The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Mini-Grant and Mini-Loan programs are a branch of the Montana Growth Through Agriculture Program established by the Montana Legislature to encourage economic and agricultural development through education, promotional, marketing, travel and other business activities.

To begin the application process for a Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant and/or Mini-Loan:

• Please read the Mini-Grant program background attached below in order to determine whether or not your project is eligible and learn more about the details about the program. 
• Please read the Mini-Loan program outline attached below to determine eligibility - PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR EQUIPMENT IT WILL LIKELY BE FOR A LOAN.
• Mini-Grant/Mini-Loan use the same application form – applicants can apply for up to $7,500 ($2,500 grant/$5,000 loan) similar to the way full GTA applications are received and reviewed
       - Example an applicant could apply for $2,500 for 50% of graphic design, labels and marketing costs and $5,000 towards 50% of equipment costs.
  
• Contact a local economic development organization, Small Business Development Center or, specifically for food product or farm-based energy business development, the Food and Agricultural Development Center network to discuss your project and for assistance in applying for a Mini Grant and/or Mini-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 any further with the application process.  Organizations other than Sole Proprietorships must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State prior to submittal of the Mini-Grant/Mini-Loan application.
• Register and apply online.  The GTA Mini-Grant/Mini-Loan application is available online through the WebGrant system at www.fundingmt.org.  You may contact program staff to discuss your proposal by email at gta@mt.gov or by phone at 406-444-2402.  If you are interested in applying, go to the WebGrant system to register and receive a password that will enable you to fill out and submit an application.
• Fill out an application.  Go to www.fundingmt.org and login with your username and password.  Go through the following steps to open up and start an application.
• Select "Funding Opportunities" from the menu list.
  Select the funding opportunity titled "AGR Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant and Mini-LOAN SFY2014" under Opportunity Title.
• To open an application, click "Start a New Application".
• If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the GTA Manager, Angie Nelson, at the number listed above.

Deadline: Open cycle as long as long as funding is available. 

Decision Timelines: Applicants should be aware that funding decisions will generally occur:

Mini-Grant: 4-6 weeks from receipt of a final application.

Mini-Loan: 6-8 weeks from receipt of a final application.

Eligible Uses of Funds:

Mini-Grant:

Eligible Costs include, but are not limited to:
• Education,
• Promotion,
• Marketing,
• Travel and
• Other business expenses related to agricultural development.

Mini-Loan:

Targeted Use of Funds (including but not limited to) 50% of the cost of -
• Small Processing Equipment
• Construction
• Infrastructure costs
• Inventory/Working Capital Costs