The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) is opening applications for the Business Enhancement Grant. This grant is open to Vermont working lands businesses/organizations, which include farms producing food and fiber, as well as forest products businesses. Some food businesses/organizations, as well as agriculture or wood processing and/or distribution businesses can be eligible if they meet certain requirements for local sourcing of raw ingredients or product.  

Applicants can apply for grants $10,000 to $50,000 grants. There is no match requirement.  

To learn more about projects that have been funded in the past, there are lists of past awarded grants and along with stories about recent grant projects. 

The application portal is open from October 9th through December 10th, 2026 at 2:00pm. There will be an optional applicant webinar on Wednesday, October 14 from 11:00am–12:00pm. There will also be weekly virtual drop-in question and answer (Q&A) sessions while the application is open. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in late February/early March 2027, and projects can begin in April 2027.      

Eligible project types are: 

• Infrastructure development   
• Equipment 
• Market development   
• Research and development   
• Workforce training and development  

Applicants should develop a specific project, including a timeline, goals, and budget in order to complete the application. Applicants will also need to submit business financial documents. Grant project planning assistance is available from on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Any food, food or wood processing, or food or wood distribution applicant must make their product sourcing clear in the application.  

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the minimum amount they need for project success given the limited funds available.  

More details about the Business Enhancement Grant, including full eligibility criteria and weekly Q&A information, can be found at: Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant. 

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) and governing board (WLEB) were created in 2012. WLEB’s vision is that our shared working landscape is the foundation of Vermont’s evolving culture, vibrant economies, healthy ecosystems, and sense of place. WLEB’s mission is to make strategic investments and develop policy recommendations that support a sustainable farm, food, and forest economy in Vermont.    

For questions regarding this grant, please contact:   

Clare Salerno | Program Coordinator | Working Lands Enterprise Initiative   

clare.salerno@vermont.gov | 802-917-2637