*Business Builder Grant Program Update
As of September 15, 2025:
USDA has made the decision to end the Regional Food Business Center initiative nationwide.
As a result, the Delta Regional Food Business Center will conclude operations on September 15, 2025.
The Business Builder Subaward Grant Program is also terminated. No grant awards will be made.
While this news is disappointing, we are incredibly grateful for the trust, enthusiasm, and partnership shown by so many across Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, and East Texas. Thank you for being part of this important work.
For questions or further information, please contact the Delta RFBC Core Team at admin@deltarfbc.org
Business Builder Grant Program
The Delta Regional Food Business Center (Delta RFBC) is proud to administer the Business Builder Subaward Program on behalf of USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).
This initiative is designed to increase resilience and innovation across our local and regional food systems in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and East Texas.
Through strategic funding and technical support, we aim to expand market access, create jobs, and help food and farm businesses scale their operations sustainably.
What is a Business Builder Award?
Business Builder Awards are competitive, reimbursement-based grants ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 for the Pilot Round of funding.
These funds are designed to help small to mid-sized food and farm businesses grow, strengthen their operations, and participate more fully in the regional food economy.
Awardees must meet USDA eligibility criteria and use funds for allowable activities aligned with federal guidance.
Key Program Goals
Potential projects must align with one or more of the Delta RFBC program goals:
Increasing local and regional food production and reducing dependency on external supply chains. Our goal is to replace 2% of imported agriculture goods with local foods and products.
Creating or retaining jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for organizations throughout the region.
Strengthening regional food value chains and business partnerships.
Improving economic opportunities in rural communities.
Fostering innovation and supporting business viability over the long term.
Program Quick Facts
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The Pilot Round of funding, launching in 2025, will award approximately $1,000,000 in Business Builder Subawards ($200,000 per state).
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Projects must be completed within 12 months.
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Pilot Round: $10,000 - $35,000
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No matching funds are required for either award bracket.
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Business Builder Subawards are taxable as income. We recommend working with your tax specialist to understand the tax implications of receiving an award if selected.
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Entities earning between $1,000 and $3 Million in gross revenue as reported on their most recent tax return are eligible to apply for Business Builder Subaward funds.
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Business Builder Subaward funds are reimbursable. Subawardees will incur the cost then provide invoicing and supplemental documentation (timesheets, receipts, etc.) to the Delta RFBC as a reimbursement claim. Funds will be reimbursed 30-90 days after Subawardees submit a reimbursement claim with the Center.
Allowable and Unallowable Activities
See the full Business Builder Quick Guide for detailed guidance on allowable/unallowable activities.
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Only post-harvest and capacity building activities are allowable.
Staff time
Business planning activities
Software implementation
Purchase of specialized equipment (non-production related)
Value chain and supply chain coordination
Product development
Facility upgrades tied to food processing or distribution
Market development and expansion
Supply chain analysis
Business planning and feasibility studies
Workforce training
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Farm production costs
Purchasing or leasing land, buildings, or real estate
Construction, renovation, demolition, or rehabilitation of any building, structure, or land
Non-specialized equipment such as tractors, trucks, or trailers
Who Can Apply?
Small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, such as retail food sales outlets; producers, farmers, ranchers, fishers; food/farm cooperatives; value-added processors, aggregators and distributers, food hubs, farmers markets, or non-profits, who:
Have 50 or less employees.
Are located in or serve the Delta RFBC Region*.
Have a gross revenue between $1,000 and $3,000,000.
*The Delta RFBC region includes Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and East Texas
Award Timeline
Due to a federal funding freeze, the launch date for the Business Builder program is currently delayed. The Delta RFBC will release updated timelines and application materials once the freeze is lifted and reimbursements resume. Please check back for updates or sign up for our newsletter.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below:
1. Get your UEI. – Register for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) at SAM.gov; it’s required to apply for federal funding and can take several days to process.
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2. Create a Submittable Account. – Set up a free account on Submittable, our secure online application platform, so you can complete, save, and submit your application.
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3. Complete the Pre-screening Tool. – Answer a few quick questions to confirm you meet the basic eligibility requirements before accessing the full application. Upon determining eligibility, you will be emailed a link to complete the Application.
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4. Review the Application and Scoring Rubric. – Download the application materials and see how your proposal will be evaluated to help you plan a strong submission. See application resources here.
5. Complete and Submit Your Application. – Fill out your application in Submittable, upload required documents, and submit by the application deadline.
Prepare for your application ahead of time by securing your Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov.
The video below provides instruction on obtaining this identification. You will need this ID to apply for the Delta Regional Food Business Center’s business builder or technical assistance subaward program.
Reporting Requirements
The Delta RFBC wants to hear about the great progress Business Builder Subawardees are making. To maintain good status with the awards and seek reimbursement for expenses, Subawardees will need to submit project progress reports.
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Subawardees will submit quarterly project progress reports for Round 1 awards.
Note: If your project ends mid-quarter or mid-month, you may submit a final report early.
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You’ll complete short performance reports and submit documentation using the Submittable
platform.
• Email reminders will help you stay on track with deadlines.
• A simplified invoice template will be provided for your reimbursement requests.
• Reports must document grant expenses and project updates.
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All awardees will receive onboarding training after receiving their award.
• You’ll be matched with a State Lead and a Technical Assistance (TA) provider to help with questions and reporting.
• Regular office hours will be available to support you throughout the grant period.
Bridge Funding Resources
Business Builder Awards are reimbursement-based, meaning Subaward Recipients must first spend their approved funds and then request reimbursement through the Delta RFBC. We understand this structure can present cash flow challenges, particularly for smaller and emerging food and farm businesses. To help applicants explore solutions, we want to raise awareness of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These mission-driven lenders often offer short-term bridge loans or flexible financing that can support businesses while they wait for reimbursement.
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CDFIs are specialized financial institutions that serve low-income, rural, and underserved communities. They often provide:
Lower interest rates than traditional banks.
Flexible underwriting and terms.
Personalized support for small business owners.
Experience with agriculture, food systems, and nonprofit financing.
CDFIs may be able to offer bridge or gap financing to help you get started on your project while you await your Business Builder reimbursement. If you're awarded a grant, you may choose to contact one of these lenders directly to explore your financing options.
Application Resources
Download templates and guides to help you apply for a Business Builder Subaward grant.