EL PASO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center announced two different grant opportunities for small and mid-sized producers and food businesses in Texas and New Mexico to help them grow and access larger markets.

Companies can apply for grants up to $100,000 for eligible post-harvest projects and expenses.

The Rio Grande Colonias Center is offering two grant tracks — the Frontera Farm and Food Business Grant and the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant.

Under the Frontera Farm and Food Business Grant:

  • Business must operate within the Center’s 38 Priority Counties in Texas and New Mexico.
  • Non-competitive application process: Completing technical assistance and meeting other outlined requirements will factor into eligibility for grant funding toward a specific post-harvest project or business need.
  • Eligible applicants will receive focused technical assistance and coordination support from one of the center’s business development coordinators who can guide them through the application process and other resources.
  • Applicants may have zero or more years in business.
  • Gross revenue caps of $500,000 for food producers and $5,000,000 for food businesses.
  • Awards will be given up to $50,000.

Under the Business Builder Farm and Food Grant:

  • Applications are open to small and mid-sized farm and food businesses across Texas and New Mexico, with the exception of 53 counties in East Texas, which are being served by the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center through separate funding.
  • Grants can support items such as staff time, business planning activities, software implementation, value chain coordination, the purchase of special purpose equipment, such as food safety, processing and packaging equipment, and other allowable expenses.
  • Awards range from $1,000 to $100,000.
  • Total funding available in this grant cycle is $1 million.

Interested businesses must file an Intent to Apply by April 3. Applications are due on May 3. Selections will be announced at the end of June. More information is available on the Rio Grande Colonias Center’s website.