per award; up to $508,000 available for projects running April 2027–April 2028
Summary: Supports Vermont farm, forest, and eligible food businesses through equipment, infrastructure, marketing, research, and workforce projects.
Key Information: Applicants must have generated revenue in 2025 and submit 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 a sustainable Vermont farm, food, and forest economy through investments in working-landscape businesses and organizations. Funding comes from a State of Vermont legislative appropriation, with final award decisions made by the Working Lands Enterprise Board.
Eligible work includes new or used equipment, infrastructure construction and project-specific planning, professional marketing and branding, testing new systems or technology, and technical skills training for staff. Equipment upgrades, new animal genetics, root or nursery stock, and privately owned business-use roads can qualify. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating both financial need and strong business and financial management skills.
