Microgrant Fund

Microgrant Fund is sponsored by Social Enterprise Greenhouse. Non-repayable grant funding for early-stage social entrepreneurs to help them take a critical step toward launching or growing their venture. Funds one-off projects including technology, legal, events, space improvements, marketing, and capacity building.

Cecil MicroAg Grant Program | Cecil County, MD Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Cecil MicroAg Grant Program Cecil MicroAg Grant Program The Cecil Grown Micro Ag Grant Program provides small but impactful grants to support the growth, diversification, and long-term sustainability of existing agricultural businesses physically located in Cecil County, Maryland.

Funding supports capital improvements, value-added production, agritourism infrastructure, strategic marketing, technology adoption, research, and other investments that strengthen Cecil County’s agricultural economy. A total of $74,666 in available funding is being provided through a partnership between the Upper Shore Regional Council and Cecil County Office of Economic Development. Grants are due on February 27, 2026 at 12 p.

m. Important: All funded projects must be fully completed by May 30, 2026. All grant awards are cost-reimbursable.

Awardees must pay project expenses up front, submit required receipts and documentation, and then receive reimbursement. Reimbursement requests, including all receipts and required documentation, must be submitted no later than June 15, 2026.

To be eligible, applicants must: Operate an existing agricultural business (not a conceptual or idea-stage project) Be physically located in Cecil County, Maryland Be actively producing agricultural goods or services Be able to cover project costs up front and request reimbursement Be in good standing with the State of Maryland Submit a complete application through the County’s OpenGov portal by the stated deadline Applicants will be required to certify eligibility through mandatory attestations in the application.

Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will not be considered. Grant Tiers & Award Amounts Grant awards are offered in three tiers: Seed Grants – up to $2,500 For small-scale projects, pilot initiatives, or early-stage investments. Growth Grants – up to $5,000 For operational upgrades, infrastructure improvements, agritourism enhancements, or market expansion.

Impact Grants – $7,500–$10,000 For higher-impact projects that significantly expand production capacity, processing capability, or long-term diversification. Applicants may request partial funding and will be asked whether they are willing to accept an award amount lower than requested.

Eligible Applicants & Agricultural Operations Eligible applicants include farms, producers, and agricultural enterprises engaged in one or more of the following: Livestock, poultry, or equine operations Greenhouse or nursery operations Value-added food production Timber or forestry operations Applicants must describe their existing agricultural operations, including what they produce, how long they have been operating, and their current sales channels.

Eligible Project Categories Grant funding may be used for projects that directly support an existing agricultural business in one or more of the following categories: Production, Equipment & Capital Improvements (business start-up, expansion, infrastructure, or value-added production) Value-Added Processing & Product Development Agritourism & Farm Experience Infrastructure Strategic Marketing & Market Development (branding, packaging, websites, advertising, sales channels) Technology Innovation & Implementation Research, Education & Pilot Projects (on-farm trials, feasibility testing, or research tied to an operating agricultural business) Climate Resiliency & Conservation Improvements Animal Welfare Improvements Business Diversification / New Enterprise Projects must result in a tangible improvement to an existing Cecil County agricultural business.

Standalone events, festivals, or conceptual initiatives without an operating ag business are not eligible.

Grant funds may not be used for: Repayment of existing debt General operating expenses not tied to an approved project Salaries or wages for existing staff Vehicles or trailers (unless permanently mounted equipment) Land or real estate purchases Expenses incurred outside the approved project period Projects operating outside of Cecil County Budget, Reimbursement & Readiness Applicants must submit a detailed project budget, including vendor information and cost estimates.

Quotes, estimates, or screenshots are required for all major purchases. All awards are cost-reimbursable. Awardees must submit receipts and required documentation no later than June 15, 2026, and all projects must be completed by May 30, 2026 , unless an extension is approved in writing.

Reimbursement request forms can be found below. Project Impact & Outcomes Applicants must describe the immediate and long-term impact of the proposed project, including anticipated outcomes such as: Expanded production capacity Increased customers or visitors Optional metrics may be provided to support projected outcomes.

Partnerships are not required; however, applicants proposing collaborative projects must identify confirmed partners and upload letters of support. Conceptual or unconfirmed partnerships are discouraged and may negatively impact application review. Application Review Process Applications will be reviewed by Cecil County Office of Economic Development staff and external reviewers using a standardized scoring rubric.

Review criteria include: Eligibility and completeness Project impact and feasibility Alignment with program priorities Budget clarity and readiness Overall quality of the application Funding recommendations are subject to available funds. Certifications & Public Disclosure Applicants must certify that all information provided is accurate, that the business is in good standing, and that the applicant has authority to bind the business.

Applications shall be subject to disclosure under the Maryland Public Information Act. Email questions to the Agribusiness Development Coordinator or call 410-996-8469 . Reimbursement Request Form (PDF) Government Websites by CivicPlus®