The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program is a grant and loan program established by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through the development of new agricultural products and processes. Examples of eligible project activities involve equipment purchases, advertising and promotion, and consultant services for engineering and feasibility studies.

 To begin the Growth Through Agriculture application process:

• Read the program background at the program link below in order to determine whether or not your project is eligible and learn more about the details of the program.  
• If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the GTA Manager, Angie Nelson at the number listed above.
• Contact your local Small Business Development Center, local economic development organization or, specifically for food product or farm-based energy development, the Food and Agricultural Development Center network to discuss your project and get assistance in applying for your Growth Through Agriculture grant or loan.
• Register with the Montana Secretary of State. If your company is not already registered with the Montana Secretary of State, you may need to do so before going further with the application process. Organizations other than Sole Proprietorships must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State prior to submittal of the GTA application. Any application from an organization that is not registered with the Montana Secretary of State will not be accepted.
• Before you can fill out an application, make sure that you have registered and received a username and password at fundingmt.org - see attached instructions below "Webgrants Registration Instructions"
  
• After registering, log in with your username and password and click "Start a New Application". Then follow the steps in the "GTA Application Instructions" attached below.
  
• Prepare Financial Statements. Prepare a cash flow statement using the appropriate spreadsheet form at the program link below, projected to a point of positive cash flow and profitability, and a balance sheet to accompany your application. All applications must include: a cash flow statement, a current and projected balance sheet, and a list of all key financial assumptions. The list of key assumptions should provide the basis for all major financial projections. Any application that does not include these items in the prescribed form will not be accepted.  Use the guide, general spreadsheet, and sample provided in the program link below to help you prepare your cash flow statement and balance sheet. Choose the appropriate existing business or start up business spreadsheets for your project.
• Note: The GTA financial spreadsheet is the only format accepted - if you have any questions about putting your information in this format, please contact your local Small Business Development Center at: www.sbdc.mt.gov
•  Check Release Form.  Attached below. This form must be received by mail or fax by the application deadline. Complete the form and submit it by fax or mail it to:

      GTA Program Manager
      Montana Department of Agriculture
      P.O. Box 200201
      Helena, Montana 59620-0201
      (406) 444-9442 fax

You may also contact GTA staff at the number above for assistance.

Draft Deadline: August 21, 2012 for staff review & feedback on draft applications - highly recommended.

Final Deadline: September 14, 2012 by 1:00pm