Working Lands Enterprise Initiative:Informational Session for

Applicants

Presentation by:Colleen Leonard, Agricultural Policy Administrator

Noelle Sevoian, Agricultural Development Coordinator

For webinar participants: Please type in your questions at the end of the webinar.

For on-site participants: Please write down your questions throughout the webinar. An on-site facilitator will collect them.

All materials and a taped recording on the webinar will be made available at www.vermontworkinglands.com.

If you are having technical difficulties, please email noelle.sevoian@state.vt.us.

In the event your technical issue cannot be quickly resolved, we will provide one on one assistance at a later date.

Welcome

To inform agriculture and forestry enterprises about the Working Lands initiative.

To inform applicants about the three investment areas to apply for funds.

To inform applicants about the application process (Request for Proposals).

To explain and show examples of calculating match, and writing

Goals, Performance Measures, and Expected Outcomes.

To go through resources on the www.vermontworkinglands.com website.

Purpose of the Webinar:

Administrative SupportColleen Leonard, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets(Presenting)Leonard will be providing administrative oversight for both the Working Lands Enterprise and Vermont Agricultural & Forestry Product Development Boards. Colleen’s previous experience at the Agency includes administrative support for the Vermont Agricultural Innovation Center board which deployed a total of $3.0 million of grants and matching funds into 51 value-added agriculture projects throughout Vermont. 

Noelle Sevoian, Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (Presenting)Sevoian will be assisting both the Working Lands Enterprise and Vermont Agricultural & Forestry Product Development Boards. Sevoian is an Agricultural Development Coordinator with the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. This May, Sevoian completed her Masters of Science from UVM’s Community Development and Applied Economics program.

Alex Ibey, Agency of Commerce and Community DevelopmentIbey is an Economic Development Specialist with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development for the State of Vermont. He is excited to be a part of the Working Lands Initiative and looks forward to providing assistance to both Ag and Forest Sector businesses.

Joss Besse, on contract with the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation Besse will provide support for the launch and implementation of the Working Lands initiative. Joss Besse began his career as a consulting forester.  After 10 years in the field, and a detour to graduate school, he transitioned into land use planning, community development, and economic development.    

Bob De Geus, Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation, Agency of Natural Resources De Geus is a Wood Utilization Forester with twenty years of state service related to wood science, value-added wood products development, community development, and forest inventory and modeling.

Administrative Support

Chuck Ross, (Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets or designee) Chair

Mike Snyder, (Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation or designee)

Lawrence Miller, (Secretary of Commerce and Community Development or designee)

Kurt E. Zschau, (One representative of the VT forest industry who is a forester) Forester/Vermont Real Estate Manager

Emma Marvin, (One representative actively engaged in commodity maple production) Butternut Mountain Farm

Mike Rainville, (One representative actively engaged in wood products manufacturing) Maple Landmark

Brian Kemp, (One representative of the two largest membership-based agricultural organizations in VT who is NOT a dairy farm) Mountain Meadow Farms

Working Lands Enterprise Board Members

Amanda Ellis-Thurber, (One representative of Vermont’s dairy industry who is also a dairy farmer) Lilac Ridge Farm

Kathleen Wanner, (One representative of a membership-based forestland owner organization) Executive Director of the Vermont Woodlands Association

Eleanor Léger, (One representative who is actively engaged in value-added agricultural products manufacturing) Eden Ice Cider

Eric DeLuca, (Two representatives actively engaged in providing marketing assistance, market development, or business and financial planning) National Cooperative Business Association

Robin Scheu, (Two representatives actively engaged in providing marketing assistance, market development, or business and financial planning) Addison County Economic Development Corporation

Jo Bradley ,(Manager of VT economic Development Authority or designee) Manager of VT Economic Development Authority

Ellen Kahler, (Executive Director of VT Sustainable Jobs Fund or designee)

Gus Seelig, (Executive Director of VT Housing and Conservation Board or designee)

Working Lands Enterprise Board Members

Introduction

‣ 1. Background and Purpose of the Working Lands initiative

‣ 2. The 3 investment areas of the initiative (Overview of Request for Proposals)

‣ 3. Tips on filling out the application (calculating match, writing goals, performance measures, and outcomes)

‣ 4. Dates, deadlines, and key contacts

‣ 5. Q & A

Background and Purpose of the Working Lands Initiative

‣ The Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) founded and led the Council on the Future of Vermont which conducted a comprehensive study and found that over 97 percent of Vermonters polled endorsed the value of the working landscape as key to VT’s future; which was higher than any other value expressed by the people of Vermont.

‣ The Working Landscape Partnership was created to unite Vermonters working together to implement key policy and program efforts to advance Vermont’s working landscape. The Partnership is made up of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing the farm, forest and value-added natural resource economy as a vital foundation for the future of Vermont.

‣ “Investing in our Farm and Forest Future”, is the action plan of the Vermont Working Landscape Partnership. In 2012, the Partnership successfully promoted the development of the Vermont Working Lands Enterprise Fund with the passage of the Working Lands Enterprise Bill.

‣ Today, VCRD is working to promote the growth of this fund and to support and celebrate a new generation of businesses on the land.

Background and Purpose of the Working Lands Initiative

‣ Initiative was passed in the 2012 Legislative Session, bringing a renewed commitment to Vermonter’s values.

‣ There is currently $986,500 to invest into Vermont’s working landscape.

‣ The initiative, Act 142 (http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/Acts/ACT142.pdf), created the Working Lands Enterprise Fund (WLEF) and the Working Lands Enterprise Board (WLEB).

Background and Purpose of the Working Lands Initiative

Goals of the initiative:

1. Stimulate economic development effort on behalf of Vermont’s agriculture and forest product sectors by systematically advancing entrepreneurism, business development, and job creation

2. Recognize and build on the similarities and unique qualities of Vermont’s agriculture and forest product sectors

3. Increase the value of Vermont’s raw and value-added products through the development of in-state and export markets

4. Attract a new generation of entrepreneurs to Vermont’s Working Landscape

5. Provide assistance to agricultural and forest product businesses in navigating the regulatory process

Goals of the initiative, continued:6. Use Vermont’s brand recognition and reputation as a national leader in food systems

development, innovative entrepreneurism, and as a “green” state to leverage economic development and opportunity in the agriculture and forest product sectors

7. Promote the benefits of Vermont’s working lands, from the economic value of raw and value-added products to the public value of ecological stability, land stewardship, recreational opportunities, and quality of life

8. Increase the amount of state investment in working lands enterprises, particularly when it leverages private and philanthropic funds

9. Support the people and businesses that depend on Vermont’s renewable land-based resources and their sustainable and productive use

Background and Purpose of the Working Lands Initiative

Three Investment Areas

1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Investments

2. Only applies to service providers!

Request For Proposals (RFPs):

1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments ($3,000-$15,000 grants, Required minimum 25% cash match of grant amount requested)

Enterprise Investments are available to:‣ New or growing businesses (including farm and/or forest landowners), Partnerships,

Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, and B Corporations and/or non-profits that are involved in the production of agriculture and/or forest related products.

Investment focus areas will include:‣ Business and technical assistance as well as infrastructure development.

First time applicant(s) who have never received state grants before are strongly encouraged to apply

Request For Proposals (RFPs):

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants ($10,000-$100,000 grants, Required minimum 50% cash and/or in-kind match of grant amount requested)

Service Provider Grants are available to: ‣ Non-profit organizations, associations, colleges or universities, private sector or

partnership groups that provide services to agricultural, forestry & forest products enterprises.

Grants are available for:‣ Service providers to provide/conduct training and/or production related technical

assistance, needs assessments/studies of baseline data critical to sector development, professional and organizational development, product research services, marketing assistance, market development, business and financial planning, access to capital, regulatory and business development assistance, and addressing workforce development needs. Primary applicant must be a Vermont based entity.

Request For Proposals (RFPs):

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants ($15,000-$100,000 grants, Required minimum 1:1 Match (includes in-kind and at least 50% cash) of grant amount requested)

Infrastructure investments are available to :‣ Agricultural, forestry & forest products based businesses (including farm and forest

landowners) and non-profit organizations (e.g., food hubs, farmers’ markets, shared processing facilities), for capital investments that will increase operational capacity and have an impact on their industry beyond their immediate business.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: ‣ Specialized personnel; access to land (acquisition or easements); building and equipment

costs (e.g., processing, storage, distribution); long-term working capital, information technology; farm or forest based renewable energy business expansion; and other collaborative ventures that build capacity within the supply chain, open new markets, and/or create a replicable, innovative model.

Required for 2. and 3. and must address the following:

◦ 2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants

1. Describe the proposal, the geographic area for the services to be provided, and the strategic role the project will play within your organization and existing services.

2. Describe the need for the services to be provided, and how those services are expected to increase capacity within the supply chains.

3. Describe your organization, its experience and successes in providing similar services, and the expertise of any partner organizations expected to participate in the project.

4. Amount requested.

◦ 3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Investments

1. Describe the proposal and the anticipated benefit to your organization. 2. Describe your organization, its experience and successes with similar activities, and the

expertise of any partner organizations expected to participate in the project. 3. Describe the proposal’s benefit within your supply chain. 4. Amount requested.

Letters of Intent

Application Instructions:

http://vermontworkinglands.com/documents/Application_Instructions.pdf

Instructions for using the fillable form• Time frames• Attachments• Saving work• Check boxes• Submitting application• Confidentiality Statement

• Some proposal information may be shared • Attachment C

• Standard rules with State Contracting • In good standing with the State• Limited Liability insurance• Carries worker’s compensation insurance• Could be subject to an audit

• Contact information

Cover Pagea) Name of organization(s) and contact information.b) If there are multiple businesses involved in a collaborative proposal, please identify

one primary contact.c) Identify other supporting organizations, services, programs, involved in the

proposal, if any.d) Information about the business – including size, products, recent history that relates

to this project and number of years in business.e) Brief description of the project proposal.f) Where did you learn about this grant opportunity?g) Please list any memberships in associations/trade organizations.h) Applicant must be in compliance with state regulations and in good standing with

the state of Vermont.

Application

Proposal Narrative: Title and Description of Projecta) Project Descriptionb) Project Goals

Why the project is being proposed Project Impacts

c) Performance Measures Plans for measuring effectiveness of project (what will be measured, how it will be measured,

when it will be measured). For food system businesses, please review the 25 goals contained in Chapter 2 of the Farm to

Plate Strategic Plan (see first 2 pages after cover page), and identify which one(s) your project will impact. Chapter 2 can be downloaded here: http://www.vsjf.org/assets/files/Agriculture/Strat_Plan/Chapter%202_Getting%20to%202020_Low%20Res.pdf.   

For forestry & forest products businesses you may wish to review the Wood Products Strategic Plan Update for additional reference: http://www.vtfpr.org/pdf/2020_Vision_for_Vermont_%20Wood_%20Products.pdf

d) Expected Outcomes What are the expected outcomes and impacts of this project on the applicant?; How will the project enhance the applicant’s business (e.g., increased profits, product

value/quality, access to markets; enhance operations; create new business; offer innovative models/approaches and/or create/retain jobs)? Please quantify your response, and briefly note supporting assumptions.

Will the project have a positive outcome on other businesses? If so, what types of business(es)?

Application

Proposal Narrative: Title and Description of Projecta) Project Descriptionb) Table for Goals, Performance Measures, and Outcomes (next slide)

Fill in table identifying the goals, performance measures, and expected outcomes of the project.

Application

Goals Performance Measures Expected Outcomes   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

Table for Goals, Performance Measures, and OutcomesFill in table identifying the goals, performance measures, and expected outcomes of the project.

e) Expected Outcomes What are the expected outcomes and impacts of this project on the applicant?; How will the project enhance the applicant’s business (e.g., increased profits, product value/quality, access to

markets; enhance operations; create new business; offer innovative models/approaches and/or create/retain jobs)? Please quantify your response, and briefly note supporting assumptions.

Will the project have a positive outcome on other businesses? If so, what types of business(esf) Project Need

Explanation of how the need for the project was identified (e.g., does it address identified gaps in the existing supply chain?)

Will this project happen without WLEF funds? Please explain.g) Project Readiness

Timeline (project start date, milestones, and projected completion.) Describe how the project can begin promptly and finish 12 months after the contracting date (e.g., matching

funds are secured, key partnerships are established, necessary permits and/or certifications are obtained).h) Sustainability

How does this project meet your business goals? How will this project contribute to your business’s long-term sustainability/viability?

i) Innovation What new business models, production techniques, markets, or communication strategies does this project

demonstrate? j) List the core team of individuals who will work on the project, and their qualifications. k) Additional allowable attachments (one page per attachment): project drawings/plans, list of board members, core project team members/partners, and/or potential/existing clientele base.

Application

Using the Budget Template, please provide a detailed budget including any other funding sources supporting the proposal and cash match equal to at least 25% of the Working Lands Enterprise funds requested.

Budget narrative a) Provide details of budget line items.b) Describe other efforts to fund this project with other sources, and why those

efforts have not been sufficient.c) Please be sure to indicate whether all funds are committed, or if not, your plan

and timeline for securing such commitments.

Application

Note- This template was designed for 1. Agriculture and Forestry & Forest Products: Enterprise Investments

The previous application was specifically for 1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments.

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants ◦ Cover Page

Include board of directors (if applicable)◦ Proposal Narrative

Explanation of how services will enhance client long-term viability Description of the financial viability of the services provided Explanation of how the project will or will not have regional or state-wide reach

◦ Outreach Plan Outreach Plan is required

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants◦ Proposal Narrative

Explanation of how the project will or will not have regional or state-wide reach◦ Budget Template

For existing projects include 2 years of financial statements and a tax return ◦ Business Plan

Business Plan is required

Application

Match Requirements & Calculating Match

1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments ◦ $3,000-$15,000 grants◦ Required minimum 25% cash match of grant amount requested◦ For Example:

$10,000 WLEF grant $10,000 x .25 = $2,500 minimum cash match $10,000 + $2,500 = $12,500 (total project cost must be equal to or greater than this amount)

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants◦ $10,000-$100,000 grants◦ Required Minimum 50% cash and/or in-kind match of grant amount requested◦ For Example:

$20,000 WLEF grant $20,000 x .50 = $10,000 minimum cash and/or in-kind match $20,000 + $10,000 = $30,000 (total project cost must be equal to or greater than this amount)

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants◦ $15,000-$100,000 grants, Required Minimum 1:1◦ Match (includes in-kind and at least 50% cash) of grant amount requested)◦ For Example:

$20,000 WLEF grant $20,000 x 1.0 = $20,000 minimum total match ($20,000 x .50 = $10,000 minimum cash match) $20,000 + $20,000 = $40,000 (total project cost must be equal to or greater than this amount)

Match Requirements

Match and WLEB funds must be spent down within the time frame as established in the WLEB contract

Commitment of Match for Proposal Indicate amount and source of match Cash Match In Kind MatchINELIGIBLE EXPENSE/MATCH: Primary Applicant Salary/Time (with exception of bucket 2) Overhead/Indirect Costs (cost of doing every day business)

Proposals awarded funds will need to demonstrate match at the time of contracting Match verification forms (i.e. financial statements, 3rd party

letter, in-kind time and hours)

Match Requirements

Match Waiver Under limited circumstances match requirements may be reduced or waived for projects that can justify the need for a reduced match. Waiver requests must outline the impact of the project and indicate if the project benefits an underserved sector of the Working Lands economy.

Match Requirements

Writing Goals, Performance Measures,

& Expected Outcomes

Goals: The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has clearly identified goals (also the Initiative's mission outlined in the RFP, 1-9). The goals of your project should be in alignment with the Initiative's goals. The project goals should also clearly link to your performance measures and outcomes. It may be helpful to create a few bullet points under each project goal to compare with the goals of the Initiative, as well as to link with the remainder of your proposal. An easy way to do this is by creating a table. Scroll down below to see an example.

Performance Measures: Well written performance measures should be simple, easy to understand, and must be quantifiable measurements of the project's progress that are easily validated and audited. Performance measures should be useful and worthwhile. They should be realistic, and should note the minimum standards, as well as the percentage of error allowed for each measure.

Outcomes: Project outcomes reflect the desired end goal at the completion of your project. Outcomes are usually represented in percentages, as in percentage of change due to the execution of your project. Percentage change in profit, jobs, and production are examples of outcomes. Outcomes can be short or long term and should fit within the contract period. Outcomes should also be clearly linked to your goals and performance measures

Goals, Performance Measures, & Expected Outcomes

Goal Performance Measure

Outcome

1. Lower meat processing costs and processing bottlenecks.

Pre- and post-development meat processing costs.

Pre- and post-development meat processing time

10% decrease in meat processing costs. 20% decrease in meat processing time.

2. Increase the quantity and value of local value-added meat, vegetable and fruit products. 

Cubic feet of raw and value-added products stored in the onsite cooler and freezer.

Units of raw and processed meat, vegetable and fruit products sold in the area, elsewhere in Vermont, and out of state.

15% increase in quantity of products stored 15% increase in local sales 25 % increase in sales elsewhere in Vermont 40 % increase in sales outside of Vermont

3. Increase local and regional demand and supply of raw and value-added meat, vegetable and fruit products from the area and beyond, including in the off season.

Units of meat, vegetable and fruit products processed in the meat and vegetable processing rooms.

Increase in price and profit margin per unit of value-added meat, vegetable and fruit products sold.

200,000lbs of products processed in the meat and vegetable processing rooms.

10% increase in price per unit of value-added products sold.

5% increase in profit margin per unit of value-added products sold.

4. Increase the number of trained meat processors in Vermont.

Number of meat processors trained. 100% increase in number of meat processors in apprentice in the area.

5. Reduce distribution costs for raw and value-added meat, vegetable and fruit products from the area.

Pre- and post- development per unit/per mile distribution costs.

20% reduction in distribution costs.

6. Preserve existing farms in the area by facilitating product diversification. 

Number of products produced by each existing farm.

Number of existing farms that increase product diversification.

8% increase in number of products produced by each farm.

10% increase in number of diversified farms.

7. Facilitate new entry for small farmers, new value-added producers, and underserved populations in the area by lowering the cost of entry through access to scalable storage and processing facilities.

Number of new farmers in the area using the facility.

Number of new value-added producers in the area using the facility.

Number of producers from under-served populations in the area using the facility.

5% increase in number of new farmers in the area.

50% increase in number of new value-added producers in the area.

25% increase in number of producers from under-served populations in the area.

1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments

Quality of Proposal and Concept – The proposal is clear and complete; the applicant is ready to receive funds and begin promptly (i.e., matching funds are secured, key partnerships are established, necessary permits and/or certifications have been obtained). The project as described is likely to accomplish the stated outcomes.

Impact – Project demonstrates significant enhancement of the applicant’s business (e.g., increases profits, improves product value/quality, creates access to new markets; enhances operational efficiencies; creates new product line; fills a gap in an existing supply chain; utilizes innovative models/approaches and/or creates/retain jobs). Project has a positive outcome on other businesses.

Need – The project demonstrates a clear need for Working Lands Enterprise funding. The requested funds leverage other funds, and the project cannot be fully funded by itself or through other sources. Applicant demonstrates the how this funding and project will enable the enterprise to progress to the next stage of its development. Applicants that exceed minimum match will be preferred unless the proposal clearly shows that additional funding from the applicant or other funders is not likely or possible. 

Sustainability – The project meets business goals and contributes to long-term sustainability and financial viability. Projects that credibly outline anticipated positive impacts based on measurable financial, social, and environmental criteria will be preferred.

Selection Criteria

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants

Quality of Proposal and Concept –The proposal is clear and complete. The applicant is ready to receive funds and begin promptly (i.e., matching funds are secured, target audience has been identified), and demonstrates previous experience and skills necessary to conduct the proposed activities. The services to be provided build on existing programs and resources, and an effective outreach plan has been developed. The project as described is likely to accomplish the stated outcomes.

Impact - The project demonstrates how it will enhance Vermont’s working landscape (e.g., increases profits for client businesses, improves clients’ product value/quality, improves clients’ access to markets; enhances clients’ business operations; creates an innovative replicable model/approach to the provision of technical assistance in the state, creates or retains jobs within client businesses, and/or enhances the Vermont brand). The project clearly addresses an identified need and impacts businesses along the supply/value chain (i.e., land-owner, producer, harvester, processor, manufacturer, aggregator, distributor, wholesaler, and retailer), and benefits multiple agriculture and/or forestry & forest products enterprises.

Need – The project demonstrates a clear need for the services being offered and the need for Working Lands Enterprise funding. The requested funds leverage other funds, and the project cannot be funded by itself or through other sources. Applicants that exceed minimum match will be preferred unless the proposal clearly shows that additional funding from the applicant or other funders is not likely or possible. 

Sustainability - The project contributes to long-term sustainability/viability of working landscape businesses, builds on existing programs and/or resources, and demonstrates a plan for long term financial viability beyond the WLEF grant period.

Selection Criteria

3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants Quality of Proposal and Concept – The proposal is clear and complete. The applicant is ready to receive funds and

begin promptly (i.e., matching funds are secured, target audience has been identified); demonstrates previous experience and skills necessary to conduct the proposed activities; has regional or statewide reach; and builds on existing business and resources. The project as described is likely to accomplish the stated outcomes.

Impact – The project demonstrates how it will enhance Vermont’s working landscape (e.g., increases profits for client businesses, improves clients’ product value/quality, improves clients’ access to markets; enhances clients’ business operations; creates an innovative replicable model/approach to the provision of technical assistance in the state, creates or retains jobs within client businesses, and/or enhances the Vermont brand). The project clearly addresses an identified need and impacts businesses along the supply/value chain (i.e., land-owner, producer, harvester, processor, manufacturer, aggregator, distributor, wholesaler, and retailer), and benefits multiple agriculture and/or forestry & forest products enterprises.

Need – The project demonstrates a clear need for the project and the need for Working Lands Enterprise funding. The requested funds leverage other funds, and the project cannot be funded by itself or through other sources. The applicant demonstrates that this project will help the enterprise reach a new level of capacity, stage of development or financial viability.  Applicants that exceed minimum match will be preferred unless the proposal clearly shows that additional funding from the applicant or other funders is not likely or possible. 

Sustainability - The project contributes to long-term sustainability/viability of the working landscape, builds on an existing enterprise, and demonstrates a plan for long term financial viability beyond the WLEF grant period.

Selection Criteria

Investment Areas

Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent Response

Full Proposal

Award Notification

Project Completion

Bucket 1 Ag and Forestry & Forest Products Enterprise Investments

N.A. N.A. January 24, 2013 POST-MARKED OR 5:00 p.m.

March, 2013 12 months

Bucket 2Ag and Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants

January 4, 2013 5:00 p.m.

January 18, 2013

February 15, 2013 5:00 p.m.

March, 2013 15 months

Bucket 3Ag and Forestry & Forest Products: Capital and Infrastructure Investments

January 4, 2013 5:00 p.m.

January 25, 2013

March 8, 2013 5:00 p.m.

April, 2013 18 months

Working Lands Enterprise Request for Proposals Timeline

Timeline and Requirements1. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Enterprise Investments

‣ Proposals must be typed. Proposals must either be filled out on-line at www.vermontworkinglands.com or mailed.

‣ Proposals mailed as a hard copy must be postmarked no later than January 24, 2013. On-line submissions must arrive no later than 5:00 p.m. January 24, 2013. Late proposals will not be accepted.

‣ Project must be completed within 12 months after contract start date. ‣ Primary beneficiaries are Vermont agriculture and forestry & forest products

based businesses (including farm and/or forest landowners).‣ The applicant must be in compliance with state regulations and in good standing

with the state of Vermont.‣ Please NOTE: the proposal review committee may request additional information

from you about your project (i.e., additional financial information, project clarification).

Timeline and Requirements2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants

‣ A Letter of Intent (one page – up to 750 words) is due no later than 5:00 p.m. January 4, 2013 and must be filled out on-line at www.vermontworkinglands.com . LOI feedback to applicants will be provided on January 18, 2013.

‣ Full proposals must be filled out on-line at www.vermontworkinglands.com no later than 5 p.m. on February 15, 2013. Late proposals will not be accepted.

‣ Project must be completed within 15 months after contract start date.‣ Demonstrate past experience in providing technical or business assistance to

agriculture and forestry & forest products based businesses and/or landowners and specify how the businesses will directly benefit from the projects outlined in their proposal.

2. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Service Provider Grants, Cont.

‣ Primary beneficiaries are Vermont agriculture and forestry & forest products based businesses (including farm and/or forest landowners).

‣ The applicant must be in compliance with state regulations and in good standing with the state of Vermont.

‣ Additional allowable attachments (one page per attachment): list of board members, core project team members/partners, and/or list of potential or existing clientele.

‣ Please NOTE: the proposal review committee may request additional information from you about your project (i.e., additional financial information, project clarification).

Timeline and Requirements

Timeline and Requirements3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants

‣ A Letter of Intent (one page – up to 750 words) is required and due no later than 5:00 p.m., January 4, 2013 and must be filled out on-line at www.vermontworkinglands.com . Invitations for full proposals will be made on January 25, 2013.

‣ Full Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m., on March 8, 2013 and must be filled out on-line at www.vermontworkinglands.com. Late proposals will not be accepted.

‣ Project must be completed within 18 months after contract start date.‣ Proposal clearly defines need for the project, addresses identified gaps in

processing, manufacturing, distribution, and storage infrastructure in Vermont, and benefits more than one agriculture or forestry & forest products based business.

‣ Must Demonstrate a strong business plan, demonstrates the ability of the applicant to complete and manage the project, and describes how the direct beneficiary business(es) will achieve financial sustainability.

Timeline and Requirements3. Agriculture, Forestry & Forest Products: Working Lands Capital and Infrastructure Grants, Cont.

‣ Ultimate beneficiaries are Vermont agriculture and forestry & forest products based businesses.

‣ The applicant must be in compliance with state regulations and in good standing with the state of Vermont.

‣ Please NOTE: the proposal review committee may request additional information from you about your project (i.e., additional financial information, project clarification).

‣ Additional allowable attachments (one page per attachment): project drawings/plans, list of board members, core project team members/partners, and/or list of potential or existing clientele.

Tour of Website

www.vermontworkinglands.com

Contact Information Website: www.vermontworkinglands.com E-mail: working.lands@state.vt.us Phone: 802-585-9072

VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets116 State StreetMontpelier, VT 05620-2901

Q & A

Thank you very much!