Trade Show Assistance Grants

Trade Show Assistance Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Amount: US $2,000 - US $7,500
Last Updated: January 25, 2026

Summary

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets offers Trade Show Assistance Grants to support local agricultural and forestry businesses. These grants provide funding to exhibit at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers, helping to cover expenses between $2,000 and $7,500 for shows from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. Eligible businesses must be registered, have three or more wholesale accounts, and meet specific criteria to qualify for this valuable opportunity.

Overview

Background The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets’ Trade Show Assistance Grants provide Vermont agricultural and forestry businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers. These matching grants can partially offset the expenses associated with exhibiting at trade shows, which provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets. Applicants may include up to four trade shows in their yearly marketing plan, requesting a total of between $2,000 and $7,500 in eligible reimbursements for shows that take place between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. Businesses may not apply for funding to support attendance at trade shows they have already attended five or more times.

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. Vermont-based agricultural and forestry businesses that meet the following criteria are eligible to receive funds through this grant: Business is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State and has been in business for over one yearBusiness or its headquarters are located within VermontBusiness has three or more wholesale accountsBusiness’ products meet the Vermont Local Definition as defined in Act 129Eligible proposals must assert that:Proposed trade show(s) target out-of-state buyers. However, there are exceptions in which regional, or even international trade shows happen to be held here. These shows are eligible if they meet the other requirements in this RFA. Please contact the grant program manager with questions.Applicant has previously attended trade show no more than 4 times. This grant will fund up to 5 years of attendance at a single trade show.The proposed budget demonstrates a minimum of a 25% cash match contribution. This grant csn reimburse eligible costs for each trade show up to 75%.Proposed trade show is in the business to business (wholesale) format. Funding will be used for the following approved expenses: Travel and accommodation expensesMarketing materials and other marketing costs (samples, printing, etc.)Marketing, branding, and design servicesRegistration fees (including booth space and educational sessions)Booth fees including furnishings and utilitiesShipping/freight

Ineligibility

Typically, trade shows based in Vermont would not be eligible. Direct to consumer shows are not eligible for TSAG funding.INELIGIBLE PROPOSALS Proposals to attend any show for which the applicant has already secured funding from the Food Export Northeast Branded Program, the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, the Vermont State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), or any other State of Vermont grant program. Proposals from applicants who are out of compliance with any federal, state, or local laws or regulations. Proposals from applicants failing to meet requirements for previous VAAFM grants and/or assistance programs, or from individuals or groups that were unable to perform or had performance issues with previous grant obligations with VAAFM. Proposals from applicants whose products do not meet the Vermont Local Definition as defined in Act 129. Reimbursement requests that include labor, food, and/or beverage. Proposals for trade shows that have been completed prior to April 1, 2025 or take place after March 31, 2026.