Central SD -North Central Regional Food Business Center
North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center
The North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center is a collaboration of 35 partner organizations, helping to coordinate technical assistance and build capacity for farmers and food businesses in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Center does this by connecting farmers and businesses together to create new ways of selling and buying food, expanding the amount of food available and the number of people who want to buy it, and strengthening the food systems in the Upper Midwest to address supply chain issues and challenges for small businesses.
Our goal is to transform a region that primarily focuses on commodity and large-scale agriculture into an area that also supports smaller, more resilient farm and food practices, specifically focusing on the development of critical infrastructure for small and mid-size livestock processing, fruit and vegetable processing, warehouse space and storage operations.
Regional Technical Assistance Provider
As a Regional Technical Provider for the RFBC, CSDED is committed to:
- Assisting small food producers and food and farm business's in the middle of the supply chain in identifying and navigating third party financial assistance, particularly from federal, state, tribal and other sources,
- assisting with grant and loan applications for producers and small business at no charge.
If you are interested in more information or are interested in receiving assistance with any application for any Agriculture related funding opportunities please click the " Connect to CSDED" button below.
Wellmark Foundation
The Wellmark Foundation seeks out public and non-profit partners for projects and programs that focus on and create a positive impact to improve the social causes of health issues across South Dakota. Our current areas of focus are maternal and infant health, mental and behavioral health, rural community health, and healthy aging.
Examples of funded projects: school food pantries, develop community gardens, increase food access for veterans and seniors, and enable mobile food deliveries and more.
Business Builder Sub-Award Grant
The Business Builder Grants @USDA and its's North Central Regional Food Business Center is offering $600,000 to aid small and mid-sized farm and food businesses. This initiative supports projects that meet regional needs and will help businesses boost their income or find potential investors.
The North Central Regional Food Business Center is now accepting proposals targeting specific market bottlenecks, expanding markets to institutions, and more. Check out the center’s website for more information on how to apply.
This grant is open to applicants in MN, ND, and SD.
As Technical Assistance Providers of this initiative we are able to assist you with your grant application without cost to you. Please reach out to CSDED as soon as possible to prepare for the next round of Funding.
Application Deadline: Closed, watch for notice of funding in early 2025!
Funding Opportunity: Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program
RFSI Program Goal:
Support producers and businesses throughout South Dakota to promote a stronger local and regional food system for the efficient, integrated, reliable, and safe delivery of the products of our number one industry to all South Dakotans.
Please contact CSDED staff to apply for this opportunity or with any questions.
Application Deadline: Closed
SD Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Grant funds can be used to increase specialty crop consumption and purchasing, expand production and market access, bolster food safety knowledge and processes, improve pest and disease control and environmental sustainability, contribute to new seed variety development, and expand specialty crop research and development.
For assistance with applications or questions please contact CSDED.
SD Value Added Producer Grants
VAPG Goals:
This program assists ag producers engage in value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income.
2 Types of grant opportunity's a planning grant and a working capital grant.
Application Deadline: Closed.
This lists of funding opportunities is in no way complete as they are just a few of the opportunities available. If you do not see something that fits your project please contact CSDED to discuss your project and find the right funding to fit your ideas.
