It’s cold and gray today, just like November. Most farmer’s I know are finishing up harvest and thinking about winter planning. Many rural small business concerns are probably ready to evaluate inventory and plan for year end taxes. This is the time to grab a warm cup of coffee, kick on the gas log and think about next year’s projects-and how to finance them. Why not consider applying for a grant? I’ll be blogging quite a bit on rural grant and guaranteed loan opportunities this winter. So, to start off, I’d like to begin with some very quick tips on preparing a grant application for any program. Also, see the “Articles by Sarah Aubrey” tab to view a longer article on this topic published in Farmworld.
Tips for a successful grant application:
· Have a documented business plan showing valid research information
· Have a definite market for your product and a target client
· Have the matching capital ready and be able to provide proof
· Have a timeline for the dollars you need and make sure it fits in with the grant program time requirements
· Contact another producer who has previously been awarded a grant from the particular program who can provide valuable insight
· Clearly understand the granting organization’s goals and objectives; make certain your project is a fit
· Make contact with the grant program and ask questions before applying
· Be neat, complete, and fill out the application on time
To Your Prosperity!
Sarah
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