The fertile lands of Pennsylvania symbolize the growth and opportunities provided by the Business Builder Program.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has unveiled a $10 million Business Builder Program aimed at supporting small and mid-sized farms and food businesses. Awards will range from $15,000 to $100,000 and are designed to help businesses scale operations and tap into new markets. The initiative includes a focus on aquaculture and wild-caught marine businesses, encouraging a diverse range of participants. Applications are open until April 7, 2025, with funding starting as early as August 2025.
Have you heard the buzz coming straight out of Pennsylvania? The state is teaming up with the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center to roll out an exciting new initiative aimed at lending a hand to our beloved small and mid-sized farms and food businesses. That’s right! With a whopping $10 million up for grabs, it’s time for local agriculture to shine.
Just recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced the kickoff of the first round of their Business Builder sub-awards. The state is throwing down the gauntlet with a generous pot of 10 million dollars available this round. This isn’t just pocket change—awards will range from a neat $15,000 to a jaw-dropping $100,000. This funding has been carefully crafted to help businesses scale their operations, expand into new markets, and forge connections across different segments of the regional food supply chain.
And here’s the cherry on top! This program isn’t just for your typical farms. It also shines a spotlight on aquaculture and wild-caught marine businesses. So, whether you’re working with crops or catching fresh fish, there’s something for everyone in this lucrative opportunity.
If this sounds like the support you’ve been waiting for, then you’ll want to take note of some important dates. The application window for the Business Builder program has opened and will continue until April 7, 2025. That gives you plenty of time to polish your proposals! Then, keep your eyes peeled for the big reveal of awarded projects in July 2025, with funding starting to roll out as soon as August 2025.
The heart of this initiative lies in the promise of investing in Pennsylvania’s agricultural markets and supply chains. It’s an effort to strengthen the backbone of our food economy and to ensure that local farmers can thrive. With such a strategic position near four of the ten biggest markets in the United States and a robust transportation network, Pennsylvania is exactly where businesses want to be. This program aims to maximize those opportunities and elevate the importance of local agriculture.
The Business Builder initiative is not just about immediate funding; it’s about the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania’s agricultural landscape. The expectation is for this program to amplify the impact of other investments made by state leadership to secure a bright future for our farmers and food producers.
As the program kicks off, there’s a palpable excitement in the air! Small and mid-sized farms will have a rare chance to tap into resources and financial support that can elevate their operations, reach new customer bases, and ultimately help Pennsylvania continue to be a powerhouse in agriculture. If you’re involved in farming or food business, this is a golden opportunity waiting to be seized!
If you have been waiting for the right moment to elevate your farming business, the Business Builder program might just be your ticket! Make sure to prepare your application and be part of this transformative journey for Pennsylvania’s agricultural community. The countdown is on—don’t let this chance pass you by!
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