Agricultural Enterprise Fund (AEF) is sponsored by Tennessee Department of Agriculture. An incentive program that awards grants to new or existing organizations undertaking projects that will have a positive impact on the agricultural economy in their area.

Agricultural Enterprise Fund Please complete this application in full, and be aware that your answers will not save if you exit this tab. To submit, you must attach a business plan and proof of financing. For more information about those items, please reference the AEF Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you have any questions, please email business. development@tn. gov. Doing Business As (if different) County in Which Project is Located * Please describe your current business.

If this will be a new company or project, indicate here. * How does your planned project change your existing business? * Please select the appropriate project category.

Select which metric will appropriately measure the impact of your project and then discuss how your project will make an impact using that metric. You should select all categories and metrics that apply.

This category is appropriate for projects that will increase farm income by offering farmers higher commodity prices than other markets, processing value-added products for farmers, or allowing a single farmer to add value to their own farm products. How does the average commodity price compare to the price that the company can offer Tennessee farmers?

How does the project facilitate farmers adding value and direct marketing to consumers? How many farmers will the project impact? How does the project diversify a farm(s) or add an additional revenue stream(s)?

This category is appropriate for projects that will create or expand a market for Tennessee farmers, including reducing miles that farmers must transport their products to market or creating a new market entirely. How does the project increase access to a market? How many farmers will the project impact?

What impact will increased access have on local farmers? This category is appropriate for projects that will expand the capacity of an existing agricultural business, including their production capacity or the number of employees. How does the project increase the capacity of a local business - in terms of additional employees, additional output, etc.?

This category is appropriate for entrepreneurs who wish to market a new technological innovation with the potential to impact Tennessee agriculture. How does the project facilitate the adoption of technology by farmers and what is the impact on the agricultural industry? How many farmers will the project impact?

How will this innovation spur economic development? Does the innovation increase profitability for farmers by creating efficiencies or reducing cost? Promotion of Tennessee Agriculture This category includes projects which actively advance efforts intended to increase awareness, support, and promote economic growth for agriculture and forestry in Tennessee.

Describe your project in detail. Ensure details are provided which show how your project will increase awareness, support and promote economic growth in agriculture and forestry in Tennessee. Industry-specific research studies and market exploration This category includes projects which research and investigate production challenges, analyze crop performance, agribusiness trends, and supply chain inefficiencies.

Describe your project in detail. Include how your research project and/or market exploration will support agriculture and forestry in Tennessee. Add any additional metrics that may be appropriate for your project and discuss how your project will make an impact using that metric.

How will this project impact your local economy? You should discuss your county's economic status and how the project will contribute to local economic development. If applicable, please discuss how this project will impact other counties.

* How many total full-time employees do you currently have on staff? * How many full-time employees will you have on staff after this project? * How many total farmers or forest landowners will this project impact?

* How will this project impact Tennessee agriculture? If applicable, will the project purchase commodities from Tennessee farmers or products and services from Tennessee businesses? What amount (in terms of percentage or in a specific amount)?

* Please complete the budget form. Each line should contain one individual items or expenditure. How much are you requesting in Agricultural Enterprise Fund money?

* Must be a value between $1 & $50,000 "> For projects that cost less than $1 million For projects that cost more than $1 million *AEF awards cannot exceed 25% of the project’s budget and can only be used to reimburse for items purchased after an AEF award is approved.

*Awarded amount will not exceed $499,999 *Businesses and individuals have a lifetime maximum of $1 million *AEF awards cannot be used for employee salaries, land purchases, marketing, or consumables/inventory. *AEF awards cannot exceed 25% of the project’s budget and can only be used to reimburse for items purchased after an AEF award is approved.

*Awarded amount will not exceed $1 million *Businesses and individuals have a lifetime maximum of $1 million *AEF awards cannot be used for employee salaries, land purchases, marketing, or consumables/inventory. How do you plan to use Agricultural Enterprise Fund grant money? * *AEF awards cannot be used for employee salaries or land purchases.

*AEF awards cannot exceed 25% of the project’s budget and can only be used to reimburse for items purchased after an AEF award is approved. What are your other sources of funding? Include your own contributions, financing, other grants, and any other sources of funding.

Describe the timeline of your project. Include major milestones like groundbreaking, grand opening, full capacity production, etc. Attachments and Submission By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete.

I understand that if I am awarded an Agricultural Enterprise Fund grant, I will comply with all AEF requirements, submit project updates, and work with State of Tennessee officials to track the impact of my project on the local economy.

Also by submitting this application, I affirm to the adherence of the following guidelines and procedures: Applicant must utilize equipment and structures reimbursed with cost share funds for the intended purpose of the program for a minimum of five (5) continuous years from date of purchase. Site visits relating to the performance of the project before, during, and after completion may take place.

Applicants may be required to repay funds if they fail to comply with all aspects of the cost share guidelines.

Proof of Financing (Required, limit 5MB) Supported file upload types: PDF, Image Files, CSV "> Business Plan (Required, limit 5MB) Supported file upload types: PDF, Image Files, CSV "> Form W-9 (Required, limit 5MB) Supported file upload types: PDF, Image Files, CSV "> Additional Supporting Documents (limit 20MB total) Supported file upload types: PDF, Image Files, CSV "> Use the left control key while left clicking files to select multiple files.