Business Planning Grants

Business Planning Grants is sponsored by Watershed Agricultural Council. Offers financial support for developing business plans to improve farm operations.

Business Planning - Watershed Agricultural Council Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program Farms & Forests in Transition Micro Grant Reimbursement Program Business Plan Reimbursement Program Support the development of professional economic viability business plans for NYC Watershed farm or forestry businesses in order to better position these business for improved economic profitability and sustainability.

Any NYC Watershed ‘farm operation’ as defined by Agriculture & Markets (AGM) CHAPTER 69, ARTICLE 25-AA, SECTION 301, Subdivision 11 meaning the land and on-farm buildings, equipment, manure processing and handling facilities, and practices which contribute to the production, preparation and marketing of crops, livestock and livestock products as a commercial enterprise, including a “commercial horse boarding operation” as defined in subdivision thirteen of this section, a “timber operation” as defined in subdivision fourteen of this section, “compost, mulch or other biomass crops” as defined in subdivision seventeen of this section and “commercial equine op eration” as defined in subdivision eighteen of this section.

Such farm operation may consist of one or more parcels of owned or rented land, which parcels may be contigu ous or noncontiguous to each other. Preference will be given to WAC participants. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with applicant selection occurring within three months.

Businesses approved for grant funding must provide proof of completion of proposed projects and all invoices for projects to WAC to be eligible for grant funding reimbursement. Project Details & Requirements Application Requirement Details Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of the approved/denied status within three months of submitting their application.

Grant applications will be awarded based on availability of program funding and merit of project proposal based upon evaluation criteria included in this application. Eligible applicants must submit a complete grant application including a description of need for project funding. Applicants may apply for one business plan in the fiscal year.

These are reimbursable funds. Closeout packages must provide necessary documentation per each category before reimbursement is issued. Payment will not be issued to participants who are not in good standing with WAC.

In order to receive the reimbursement , applicants must submit an invoice to WAC including proper documentation and receipts. WAC will not reimburse any costs accrued prior to approval of the grant. Applicants may apply for up to $2,000 in grant funding.

Applications applied for that exceed $2,000 will be reviewed by the Economic Viability Committee. Approved applications are subject to cancellation after one year. Staff may grant extensions upon request with approval by the Economic Viability Program Manager.

Grant recipients agree that a copy of any and all materials and documents, written or otherwise, including invoices, the completed business plan and its contents (sensitive, private or confidential information may be redacted) will be forwarded to WAC. The business owner, consultant and the Economic Viability Program Manager agrees to sign the completed business plan form as part of the reimbursement closeout package.

The Watershed Agricultural Council’s grantees/participants are at the core of our mission and work. We are most effective when we are working together with participants to achieve the shared impact we all desire. WAC is therefore committed to safeguarding your personal information.

All data, materials, knowledge and information gener ated through this application is to be considered privileged and confidential and is not to be disclosed to any third party with the exception of WAC staff and designated individuals processing applications as well as agents and auditors from funding sources reviewing collected information generated consistent with the terms of the spon soring agreement.

The business owner has the right to redact any sensitive, private or confidential information. Reimbursement Program Project Details A. The business plans should include but are not limited to the following elements: ii.

mission/vision statements iii. business description ix. financial plan & analysis B.

Business plans must be developed by a qualified consultant from the approved Vendor list identified in Section V. C. The business and consultant will be responsible for scheduling meetings and completing a business plan consistent with the requirements outlined in Section II A.

within one year from the approval date. WAC and the business owner will review the final plan for compliance and acceptance. D.

Applicants must submit an estimate of cost for the project with the application. All estimates of cost must be provided by a qualified organization or professional. E.

Office space is available if needed to meet with selected businesses upon due notice. F. Prior to issuing payment, the Economic Viability Program Manager will review the closeout package signed by the business owner that completed it.

Applicants must submit a completed business plan with the signed completion form by the consultant and business owner provided by WAC for review. After this review WAC will submit payment via a two party check (payment to vendor) or a check directly to applicant. G.

Review of Application: All applications will be reviewed and approved by the Economic Viability Program Manager based on criteria approved in the Economic Viability Program Handbook.

Economic Viability Business Planning Reimbursement Program Application Economic Viability Business Planning Reimbursement Program Application Before You Begin Will the information provided in this application (name, business name, and mailing address) match the information on your W9?

Are you considered a NYC Watershed “farm operation” as defined by New York State Agriculture & Markets Law (AGM) Chapter 69, Article 25-AA, Section 301, Subdivision 11? You will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent Schedule F to verify farm operation status at the end of the application. General Applicant Information Are you a current WAC or Pure Catskills participant?

Are you in good standing with WAC? Brief description of your business (products/services, markets, operation type): What will this business plan help you achieve? How will it support profitability, sustainability, or future growth?

Have you previously developed a business plan for this operation? If so, when and with whom? Name of proposed consultant/business plan developer: Amount of funding requested (up to $2,000): Estimated total cost of the project: Proposed timeline for completion (must be within 1 year of approval): Why did you select this consultant?

(include background, relevant qualifications, etc.): Cost estimate/consultant quote Ensure that the business information used in your application matches the W-9 form exactly Supporting materials (if applicable) Acknowledgment & Signature I understand this is a reimbursement-based grant and all expenses must occur after approval.

I agree to provide a copy of the final business plan, with sensitive information redacted if desired, and a signed completion form (business owner and consultant) for reimbursement. I understand payment will not be issued without proper documentation and signatures. If you need assistance completing the application or if you have any other questions please contact the Economic Viability Program by email .

Thank you for your interest in our Economic Viability Micro Grants Program. Contact: evprogram@nycwatershed. org