The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is accepting applications now until April 30 for its next round of grants. DBIA, a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA), will be distributing $1 million in reimbursement grants.
Grant applications as well as grant policies and “helpful hints” are available for download on the DBIA website. Applications will be scored and selected by June 1, 2021 and awardees will be notified by June 10, 2021. The grant application and related information is available on this page: https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/grant-program.
Dairy enterprises (farmers, entrepreneurs, processors, etc.) in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin are eligible to apply. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded through a competitive process. Eligible project categories are:
• Dairy farm diversification through dairy product development, specialization, packaging and/or marketing strategies.
• Creation of value-added dairy products (i.e., use milk to manufacture cheese, yogurt, beverages, etc.).
• Enhance the value of a dairy commodity or by-product through product development or alternate use (e.g., converting liquid whey permeate for animal feed into a product for human consumption).
• Creation or expansion of a program for exporting dairy products.
Interested applicants are encouraged to watch a free, pre-recorded webinar. The webinar provides more information on the DBIA grant program, gives tips about the grant application process and answers questions. To access the webinar, visit this page: https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/grant-webinar-spring-2021.
DBIA staff also encourage potential applicants to view the “Let’s Get Started” webinar series (https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/dbia-webinars) prior to applying for a grant. The webinars share state and federal resources that can be helpful for dairy and farm businesses who wish to apply for a DBIA grant. For example, if an applicant needs help developing a business plan or a project budget, DBIA staff encourages them to contact their local Small Business Development Centers.
Sign Up for DBIA Updates: Sign up to receive email updates from DBIA, including grant information and other news – https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/dbia-updates-sign-up-form
More information: Announcements regarding DBIA grants and trainings can be found at https://www.cdr.wisc.edu/dbia and www.WisCheeseMakers.org.
Since 1891, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association has served as the voice of cheese and dairy manufacturers, processors, and marketers. Today, WCMA represents more than 675 companies and cooperatives, including dairy processors, manufacturers, and their suppliers operating across the United States and around the world. Learn more at www.WisCheeseMakers.org.
The Center for Dairy Research, located at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, is dedicated to supporting the U.S. dairy industry through innovative research, technical support, training and education.
Learn more at www.cdr.wisc.edu.
