Our Vermont Woods

The Working Lands Enterprise Board announces the 2019 Business Grants request for application release date. The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative supports innovative entrepreneurs at the forefront of Vermont's Working Lands economy through technical and financial assistance to help growing businesses thrive. The program is made possible through the support of the state legislature, multiple state organizations and public/private donors. Interested Vermont entrepreneurs should visit the Working Lands Enterprise website (http://workinglands.vermont.gov/) to begin the application process.

Project applications may include, but are not limited to:

* Infrastructure: project specific planning, permitting, and/or engineering/architectural plans; purchase and/or construction of physical assets (i.e., building and equipment costs).

* Marketing: accessing new markets and securing new customers, including institutional and wholesale market expansion.

* Research and Development: testing new systems or technologies or developing innovative solutions.

FY 2019 Program Year

This year, approximately $700,000 is available for investment into farm, food systems, forestry, and forest products enterprises. Funds will be disbursed in (2) investment areas: Business Grants and Service Provider Grants. More information on the Request for Application process, including important program dates, can be found on the Working Lands website at http://workinglands.vermont.gov.

History of Success to Date

The WLEB began operations in August 2012 and today has awarded over $5.4 million in grant funds to 184 grantees, leveraging an additional over $8 million of matching and other funds. For a list of previously funded projects, visit http://workinglands.vermont.gov/projects.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative is administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets in partnership with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development. The initiative is led by the Working Lands Enterprise Board, made up of public and private sector members involved in agriculture, food, forestry, and wood products.

Source: Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets