New grant program to support local food businesses

The Staunton Creative Community Fund (SCCF) is announcing the creation of the Food Education for Entrepreneurial Development (FEED) grant program.

SCCF is offering two (2) $5,000 FEED Grants for established small farms or food-based businesses that are part of our local food economy and have implemented or would like to implement significant and measurable sustainable business practices in the areas of production/sourcing, processing, distribution, waste and/or energy management.

Businesses that have already implemented significant and measurable sustainable business practices, may use FEED funding for marketing, infrastructure, expansion, hiring, additional sustainability enhancements, and other identified business needs. The grant program will provide funding and business education for small farms and local foods businesses in Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Highland, and Bath counties, as well as the cities of Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton, and Waynesboro. The online application deadline is Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.

“Access to capital, education, and support combined provide a fantastic resource for small businesses to start and grow,” says SCCF Executive Director Christina Cain, “and this program provides all three.”

Business training and support provided by SCCF will allow grant recipients to leverage their funding most efficiently, as well as improve overall business practices. Business support could include consultation, business planning, loan support, and class and workshop offerings. The Staunton Creative Community Fund is dedicated to helping small businesses start and grow. SCCF offers business plan assistance, training, consulting, counseling, loan support, and networking support, serving entrepreneurs in the central Shenandoah Valley throughout Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, Highland, and Bath counties.

For more information about FEED or to apply for the grant, go to stauntonfund.com/programs/feed-2 or contact Camille Dierksheide, FEED Coordinator, Staunton Creative Community Fund, at (540)213-0333 or f[email protected].