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Whether it’s adding new products, more land, or new markets, growing your farm business takes a lot of time, energy, and risk. We want to help share that risk. NCTFA’s Next Step Microgrant offers matching grants up to $2,000 to help cover the costs of scaling up. You put in up to $2,000, we match it. Use it for things like production, storage, processing, or marketing: whatever helps you grow. It’s about giving small farms a boost where it matters most.
Who is eligible?
The Next Step Microgrant is open to any for-profit farm in Connecticut. We will give priority consideration to applications from new/beginning farmers and urban farmers.
what the grant covers
This grant program covers costs related to product or market expansion. Think production, storage, marketing, processing. You want to grow your farm business and welcome some extra support!
how to apply
How to apply:
Deadlines and timeline
Deadlines and Timeline:
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Applications open October 1, 2026 and close at 11:59 pm on October 21, 2026
Reporting
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Reporting, including receipts and a summary of outcomes, due February 15, 2027
grant amount
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NCTFA will accept project proposals that cost up to $4,000. NCTFA will administer microgrants of up to $2,000, covering 50% of approved expansion-related costs, while farmers provide the remaining 50% via cash and in-kind (supplies you buy, employee labor)
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We expect to award at least 7 applications this round. There will be another round before the next growing season, funding at least 10 applications.
What is Not covered?
Areas NOT funded by this grant:
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Any expenses before award letter is sent
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Farmer/owner salary
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Land acquisition or mortgages
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Cost of borrowing (points and other fees)
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Expenses related to establishing a new organization/business
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Any portion of expense for which the applicant pays a contractor in merchandise or service in lieu of cash
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Tuition/tuition reimbursement or career-related/scholarship funds
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Disposable supplies (office, farm, otherwise) unrelated to the project
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Legal expenses related to litigation
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Income Taxes
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Recurring costs
questions?
Questions? Reach out to nctfagrants@gmail.com
Para información en español, contacte Ella Kennen al newctfarmers@gmail.com
Funding for this project was paid for by the Agricultural Enhancement Grant established by the Community Investment Act (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j). Funding awarded and administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
