By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is pleased to announce the New Dairy Processor Start-Up Grant Awards.
Projects from this grant will support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. These projects include an herbal ice cream enterprise, and the launch of artisan cheese brands in New York, Maine, Maryland, and Vermont. Five projects across four states were selected for awards. Individual award amounts will range from $39,872 to $75,000 with a total of $333,996 in overall funding.
Two Vermont businesses were selected for Awards:
The Goat Project– $39,872 to purchase specialized equipment to efficiently store milk and make goat cheese with milk directly from their farm. This equipment will allow them to expand their goat herd, work with experienced cheese makers to develop recipes, and take advanced cheese classes. They will also enroll in a year-long marketing and business coaching program specifically designed for farmers and develop a food safety plan.
Wilson Herb Farm– $75,000 to expand their farm-based ice cream production purchasing equipment and obtaining regulatory licenses to sell dairy products across state lines. They will also consult with a professional marketing and branding team, and enroll staff in process and food safety training programs at Cornell University.
See the full list of awardees on the NE-DBIC website: nedairyinnovation.com/new-dairy-processor-start-up-awards