How does it work? If accepted, you will have access to a consultant who has experience in the dairy value-added space. Up to 9 grants will be awarded for up to $6,150 in funds for marketing and brand development. If awarded the grant, your value-added business will receive up to $3,750 to work with a consultant and up to $2,400 for direct implementation of the consultant’s recommendations.
What can the consultants help you with?
- Make business decisions for generating revenue. “Thanks to the grant, I could work with the consultants and they helped me make decisions. I’ve had a better balance in my bank account. We ran some metrics to quantify how the [decisions] have impacted us. Based on items sold, we saw a 23% increase in revenue.” -Ariel, MD dairy farmer
- Brainstorm signage and logos. “I needed a fresh pair of eyes and people to say, ‘Did you try this?’ and maybe explain our logo, encourage us to try certain kinds of signage, and just give a fresh perspective.” -Kendra, PA dairy farmer
- Strategize on the best platforms. “We struggle trying to figure where to put our marketing dollars, because things are so different now. Do you go social media, radio, podcasts or television? We wanted to get some new eyes on our situation and some new ideas.” -Brooks, MD dairy farmer
- Make marketing a priority & take it off the back burner. “It’s a chance to learn as much as you can and soak up as much advice from the experts. Otherwise, I would probably put certain projects on the back burner again.” -Amy, PA dairy farmer.
- Click here to read more from other producers who have found success working with a consultant in the value-added space.
This grant is made possible by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, which is a USDA initiative, and through the Ag Excellence line within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budget.
Apply by October 31
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