1. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of the approved/denied status no later than 30 days after the end of the month they applied in.
2. Grant applications will be awarded based on availability of program funding and merit of the proposal based upon evaluation criteria included in this application. If the applicant does not meet eligibility per Agriculture & Markets (AGM) CHAPTER 69, ARTICLE 25-AA, SECTION 301, Subdivision 11. ‘farm operation’ they will not be considered.
3. 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.
4. These are reimbursable funds. Closeout packages must provide necessary documentation per each category before reimbursement is issued.
5. Payment will not be issued to participants who are not in good standing with WAC.
6. In order to receive the reimbursement, applicants must submit an invoice to WAC including proper documentation and receipts.
7. $2,000 cap per applicant per year.
8. Approved applications are subject to cancellation after one year. Staff may grant extensions upon request with approval by WAC’s Economic Viability Committee.

Additional Details

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 Director 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 generated 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 sponsoring agreement. The business owner has the right to redact any sensitive, private or confidential information.

The Economic Viability Micro Grants Program is funded by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, the City and its residents. Consumers of City water are the beneficiaries of the measures to be implemented under the grants program because of its effect on the NYC Watershed. The Council is funded by the NYC DEP, USDA, U.S. Forest Service and other sources. EOE/EOP © 2021

The business plans should include but are not limited to the following elements:

i. executive summary
ii. mission/vision statements
iii. business description
iv. SWOT analysis
v. market analysis
vi. marketing plan
vii. operations plan
viii. management summary
ix. financial plan & analysis

Business plans must be developed by a qualified consultant from the approved Vendor list identified. The business and consultant will be responsible for scheduling meetings and completing a business plan consistent with the requirements outlined within one year from the approval date. WAC and the business owner will review the final plan for compliance and acceptance.

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. Office space is available if needed to meet with selected businesses upon due notice.

Prior to issuing payment, WAC’s Economic Viability Program Director or designee 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.

Approved Vendor List:

• Cornell Cooperative Extension Agricultural Educators (any CCE)
• Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship (CADE)
• Livestock Foundation
• FarmNet
• FarmCredit East
• Cornell Small Farms Program
• Any University or College
• GrowNYC
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• New York State Ag & Markets
• Local Economic Development Agencies
• New York Small Business Development Centers
• Other: if you would like to use a business not listed please provide: 1) three references, 2) supporting documents including a sample of other plans written and 3) contact information

Sample Business Plans and other Resources:

• Cornell Small Farms Programs – Sample business plans: smallfarms.cornell.edu/plan-your-farm/planning-funding-your-farm-business/sample-business-plans/
• Cornell Small Farms Programs – Business plan templates: smallfarms.cornell.edu/plan-your-farm/planning-funding-your-farm-business/business-plan-templates/
• USDA New Farmers – Make a Farm Business Plan: newfarmers.usda.gov/make-farm-business-plan
• The Spruce – Details of a Small Farm Business Plan: thespruce.com/write-a-small-farm-business-plan-3016944
• USDA New Farmers – Technical Assistance for Planning Your Business: newfarmers.usda.gov/technical-assistance-planning-your-business