Working Lands Enterprise Initiative Opens for Grant Applications

Eagle Times Staff
MONTPELIER, VT — The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) is now accepting applications for the Business Enhancement Grant. Vermont-based farm, food and forest sector businesses may apply for grants ranging from $15,000 to $50,000.

The application portal opened Oct. 6, and will remain through Nov. 20.

Projects eligible for funding may relate to one or more of the following categories: Market Development, Research and Development, Infrastructure Development, and Workforce Training and Development.

Applicants will be notified of awards in early January 2024 and the estimated project start is February 2024.

The Business Enhancement Grant expects a match equal to 100 percent of the grant request, meaning that a business applying for $25,000 should expect to contribute $25,000 in their own cash and/or labor, for example. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.

Visit workinglands.vermont.gov/businessgrants for more information and to apply.

Please visit the WLEI funding opportunities calendar to see other grants available for Fiscal Year 2024. Applications for grants offering either less than $15,000 or more than $50,000 will open in December and January, with awards announced in the spring. Applicants can only apply for one WLEI grant during Fiscal Year 2024.

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative (WLEI) and governing board (WLEB) were created by the legislature in 2012 to stimulate economic development in the agricultural and forestry sectors. WLEI is a collaborative effort between the Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, Department of Forest, Parks, and Recreation and the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.

For questions regarding WLEI grant opportunities, please contact Clare Salerno at [email protected] or 802-917-2637.