Grants & Funding

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This page highlights funding opportunities provided by the Southwest Regional Business Center, including grants designed to support post-agriculture production businesses. It also features practical financial tools to help entrepreneurs manage their finances effectively. These resources, including those from USU’s Diverse Ag program, cover budgeting, loan calculators, and business planning aids to ensure sustainable growth and sound financial management. Entrepreneurs can explore how to apply for grants, access funding, and utilize these tools to achieve their business goals.

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Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is now accepting applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant. This competitive grant supports Utah-based food and farm businesses working to strengthen the middle of the supply chain including projects that support aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, and distribution of local food.

Grants award limits: $10,000–$100,000
Total available: ~$500,000
Eligible products: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and more
Not eligible: meat, poultry, animal feed, fiber, dietary supplements

For more information about the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant, click here.

Application Deadline: June 8th, 2025 (now closed)



The Utah Food Security Grant, administered by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), is a state-funded initiative designed to strengthen Utah’s local food supply chain by enhancing processing capacity for agricultural products grown and raised within the state.

Key Features of the 2025 Grant Program:

  • Funding Allocation: A total of $1 million is available, with individual grant awards capped at $200,000. Additionally, $20,000 is reserved for microgrants of $5,000 or less, aimed at supporting smaller-scale projects. ​

  • Priority Areas: At least 50% of the funds are designated for meat and poultry processing businesses, addressing critical needs in these sectors. ​

    Eligibility: The grant is open to a variety of Utah-based entities, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, producer cooperatives, and state and local government agencies. ​

  • Cost-Sharing Requirement: Applicants are required to provide a minimum 25% cost match. However, those able to contribute a 50% match will receive an additional 10 preference points during the evaluation process. ​

  • Eligible Expenses: Funds can be used for purchasing processing equipment, coolers/freezers, contractor costs (such as plumbing, electrical work, building modifications), portion cutters, slaughter equipment, packaging process upgrades, sorting equipment, and bottling equipment. ​

  • Ineligible Activities: The grant does not cover expenses related to homesteading, research, land purchases, payroll, or activities that do not result in the sale of processed products.

  • The 2025 funding round for Utah is currently open. For more information about the Utah Food Security Grant, click here.

Application Deadline: March 26th, 2025 (now closed)



Utah, as part of the Southwest Regional Food Business Center’s (SWRFBC) Business Builder Award Program will award funding for projects that build the capacity of small and mid-sized food producers. Awards are intended to help develop local and regional food supply chains. 

The 2025 funding round for Utah is now closed. For more information about the Business Builder Awards Program, click here.

Finance and Profit

The Food Business Basics Course made available through Utah State University provides a section under module 3 titled Finance and Profit that provides both budget and profit analysis tools as well as financing tools that every entrepreneur should have in their tool box. Find the course here.

 

 

Grant overview (2024 Urban and Small Farms Conference)

During the 2024 Urban and Small Farms Conference, there was time alloted to go over grants and business resources available to the public. To find it, click here and scroll down to the bottom of the page dated Thursday, February 22 and titled Grants, Business Assistance, and Other Resources.

2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant – Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)

Application Close Date: April 9, 2025 (Now Closed) 

Estimated Available Funding:
Between $300,000 and $350,000 is expected to be available. Individual project requests may not exceed $100,000. No minimum funding amount is required.
Note: All awards are contingent upon USDA funding availability.

Priority Areas for 2025 Projects:

  • Strengthening the supply chain (aggregation, processing, food hubs, etc.)

  • Improving market access (marketing, education, expanding markets)

  • Research & development (plant varieties, pest management, conservation)

  • Producer education and workforce development

  • Enhancing food safety and regulatory compliance

    Eligibility:
    Applicants must be headquartered in Utah and may include:

    • Producers and private businesses

    • Non-profits and trade associations

    • Farming and ranching co-ops

    • Schools and educational institutions
      Other applicant types may qualify—email for clarification.



      For any questions email: aross@utah.gov