Grants & Financial Resources
The profitability, sustainability, and long-term viability of the dairy industry is fundamental to a healthy economy. WCMA is committed to advocating for targeted investments in dairy farmers and processors, working with state and federal partners to administer grant monies effectively, and sharing available funding opportunities with WCMA members. This page will be continually updated as new grant opportunities and deadlines arise.
Questions can be directed to WCMA Grants & Business Programs Director Danica Nilsestuen at dnilsestuen@wischeesemakers.org or (608) 673-5547.
Upcoming Deadlines:
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February 28, 2023 - Wisconsin Fast Forward: Industry Sectors Worker Training Grant Applications Due
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTInternational ExportWorkforce Development
Business Development Resources
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP)
The Dairy Processor Grants foster innovation, improve profitability and sustain the long-term viability of Wisconsin’s dairy processing facilities. Eligible applicants must operate a licensed dairy processing plant in Wisconsinn engaged in pasteurizing, processing or manufacturing milk or dairy products. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process. A total grant up to $50,000 is available per dairy processor per year. The dairy processor is required to provide a match of at least 20 percent of the grant amount. Grant applications are customized by each processor and can be used to hire consultants to address a wide range of business needs including food safety, staff training or modernization.
Awards: Up to $50,000 each
Frequency: Annual
Current application period: Closes January 30, 2023
Midwest
Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA)
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives, the DBIA is a partnership between the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) and the Center for Dairy Research, serving dairy farmers and dairy processors in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. DBIA offers two reimbursement grant programs:
- Dairy Business Builder Grants are designed for small to medium dairy businesses. Eligible projects diversify on-farm activity, create value-added products, enhance dairy by-products, or boost export programs.
Awards: Up to $100,000 each
Frequency: Twice per year
Previous application period: Closed November 10, 2022
Next application period: Opens late winter 2023
- Dairy Industry Impact Grants are geared toward dairy product manufacturers that want help developing an innovative idea or tackling a challenge with the potential to advance the dairy industry.
Awards: Up to $250,000 each
Frequency: Annual
Previous application period: Closed August 31, 2022
Next application period: Not scheduled
Click below to hear firsthand experiences from DBIA grant recipients on ways the program has delivered meaningful growth for their businesses!
Other Regions
Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII)
These initiatives support dairy businesses in the development, production, marketing and distribution of dairy products. Located across the country, the DBII provide direct technical assistance and grants to dairy businesses, including niche dairy products, such as specialty cheese, or dairy products derived from the milk of a dairy animal, including cow, sheep and goat milk. Dairy processors across the country can access DBII funds via four regional initiatives:
- Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) (see above)
Eligible states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
Eligible states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont
Eligible states: California, Oregon, and Washington
Eligible states: Tennessee
International Export Resources
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA)
Dairy Export Consultation Program
Supported by funding from the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (WDATCP), WCMA offers free consultative services with MCT Dairies, Inc. to dairy processors interested in launching or expanding their export endeavors.
Awards: Up to 30 hours of no-cost consultative services
Current application deadline: Rolling basis through May 2024
Dairy exporters utilizing these free consultation hours are also eligible for up to $15,000 each to support certain activities associated with strengthening their presence in international markets:
- Social media and marketing campaigns
- Shipping and logistics costs for buyer samples
- Costs related to in-store demonstrations, retail sampling, and merchandising
Collaborative Market Access Grants (CMAG)
Using funding from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, WCMA's Collaborative Market Access Grants (CMAG) offer new and experienced Wisconsin dairy exporters funding to grow their global market presence. Awards may be used for the following trade show expenses:
- Registration and booth expenses for an international trade show/exhibit
- Registration for international conferences/meetings where the company is presenting and having business meetings to increase its international exports
- Shipping charges to and from the show for booth, display, samples, literature and/or equipment
- In-country interpreter services during an approved trip
- Costs associated with foreign-language translation of brochures and supporting materials at a trade show
- Design services, printing, marketing and advertising associated with trade show participation
Applicants are not required to be members of WCMA.
CMAG recipients will be allowed to use CMAG funds to participate in the following industry trade shows held in 2023:
- Gulfood, February 20-24
- SIAL America, March 28-30
- Food&HotelAsia, April 25-28
- SIAL Canada, May 9-11
- Food & Hospitality China, May 10-12
- Anuga, October 7-11
- Food&HotelVietnam, November 21-23
Awards: Up to $15,000 each. A 30 percent match is required.
Frequency: Annual
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC)
Through the International Market Access Grant (IMAG), Wisconsin companies can be reimbursed for specific expenses associated with an export project that will help to grow their presence in an international market. This may include trade show attendance, marketing and promotion, export education, and/or consulting services.
Awards: Up to $25,000 with a limit of six awards for graduates of the ExporTech™ program; up to $10,000 with a limit of three awards for all other eligible applicants
Frequency: Rolling basis. Companies are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after July 1 of each year.
Workforce Development Resources
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)
The Industry Sectors Worker Training Grants through the Wisconsin Fast Forward program award funds to businesses from all Wisconsin industry sectors that reimburse the costs of customized occupational training for unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers. The customized, business-driven training will qualify workers for full-time employment, higher level employment, or increased wages. Approximately $2 million in total funding is available. Cash or in-kind match equal to 50% of the amount of the grant award is required.
Awards: $5,000-$40,000 each
Frequency: Annual
Current application period: Closes at 3:00 p.m. (CT) on February 28, 2023