Marketing, Branding and Labeling Consultant Grants

If you’re a value-added dairy business looking to build your brand, develop an effective label, create a marketing plan, and identify appropriate strategies to increase product sales and consumer access, consider applying for this NEW Marketing, Branding and Labeling Consultant Grant. The grant is open to value-added dairy businesses, including dairy farms and small-scale dairy businesses, in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.

How does it work? If accepted, you will have access to a consultant who has experience in the dairy value-added space. Up to 11 grants will be awarded for $5,000 in funds for marketing, brand development and labeling assistance. If awarded the grant, your value-added business will receive up to $3,750 to work with a consultant and up to $1,250 for direct implementation of the consultant’s recommendations.

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.

Application Window: This is a competitive grant with a limited window to apply. Apply from September 15 – October 31, 2023. Click here to apply online.

Keep reading to learn more about the grant opportunity, how to apply, and hear from another producer who found success working with a consultant in the value-added space.

About the Grant:
If you are a value-added dairy business looking to build your brand, develop an effective label, create a marketing plan, and identify appropriate strategies to increase product sales and consumer access, consider applying for a Marketing, Branding and Labeling Consultant Grant. If accepted, you will have access to a consultant who has experience in the dairy value-added space. The goal is to cultivate our regional food economy, strengthen our regional dairy food processing capacity, improve consumer access to locally produced foods, and create and improve economic opportunities for individual dairy producers and food businesses.

Grant recipients will be paired with one of four consultants who will provide direct marketing & value-added assistance. If you have a consultant you would like to use to assist with value-added and brand development, please share their name with us in your application and we will vet the advisor for approval.

Grant Amount:
Up to 11 grants will be awarded for $5,000 in funds for marketing, brand development and labeling assistance. If all 11 grants are utilized, each grant will be for $5,000. Funds will be redistributed if there are fewer than 11 grants awarded. If awarded the grant, your value-added business will receive up to $3,750 to work with a consultant and up to $1,250 for direct implementation of the consultant’s recommendations. This grant is made possible by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, which is a USDA initiative.

Eligibility and Requirements:
This grant is open to value-added dairy businesses, including dairy farms and small-scale dairy businesses, in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. You must agree to comply with all applicable Federal, State and Local license requirements. A $100 application fee is required but will be reimbursed if your application is not accepted.

How to Apply: 

• Click here to apply online.

Application Deadline:
You have from September 15 through October 31, 2023 to submit your application. If approved for a grant, funding should be used by May 31, 2024.

Questions:
If you have questions, contact Melissa Anderson at 717-636-0779 or manderson@centerfordairyexcellence.org.

Learn More About This Grant Opportunity