Applying

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

BEFORE beginning the application process, the applicant should be able to document exactly how the project will expand Montana agriculture. For example, the growth could be measurable either in terms of increased sales (by dollar amount or percentage) or in number of jobs created.

The Council strongly urges applicants to contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, Small Business Development Center network, and their local economic development organization for assistance with their GTA application, financial projections, business and marketing plans as necessary. In addition, the Department is offering the use of this one-page financials template for interested businesses that have been invited to apply and present for the main GTA program.

Projects may potentially be funded in a single application for a maximum 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. A $1 for $1 match is required for all proposals.

• Applicants who can demonstrate the proposed project will significantly impact their scalability
• Projects that can demonstrate increased access to local foods with a focus in rural areas (including rural grocery stores)
• Businesses that help strengthen supply chains and market access for rural areas
  • Rural area is defined as an area with fewer than 10,000 people (USDA Rural Definitions)

The Council designated the following areas to be eligible for consideration for 0% interest rate loans:

• Applicant likely does not have access to a conventional loan, such as a startup, or
• Business is mature and working toward expansion.

Instructions for Completing a GTA Application:

1. Read the GTA Program Guidelines in order to determine whether or not your project is eligible and learn more about the details of the program to begin the GTA application process.
   • GTA Program Guidelines (.pdf format)
2. Contact the Food and Agriculture Development Center Network, Small Business Development Center network, and your local economic development organization to discuss your project and request assistance in applying for your Growth Through Agriculture grant or loan.
3. Register with the Montana Secretary of State. If your company is not already registered with the Montana Secretary of State, you may need to do so before going further with the application process. Organizations other than Sole Proprietorships must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State prior to submittal of the GTA application. Any application from an organization that is not registered with the Montana Secretary of State will not be accepted.
4. Register and Apply Online: Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) applications open on October 1st. Register and apply here.
5. If you have questions, email gta@mt.gov.