By Andi Anderson
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) has opened applications for its Dairy Business Builder Grant, offering significant opportunities for Michigan dairy businesses.
This grant program, supported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), encourages small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors to pursue innovative projects that enhance their operations.
MDARD joined the federal DBIA program in September 2022, allowing Michigan companies to become eligible for this funding. The grants are aimed at supporting projects such as dairy farm diversification, on-farm processing, the creation of value-added products, and efforts to market dairy products for export.
“Diversifying operations and creating higher value products to improve the profitability of dairy farmers and processors is one of our highest priorities,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “We’re proud to be a partner in this program and help more farms and companies ‘Make it in Michigan’.”
Since its inception as part of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the DBIA has awarded over 213 grants totaling more than $16.5 million to dairy businesses across the Midwest. These reimbursement grants offer up to $100,000 each, awarded through a competitive review process.
In previous funding rounds, 37 businesses received a total of $3.3 million. Among these were two Michigan companies: Mossy Creek Farm in Kalkaska and Michigan Cream and Sugar Ice Cream Company in Bay City, both of which have benefited from the grant.
To assist potential applicants, a webinar for the Dairy Business Builder Grant will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 1 p.m. (CT).
Registration for the webinar is available online. Applications for the grant will be accepted until 5 p.m. (CT) on October 23, 2024, with award announcements expected in mid-December 2024.
This grant offers a unique opportunity for Michigan dairy businesses to innovate and grow, contributing to the state's agricultural success. Interested parties are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this funding to enhance their operations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Michigan, Business