Starting in June, the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center will roll out new funding opportunities for dairy processors.
After listening to feedback and requests from dairy processors, NE-DBIC has added a new grant program: The Dairy Processor Modernization Grant. This grant will help expand processing capacity or create efficiencies that will lead to long-term business viability. With total funding of $1,200,000, individual awards will range from $25,000 to $350,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. The RFA will be released in June.
For those just starting out, the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant will open in July. In August, look for the Innovation in Dairy Processor and Packaging Grant. And to round out the year, NE-DBIC will open the Dairy Co-Packing Grant in late fall/early winter.
You can see the full timeline of grants for dairy processors, farmers, and service providers on the NE-DBIC Funding Calendar.
NE-DBIC funding opportunities that are open for applications, but are closing in June, include the Goat & Sheep Dairy Grant, the Dairy Marketing & Branding Grant, and the Dairy Tradeshow Assistance Grant.
Maine is one of 11 states that NE-DBIC serves. NE-DBIC supports dairy farmers and processors through grants, access to technical services, education, and events that promote the development, production, marketing, and distribution of regional dairy products.
Based in Vermont and hosted by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets, the NE-DBIC is one of four regional USDA Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) in the nation.
