The NASDA Foundation today announced the awarding of a total of $9.9 million in Business Builder grants to 150 businesses across the Northeast, from Washington, D.C. to Maine. These awards, made possible through the Northeast Regional Food Business Center, will support farmers, producers and food entrepreneurs working to build resilient, sustainable and locally rooted food systems.
The Business Builder grants are designed to help small and mid-sized food and farm businesses access capital, scale operations and expand market opportunities. These investments represent a critical step in strengthening the region’s agricultural supply chain and ensuring communities have access to fresh, locally grown food.
Chris Jones, Senior Director of the NASDA Foundation, remarked, “At the NASDA Foundation, we see firsthand how targeted investment empowers entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life. The Business Builder program is about more than dollars — it’s about fostering leadership, building networks and making sure that local food businesses can thrive as an integral part of our regional supply chain.”
Echoing that sentiment, Commissioner Ashley Randle, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and President of the Northeast Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NEASDA), stated, “The Northeast has long been a hub for agricultural innovation and local food systems. These grants provide our producers the tools they need to meet growing demand, diversify markets and strengthen our region’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.”
The NASDA Foundation, through the Northeast Regional Food Business Center and its partners, is supporting 150 awardees whose innovation and dedication are strengthening the region’s food economy. From family farms to food entrepreneurs, these businesses play a vital role in feeding communities and sustaining local economies. With the launch of the Business Builder program, the Center is helping participants overcome barriers to growth while investing in long-term resilience. These investments are designed to generate lasting returns in both economic development and food security across the Northeast.
For more details and to apply for the Business Builder subawards, visit the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website.
