Mini-Grants Available for Vermont Farmers Markets

      Posted On: February 11, 2009

2009 Farmers’ Market Mini Grants

Grant Description

The 2009 Vermont Farmers Market Mini-Grants are available to support successful expansion projects at existing markets or to help communities create new farmers markets. Currently there is $100,000 available to support grants up to $5,000 each.

Interested markets are expected to conduct a strategic planning process to identify short and long term goals for market development. Eligible projects include but are not limited to: developing promotional materials, building physical infrastructure to enhance the marketplace, strengthening the market governing body, conducting economic impact assessments, and developing accessibility to the market for underserved customer bases.

The grants are also available to towns and communities who are interested in starting a new market. In the case of new markets, mini-grants can be used for projects including but not limited to: hiring a market manager, developing a market logo, and space rentals.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the 2009 Vermont Farmers’Market Mini-Grants you must:
1) Complete the 2008 NOFA Vermont Farmers Market Survey.
2) Submit a grant application by March 1, 2009.

Planning Assistance

Strategic planning is a fundamental component of this grant application. If your market needs help embarking on a planning process, there are a number of resources available to help you:
• Two planning worksheets included in this packet
• Phone, email, or in-person consultation with a farmers’ market advisor (see contact information below)