The Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBS) has announced the availability of approximately $18 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2009 to help independent agricultural producers enter into value-added activities. The maximum grant amount an applicant can request for a Planning Grant is $100,000 and the maximum for a working capital grant is $300,000. There is no minimum grant size that will be awarded. Applications must be received by November 30, 2009.

Here’s how Ascendant Partners can assist:

1. One of the Planning Grant scoring requirements is that the applicant have a credible third-party consultant performing the feasibility studies, business plans, or marketing plans. We can provide you with a copy of the Ascendant Partners profile, including qualifications and capabilities, to include with your application for the criteria "Qualifications of Those Doing the Work."
2. Ascendant can help in putting together your budgets. We can assist you in preparing a "workplan/budget," including tasks to be completed in connection with the project; i.e., surveying potential buyers, assessing technical feasibility, etc.

For detailed information and templates, click on one of the links below.

• VAPG Program Application Instructions
• VAPG Planning Grant Template
• VAPG Working Capital Template
• NOSA for Value-Added Producer Grant Program
• VAPG Getting Started
• VAPG Fact Sheet
• VAPG Best Practices
• Helpful Websites