AgWest offers grants to start-up agricultural businesses

SPOKANE — AgWest Farm Credit announced a new grant program that offers $15,000 grants to individuals beginning their agricultural businesses.

Designed to motivate producers with a vision for their new business who have a sound plan and need more funds to implement it, successful program applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation’s growth.

President and CEO of AgWest, Mark Littlefield, stated that the program is to celebrate ingenuity and passion in new producers and help them get their operations underway.

“Helping new producers get started is important not only for the future of agriculture but because it’s the right thing to do,” Littlefield said.

Littlefield stated that starting in agriculture can be overwhelming, with significant challenges.

“As an organization that invests deeply in the industries we serve and in our local communities, we are delighted to offer this program to help new producers connect, build relationships and thrive,” he said.

Assistance for applications is on the AgWest website. It should include a prepared business plan, cash flow budget, and a one-page essay describing a plan on how the funds will achieve operational goals.

The grant application deadline is August 31, and applications are submitted online at AgWestFC.com/new-producer-grant.

Winners are notified on September 29.

Contact AgVision@AgWestFC.com with any questions regarding the process.

AgWest Farm Credit is a financial cooperative with approximately $30 billion in total assets providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers, primarily in seven states in the West.