Program Summary

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through development of new agricultural products and processes.

Eligibility Criteria

The Council may make a grant or loan if it determines that the project is consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act. The projects should primarily add value to Montana's agricultural products and have the prospects to create and/or retain jobs in Montana.

The Council strongly urges applicants to contact their local economic development organization for assistance with their Growth Through Agriculture application or, as necessary with business and marketing plans. These organizations include the Small Business Development Center network and, specifically for food product or farm-based energy business development, the Food and Agricultural Development Center network.

Category I: Economic Development Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a total amount of $150,000 in the form of grant funding up to $50,000 and loan funding up to $100,000. Examples of project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services such as engineering costs and feasibility studies. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

 Application Deadlines: 

• September 16, 2013
• January 31, 2014 

Category II: Mini Grant Projects may be funded a maximum amount of $2,500 for any single application. The Mini Grant program was developed to encourage economic and agricultural development through educational, promotional, marketing, travel and other business activities. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on an open-cycle basis until all available funds are committed to approved projects.

It is strongly recommended that potential applicants contact the department directly by calling Angie Nelson, Program Manager, for guidance and funding availability before submitting a formal application.  This is especially important due to the limited funding available statewide.