New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant Program

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.