Rural Food Processors Grant

The Rural Food Processors Grant is designed to support rural entrepreneurs in Iowa who are looking to strategically grow their businesses. This initiative, managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, aims to provide essential information, services, and resources to small food processors that are poised for growth. The program recognizes the significant expansion of the small food processor industry in Iowa and seeks to enhance the capabilities of these businesses to better serve their communities. The primary purpose of the Rural Food Processors Grant is to assist small food processors and value-added agriculture companies in Iowa. The objectives include facilitating equipment and technology upgrades, improving packaging and labeling processes, and providing access to expert consultations to help businesses navigate industry regulations. By addressing these areas, the grant aims to enable businesses to reach new markets and enhance their operational efficiency. Funding for this grant is available up to $5,000 for eligible one-time project expenses incurred within the funding period. The grant period runs from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Eligible uses of the funds include purchasing equipment, improving packaging and labeling, and hiring food safety experts or consultants from the Center for Industrial Research and Service. These funds are intended to help businesses overcome challenges related to market entry and compliance with industry standards. To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be small food processors or value-added agriculture companies that are incorporated in Iowa or authorized to operate in the state. The projects must benefit communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer and must not be contiguous to cities with populations of 40,000 or greater. Additionally, applicants must have been in business for at least one year, have annual sales of less than $1 million, and employ between one and fifty individuals. Each eligible applicant may submit one application per funding announcement. The submission requirements include providing necessary documentation during the application process, and the applicant will be the entity legally responsible for the grant agreement if awarded. While partners and collaborators are allowed, they may undergo financial and programmatic review during the selection process. The application must clearly outline how the proposed project will benefit the community and meet the objectives of the grant. Evaluation criteria for the grant will focus on the potential impact of the project on the business and the community, the feasibility of the proposed activities, and the applicant's ability to meet the grant's objectives. The timeline for the grant application process includes a deadline for submissions on October 25, 2024. It is important for applicants to adhere to this deadline to ensure their proposals are considered. In summary, the Rural Food Processors Grant offers a valuable opportunity for small food processors in Iowa to access funding and resources that can help them grow and thrive. Interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and prepare their applications in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For further information, potential applicants can visit the IEDA website or contact the grant administrator directly.