Grow Forward Grant 

Participating in educational events and working with other professionals helps expand your knowledge and strengthen your business. Our Grow Forward Grant Program provides up to $40,000 in grants to help offset the cost of these programs and services for young, beginning and small farmers. Current customers are eligible for up to $1,000. Non-customers are eligible for up to $500.
 

Qualifications for the Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer program:

• 18-35 years of age, or
• Farming for less than 10 years, or
• Sustain annual gross sales from agricultural production of less than $250,000
• Must be eligible to be a member of GreenStone; reside in Michigan or northeast Wisconsin

 
Intended grant use must fall within one of the following categories:

• Agricultural programs/events: educational course/program (on-site or online), conference fees, etc.
  • Program/event must support agricultural business 
  • Program/event not required to be in GreenStone's territory
• GreenStone resources: accounting and tax services, technology support, etc.
  • Available for first time use of service only
• Non-GreenStone services: business and farm consultants, etc.
  • Program/event not required to be in GreenStone's territory

 
Exclusions of grant use include:

• Entertainment venues/networking events
• Travel related expenses
• College course as part of a degree program
• Technology software and hardware, farm equipment, farm inputs/operating expenses, building improvements, etc.
• Routine business costs (yearly taxes, etc.)
• Previously reimbursed events/resources/services to repeat applicant
• External service that is currently offered by GreenStone Farm Credit Services
• Costs associated with loans, fees, etc.
• Costs associated with the Farm Women's Symposium (due to scholarships available directly through the program)