The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Mini-Grant program is a part of the Montana Growth Through Agriculture Program established by the Montana Legislature to encourage economic and agricultural development through educational, promotional, marketing, travel and other business activities.

Eligible applications must be able to demonstrate how they will expand Montana agriculture.

To begin the application process for a Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant:

• Maximum $2,500 grant

• Please read the Mini-Grant program background attached below in order to determine whether or not your project is eligible and learn more regarding the details about the program. 
• Must submit a separate application if also interested in Mini-Loan funding.
• Contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network, a local economic development organization, and/or your regional Small Business Development Center to discuss your project, regulations that may apply (especially for food manufacturing businesses) and for assistance in applying for a Mini Grant.
• 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 application.
• Register and apply online.  The GTA Mini-Grant application is available online system at www.fundingmt.org.  You may contact program staff to discuss your proposal by email at gta@mt.gov or by phone at 406-444-0511.  If you are interested in applying, go to www.fundingmt.org 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.

1. Select "Funding Opportunities" from the menu list.
   Select the funding opportunity titled "AGR Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant JUNE 1, 2015" under Opportunity Title.
2. To open an application, click "Start a New Application".

• If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact GTA staff Lindy Davies or Angie Nelson at (406) 444-0511 or (406) 444-0134.

Deadline: June 1, 2015 -  2 pm - Submit by 5/29 to allow time to assist with any technical issues that might arise prior to the day of the deadline.

Decision Timelines: 6-8 weeks from application submission

Eligible Uses of Mini-Grant Funds:

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

 Ineligible Activities:

• For-profit business applicants requesting funds for conferences are ineligible for Mini-Grant funding for travel and educational activities, unless otherwise specified by the Council.

NOTE:
• For-profit businesses are eligible for a 0 percent interest loan and 6 month deferral for marketing, promotional and educational activities (see Mini-Loan information below).

• If interested in applying for a Growth Through Agriculture mini-loan, please reference the Mini-Loan Program information attached below and fill out a separate mini-loan application.

• Staff Application Review Criteria.  Applications will be reviewed by a panel of staff members.  The general review criteria used by staff to review the project are attached below.