By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) have announced a significant investment of over $3.7 million in Missouri's food and farm entrepreneurs. This funding aims to bolster small and mid-sized businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the local food supply chain.
As part of the USDA’s initiative to establish 12 Regional Food Business Centers nationwide, the Heartland Center, led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and New Growth, is dedicated to supporting food and farm businesses in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and northwest Arkansas.
With a focus on fostering a resilient and sustainable food system, the Center's Business Builder program offers grants of up to $50,000 to support innovative projects.
Priority will be given to small farms, businesses owned by marginalized groups, and those demonstrating a strong commitment to community food security.
“The Business Builder grant opportunity will inject much needed capital for building and strengthening local food systems in the Heartland,” said Katie Nixon, Heartland Center Co-Director and leader of the Food Systems Program at New Growth. “We are excited and ready to provide technical assistance to applicants on their ideas and applications. We are here to support our food and farm businesses in their efforts to feed their communities.”
The first round of applications for the Business Builder grants is open until October 15, 2024.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy