October 2021
Proposals due by 3 p.m. (EST) on November 18, 2021
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is offering a competitive grant program to promote the sustainability of land-based industries and support infrastructure benefiting rural communities in Michigan.
The proposals will be evaluated through a competitive process. The maximum limit on project grant fund requests is $100,000. The total allotment of funding for the current year is approximately $1.74 million. All proposals require at least a 30 percent cash match.
Those interested in applying for the grant program should visit Michigan.gov/MDARDGrants to view the application and program guidelines. All applicants are required to submit three letters of support.
Learn more and read the full press release.
In a recently published video in our series #CraftBevMIWay, Councilperson Michael “Chet” Chetcuti introduces us to Cammie Buehler of Epicure Culinary. Chet and Cammie sample Farmhouse Ale, a fresh hop-style beer from Farm Club TC, and discuss what makes the product unique.
Each video in the #CraftBevMIWay series lasts about a minute and presents us with interesting people, places, and products in Michigan’s craft beverage scene. This is a new series with many more videos in production, so start following #CraftBevMIWay on Instagram and Facebook to see where the conversation goes!
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Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) launched a new resource, the Michigan Food, and Agriculture: Strategic Employment Planning hub. This hub is a critical resource providing education and awareness in strategic employment planning for individuals currently employed or looking to work in Michigan’s diverse and expanding food and agriculture workforce.
Through the website, agricultural employers will be able to customize a strategy to seek and recruit workers. Additionally, this resource allows employers to build branding, utilize competitive data, and recruit talent.
Learn more at: MDARD - Michigan Food and Agriculture: Strategic Employment Planning
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MSU Extension holding an online workshop on farm stress
There are several uncontrollable risk factors that may cause stress for farmers, farm workers and agricultural professionals. Many farmers face financial problems, market uncertainties, farm transfer issues, production challenges and communication barriers. You may know farmers who struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, indecision, or suicidal thoughts.
This short program will help participants create self-awareness and provide you with tools and resources to help those in need.
Learn more and register for this free event.
The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.
Eligible Applicants: Towns, Communities, State agencies, Authorities, Nonprofit Corporations, Institutions of Higher Education, federally recognized Tribes, Rural Cooperatives
Funding Availability: There is no maximum grant amount for enterprise or opportunity type grants; however, smaller requests are given higher priority. Generally, grants range from $10,000 up to $500,000.
Learn more and read the full press release.
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The Small Business Association has enhanced the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to support small businesses by providing accessible and borrower-friendly capital. As of September 8, 2021, new COVID EIDL policy changes have taken effect. Learn more about the policy changes, application process, and more.
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