MARBIDCO Grant Programs

Agricultural & Rural Business Industry Grant Programs

Partnering with various public and private entities, MARBIDCO offers grants for specific agricultural and rural/urban-based industry business ventures. Our agricultural grant programs are available to qualified farmers, agribusiness owners, and local governments, and are intended to help these entities obtain commercial financing and/or qualify for federal, state, or county government grant opportunities.

Grant Eligibility

Who May Qualify for MARBIDCO Grants?

MARBIDCO works with agricultural and resource-based businesses such as forestry, seafood, and on-farm processors. In providing these grants, we aim to help business owners innovate, diversify, and benefit from emerging market opportunities in food and fiber production and rural agritourism.

Examples of innovative business activities and enterprises include, but are not limited to:

On-farm and value-added food processing

Smaller-scale secondary wood products manufacturing

Business-related technology enhancements (especially those related to energy efficiency)

Rows of corn growing in a Maryland field

Program Purpose

MARBIDCO offers targeted grant incentives to help farmers and business owners in resource-based industries achieve profitability and sustainability.

In addition, MARBIDCO’s programs promote agricultural entrepreneurship and nurture emerging food and fiber markets.

Application Deadlines and Requirements

Review Program Requirements

Please see individual programs for application deadlines and specific application requirements.

Contact MARBIDCO Staff

MARBIDCO staff can help prospective applicants identify programs that align with their business, project, location, and financing needs.

Grant Review Process

MARBIDCO’s Grant Review Committee includes professionals with experience in agricultural lending, rural development, and agricultural and resource-based businesses.

Ranking factors may include the project’s economic development value, the applicant’s potential for long-term viability, and the resources available through the applicable grant program.