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: Up to $50k, easier/more accessible funding. For specialty crops and new/small-scale farmers. Can be used on the tractor, irrigation supplies, and the plants themselves.: Fixed interest rates (as low as 4%), under $50k. Specifically designed for non-traditional lenders, like a growing farm.
: Their website seems a little consumer-oriented, so I’m not sure how useful they’d be but it might be worth a quick email to see if they know of any specialized opportunities/resources.
Contact your local USDA/NRCS office, who should help you with the NCRS EQIP High-tunnel initiative. Find your office in the orange section of this page: Let them know you’re interested in that program and any others that might be applicable.If you’re interested in the FSA Microloan, this office can also help with that.Contact the Colorado Rural Development State Office (720-544-2903 or ) for more information on USDA VAPG. Most of the application process for this one is online, so I’d just reach out if you’re not sure whether it’s a good fit for you or have questions about it.Contact the AERO team at CDA () for more info about USDA REAP and if that might be viable for you. Give them a brief description of the project idea.Sign up for updates on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at CDA with the form at the bottom of this page: Sign up for updates on the Brighter Future Fund National Grant for Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers with the form on this page:
Grant/Loan Options
Name/Description
Amount/Type
Allowed Uses
Date Expected
USDA NRCS: EQIP High Tunnel Initiative
As a woman applicant, you’re considered socially disadvantaged which gets you a higher payment rate and better ranking in the application
You’ll need to have a conservation plan in place before work begins, which the NCRS office should help you with. I’m not sure how involved the application is - the website makes it sound pretty simple once the conservation plan is in place.
Contact: Local USDA/NRCS office - go to the orange section select Colorado and your county and it’ll show you the office phone number.
Significant amount, I believe up to 90% of the cost. It typically works as a reimbursement program, but as a woman owner, you’re eligible for an advance payment of up to 50% of the total payment.
High-Tunnel Structure/Supplies
Mostly covers the structure itself - including supplies, labor, minimal site preparation, etc. Will not cover a tractor.
Applications accepted continuously, but awards are made in cycles
CDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
(link includes a webinar)
Kinda weird, very project-oriented for enhancing the competitiveness of Colorado specialty crops (needs to show that the project’s impact will reach a broader group of producers, the region, or an industry segment).
The tricky thing here would be spinning it to show that broader impact. An example project they gave is “A single farmer erects high tunnels on his/her property to extend the growing season of tomatoes and lettuce and conducts a field day and farm tour to encourage other small family farmers to adopt the production method. “ There are ways to spin this, but they’d probably require additional steps from you. For example, if we were to say that having high-quality options from you keeps culinary businesses buying local, we’d likely need to add some marketing/outreach efforts with you “advertising” the benefit of Colorado lavender oil
Sales/marketing
Can’t use it for general-purpose equipment (i.e., tractor) over $5k. You can use it on salaries/wages for people working the project; selling/marketing for it; materials/supplies; training; and travel.
Jan
Last year’s solicitation opened in Jan, with due date of 2/17, approval announced late March. Then Phase II opened by invite only in mid-April
Broad
July
Ran July 1st-July 8th in 2024. Will need to be ready for it.
FruitGuys Community Fund
Sustainability-focused. Would need to spin it about the high-tunnel greenhouse - e.g., extending season w/o excessive water/power consumption, other environmental benefits, etc.
Can sign up for notifications when it opens
Up to $5k
December!
Processing, marketing, packaging
Working capital (marketing, packaging, labor for processing the oil). Doesn’t buy equipment but can free up cash for that. Could use it for a feasibility study, business plan, marketing plan, etc., or for processing costs.
February-ish
Last year’s closed in April, so this is my guess.
USDA REAP Energy Efficiency Improvements
Would need to focus on the energy efficiency aspect of it. I’m not sure if the high-tunnel aspect is enough for this one, but the CDA office should have more guidance. There’s also a little self-survey here that may give you an idea of what they’re looking for.
Contact: CDA office. They have a program providing technical assistance for those interested in REAP, including deciding whether it’s a good fit for you.
loan financing and grant funding
Some energy-efficient components
Things like energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, sprinkler pumps, etc. I’m not sure if the high-tunnel aspect of the greenhouse is enough here, but CDA office may have more guidance.
Not sure - CDA may have more info available on that too
$3k-$100k grants
Post-harvest business, marketing, and supply chain development
, see the list under “What can I pay for with this grant money?” for examples.
Not sure — last year’s was due Jan 10th but I would expect a release by now if that was the case this time.
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Microloans
Other People to Contact
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