Business Builder Farm and Food Grant
Intent to Apply: Now Closed
Proposal Application Submission: Open through May 2, 2025
The “Intent to Apply” for this grant program is now closed. Eligible applicants who submitted an intent to apply and were invited to complete a full application must do so by May 2, 2025. If you missed the deadline and are interested in future funding rounds or if you submitted your Intent to Apply but have more questions, view the resources below:
- First Informational Session Recording:
- English: https://vimeo.com/1069726152
- Spanish: https://vimeo.com/1071064284
- Video Walkthrough of Application Process: https://vimeo.com/1072351172
This grant is meant to support small and mid-sized farm and food businesses across Texas and New Mexico, with the exception of 53 counties in East Texas, which are being served by the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center through separate funding.
These grants can support post-harvest activities such as staff time, business planning, software implementation, value chain coordination, the purchase of special purpose equipment, such as food safety, processing and packaging equipment, and other allowable expenses.
Total funding available in this grant cycle is: $1,000,000
- Minimum award amount: $1,000
- Maximum award amount: $100,000
This funding opportunity is one of two grant programs administered by the Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center. Visit the Center’s “Grant Funding” page for more information about our Frontera Farm and Food Grant Program.
FAQs
Click on the frequently asked questions below to find the answers.
> Am I eligible?
The Business Builder Farm and Food grants are designed for for-profit or non-profit small to medium-sized farm and food businesses. These businesses must be value-added producers or food system-related enterprises. Businesses must be registered in Texas or New Mexico, excluding 53 counties in East Texas served by the Delta Regional Food Business Center. Some eligible businesses include:
- Non-Profit/Community-based Organizations
- For-Profit Businesses
- Value Added Producers
- Fleet/Food Distribution Businesses
- Food Hubs
- Commercial/Shared Kitchen and food manufacturing sites
- Co-Packing facilities
- Food Storage Facilities (Cold and Grain)
> How much can I get?
Grants will range between $1,000 and 100,000.
The total amount of funding that an individual business can receive (including grants from other USDA Regional Food Business Centers) cannot exceed $100,000.
> What activities can I pay for with this grant?
Grants can be used to fund a wide array of post-harvest business needs, such as:
- Business retention and expansion-related activities
- Value-added product development and distribution
- Program Implementation
- Marketing/Branding
- Working Capital
- Software Implementation
- Trainings
- Staff Time/Labor Costs
- Purchase of special purpose equipment such as food safety, processing, and/or packaging equipment.
- Value chain, supply chain coordination and innovation
Please check section 8.2 of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services Terms and Conditions for a more detailed overview of these costs/activities.
> What is required of me?
Legal Entity and UEI Number: To receive a Business Builder Farm and Food grant, a business must be a legal entity and have a Unique Entity Identification number or UEI, issued by the U.S. government. If you do not have a UEI number, you can apply for one on the SAM.gov website, which is managed by the General Services Administration of the United States government. There is no charge to use this site or to obtain a UEI number. You will not be able to submit your grant application without a UEI. Please ensure you provide your UEI at the point of submitting your proposal application.
- If you need support with acquiring a UEI number review this Quick Guide or watch this VIDEO.
- Make Your UEI Public: RGC-RFBC strongly recommends making your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number publicly searchable by checking “Include in public search” when obtaining your UEI or by updating your information. This will allow for verification of your UEI upon completion of the Business Builder Subaward application. Any entity chosen to receive a subaward will be required to have a verified UEI number before funds can be distributed.
Employee Identification Number: You will also need to provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN; or Social Security Number if your business does not have an EIN) to receive grant funds.
NAICS Code: You will also need a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code for this grant application. Click on this link for help with identifying your NAICS code.
Plan for your award disbursement type: Please note this grant award is primarily a reimbursement grant. This is a funding mechanism where you initially cover project expenses yourself and then submit documentation to the Center for reimbursement. Unlike upfront funding, these grants require you to spend according to an approved budget or project plan before receiving funds. Key aspects of a reimbursable grant include:
- Pre-approved Budget: Adherence to the RGC-RFBC-approved budget is mandatory.
- Documentation Required: After incurring expenses, you must provide evidence—such as a cover letter, disbursement schedules, receipts or invoices—to the Center to receive reimbursement.
- Conditional Funding: Expenses that don’t align with the approved budget or grant terms may not be reimbursed.
If your business meets certain criteria, you may qualify for upfront funding. Direct to vendor payments are available for specific costs like the purchase of special equipment above $5,000. Please reach out to Center staff HERE for more information.
Reporting: Grantees will be required to report progress and outcomes as detailed in grant agreements.
> What is a reimbursement grant?
A reimbursement grant is a funding mechanism where you initially cover project expenses yourself and then submit documentation for reimbursement. Unlike upfront funding, these grants require you to spend according to an approved budget or project plan before receiving funds.
> What is the selection process like?
Grant applications will be evaluated by an impartial panel of reviewers who will score applications based on five major criteria that align with the program’s priorities and a project’s achievability and viability. Three of the criteria prioritize businesses that improve the local and regional economy and food supply chain as well as the welfare of their unique communities. The other two criteria evaluate the significance and feasibility of a business proposal as well as the expertise and resources available to execute it.
All applications selected by the Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center for funding must then be approved by USDA-AMS. At that point, we will notify successful applicants and begin the grant set-up process.
Submitted applications will not be considered unless complete. A completed application includes all required documentation to be uploaded. Please note that incorrect and incomplete information or documents will not be accepted, and the timestamp will be set for the date all correct and accurate documents are submitted.
> What are the 53 counties NOT served by this grant?
Anderson, Angelina, Austin, Bastrop, Bell, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Caldwell, Chambers, Cherokee, Colorado, Falls, Fayette, Fort Bend, Freestone, Galveston, Gonzales, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Hill, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Madison, Matagorda, McLennan, Milam, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Orange, Polk, Robertson, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wharton, Williamson.
> What type of projects can this grant fund?
Eligible projects are those related to Infrastructure Modernization, Product Development, and Food Safety. Categories may include the establishment of new/enhanced distribution routes, marketing & branding, process innovation, and value-added product development. For more information on this, please contact us HERE.
> What CAN’T I pay for with this grant?
Some unallowable costs or activities generally not funded by the Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center are:
- Farm, gardening, and production activities and supplies; including, but not limited to soil, seeds, shovels, gardening tools, greenhouses, and hoop houses.
- Construction
- Land or property acquisition
- Pay off existing debt
- Fines, penalties, damages, and other settlements
- Goods or services for personal use
- Lobbying or any political activity
- Alcoholic beverages
- Contributions or donations
- Fundraising and investment management costs
- Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Machines
Please check section 8.2 of the USDA Agricultural Marketing Services Terms and Conditions for a more detailed overview of these costs/activities.
> What is Technical Assistance? Is this an eligibility requirement for the Business Builder Farm and Food grant?
In simple terms, technical assistance (TA) in the USDA Regional Food Business Center Program means helping food businesses learn what they need to know to grow and succeed. Our Center will be providing opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and food businesses to learn things like:
- How to write a business plan
- How to apply for grants or loans
- How to follow food safety rules
- How to market their products and find new customers
- How to set prices and manage money
The goal is to give businesses the tools, skills, and advice they need to become stronger and more successful.
We encourage all applicants to take advantage of the TA offerings at the RGC-RFBC center, but it is NOT an eligibility requirement for the Business Builder Farm and Food grant.
> What is our Equipment Policy?
All equipment requests above $5,000 must include three quotes per equipment, on vendor letterhead for each piece of equipment procurement. You will be required to upload your quotes as a separate file in the budget narrative of the proposal application portal. Please note: If approved, special equipment requests above $5,000 will be paid directly to the vendor
> When will successful applicants be notified?
Applications Due: May 02, 2025
Selections Announced: End of June 2025
How do I apply?
See the Application Process section for more details.
All applicants for this funding must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.
Watch the video below for more information.
You must also have the NAICS codes assigned to your business.
Visit the links below for more information.
application process
Completing your application is a multi-step process.
Applications Opened:
8am MST – March 3, 2025
Intent to Apply: NOW CLOSED as of April 3, 2025
- Applicants must complete an intake form for this step.
- All intake forms will be verified by a Rio Grande Colonias staff member.
Submission of application
- Upon successful verification of your intake form, you will receive a unique link to start and submit your proposal application. This link will give you access to your client dashboard.
Applications Close:
Midnight MST – May 02, 2025
- If you submitted an Intent to Apply by April 3, 2025, and have been approved by Center staff to proceed to the next step in the process, your full application is due by the date and time listed above.
- To preview questions in the full application, view the PDF linked below. *Note: do not fill out this form. All applications are submitted via the unique link sent to you by Center staff.
- For an in-depth overview of the application process, watch the walkthrough video linked below.
Selections Announced:
End of June 2025
How can I learn more about this grant?
The Rio Grande Colonias Team will host a series of webinars during the Spring of 2025 about the program and other technical assistance opportunities. All information sessions will be recorded and posted on the website.
Join our next informational session on April 16, 2025, to learn more about the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant. This session is intended for individuals who have already submitted an Intent to Apply and need support navigating the rest of the application process. This is a great opportunity to ask our staff questions.
You can view recordings of the first informational session for this grant in English and Spanish via the links below.
For questions related to this grant, such as eligibility, proposal writing, and selection, please fill out our Contact Us Form: