Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Grants Open Now!

Do you operate a farm or forestry business or a food business that uses Vermont-grown products? Or are you a producer association or service provider that works with these businesses? Are you looking for funds for equipment, infrastructure, marketing, research, or workforce development? If so, consider applying for a Working Lands Enterprise Initiative grant!

A total of $1 million is available for grants. These awards should be for projects that you will start working on in spring 2026. Except where noted, most projects are expected to be completed within one year. 

There is no match requirement for these grants. Because funds are limited and these grants are very competitive, you should apply for the minimum amount needed for a project.

The following grants are open now:

Service Provider & Producer Association Grant

• Eligible Applicants: organizations that provide services to farm and forest businesses; non-profit associations of farm, forest, or local food businesses
• Grant projects should provide direct services to Vermont-based working lands businesses through technical assistance and/or other forms of support. Producer association grant projects can also relate to the development of the association itself.
• There are two options for grant amounts: 1) $10,000-$75,000 for projects with workplans from 3 to 15 months or 2) $10,000-$100,000 for projects with workplans from 24 to 30 months. Applicants have the flexibility to identify the work plan that best suits the proposed project. There is no match requirement.

• Application Window: September 19 – November 5, 2025 at NOON

   

Business Enhancement Grant

• Eligible Applicants: Farms growing food or fiber products; Maple sugarmakers; Primary/secondary forestry businesses, including logging, sawmill, and wood manufacturers; Food businesses using ingredients grown in VT
• Eligible project types include infrastructure, equipment, marketing, research and development, and workforce training and development.
• Applicants can apply for grants $10,000 to $50,000 grants. There is no match requirement.  
• There will be an optional applicant webinar on Thursday, October 23rd from 11:00am–12:00pm. There will also be weekly virtual drop-in Q&A sessions while the application is open.
• Application Window: October 17 – December 11, 2025