Dairy Business Builder Grant Now Accepting Applications Until April 3, 2024

Michigan dairy farms and processors are encouraged to apply

LANSING, Mich. – The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is accepting applications for its Dairy Business Builder Grant opportunity with eligibility for Michigan companies. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) joined the federal DBIA program in September 2022. This grant aims to encourage small- to medium-sized dairy farmers, entrepreneurs, and processors in the Midwest to pursue projects such as dairy farm diversification, on-farm processing, value-added product creation, and efforts to market dairy products for export.

“Michigan’s dairy industry provides nutritious foods produced and processed locally while making a significant economic impact across our state,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “The DBIA program will help local businesses within the dairy industry to advance while increasing sustainable practices.”

Since the creation of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill, the DBIA has administered over $13 million in funding to 129 dairy farms and businesses within the Midwest service area. Reimbursement grants of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to different dairy businesses after a competitive review process.

During previous rounds of funding, six Michigan companies received $2.4 million in grants and recently three more Michigan companies were awarded funding including Protein Pints in Grand Rapids, Cream Cup Dairy in Bear Lake, and Semifreddo, LLC in Hart. Previous award recipients can be found here.

A webinar for the Dairy Business Builder Grant will be held on February 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Central Time. Registration for the webinar can be found here. Applications for the grant will be accepted until April 3, 2024. Award announcements will be made in late May 2024.