Dairy Processor Innovation Grant

Dairy Processor Innovation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: State of Vermont
Amount: US $75,000 - US $250,000
Last Updated: May 12, 2025

Summary

The Dairy Processor Innovation Grant, offered by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, is designed to support dairy processors in enhancing their long-term business viability. With grants ranging from $75,000 to $250,000, this program encourages investments in sourcing, product development, and sustainable practices. Available to applicants across Northeast states, it aims to help processors appeal to consumers who prioritize local, environmentally friendly products. The total funding available is $1,000,000, with a two-step application process.

Overview

NOTE: This funding opportunity is closed. The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the Dairy Processor Innovation Grant program, which will provide grants for dairy processors to better position their businesses long-term. Key dairy consumers are shifting their purchasing choices to those that support small businesses, rural communities, and have direct, positive impacts to the climate. Leading reasons consumers are switching brands include a desire to support local businesses and companies that share their values as well as a perception that products are better quality, natural/organic, and more environmentally sustainable. Projects funded through this program will support longterm business investments that increase dairy processor business consumer appeal and marketability of value-added dairy products. This grant will fund a wide range of projects. Projects may address improvements in topics such as: sourcing, product development, transportation/distribution, marketing/supply chain, operations, employee welfare, consumer experience, utilization of materials or systems that reduce carbon footprint and, and beyond. Grants are available to applicants in all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Award Grants will range from $75,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Total funds available: $1,000,000. This grant round will include a two-step application process. Following the review of pre-applications, a subset of applicants will be invited to submit a full application.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.