Working Lands Application Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply 

1. Review the full Request for Applications for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process. 

2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days). 

3. Complete your application in WebGrants using the Application Guide by the due date. 

General 

What do the acronyms WLEI, WLEF, and WLEB stand for? 

WLEI stands for Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, which refers to the overall grant program. WLEF stands for Working Lands Enterprise Fund, which refers to the money available for grants, which varies each year. WLEB stands for the Working Lands Enterprise Board, a group of Vermonters who make decisions about program strategy and which projects to fund. Learn more about WLEB.  

Where can I find examples of projects that have been funded in the past? 

Visit our funded projects page, blog, and Instagram or Facebook pages to read profiles of Working Lands projects.  

Who do I contact with questions about my application? 

For general questions, contact Clare Salerno at Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov or 802-917-2637. For WebGrants assistance with a Working Lands application, contact Diana Ferguson at Diana.Ferguson@vermont.gov or (802) 622-4094. 

Application Process 

What is the Request for Applications (RFA)? 

Each grant opportunity is outlined in the RFA, a guidance document that contains information about how much each grant is for, who can apply, application/project timeline, application questions, scoring criteria, and grant requirements. While the RFA contains instructions and application questions, the actual application must be filled out and submitted in WebGrants.  

What percent of applications are funded?

In the last 2 years, about 19% of applications have been awarded funds. Many strong applications are not funded due to the limited funds available.

Who decides whether my project is funded? 

The Working Lands Enterprise Board makes all funding decisions. WLEB is made up of community members and people who represent the farm, food, and forest businesses and sectors in Vermont. The Working Lands Organizational Plan provides more details about the different Board seats, objectives, and process. Prior to WLEB decision-making, a group of subject matter experts and thought partners from businesses and organizations across the farm, food, and forest sectors and the Agencies of Agriculture, Food & Markets; Commerce & Community Development; and Forest, Parks and Recreation carefully review each completed application and provide a slate of recommendations to the WLEB. All application reviewers follow the review and scoring criteria outlined in the RFA. 

When will I hear back about whether my project was funded? 

The Working Lands Enterprise Board meets once a month (usually on the third Tuesday of the month) and will usually make decisions on funding opportunities that closed earlier that month or in the previous month to allow time for careful review of applications. This means applicants typically hear back about 8 weeks after the application deadline.  

If my project is not funded, will I receive feedback on why? 

WLEB members strive to make informed decisions, and there are often more strong applicants than there are funds available. Program staff provide feedback from WLEB to each application that is not approved. It is not uncommon for applicants to reapply in a later year and receive funding, especially for those that use feedback to make improvements to their business and/or proposed project. Feedback can include referrals to business planning resources or other sources of funding.  

I’m having trouble with WebGrants. Can I talk to someone for help? 

Agency of Agriculture staff are available to assist you during State of Vermont business hours, Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Assistance may not be available shortly before deadlines. For WebGrants assistance with a Working Lands application, contact Diana Ferguson at Diana.Ferguson@vermont.gov or (802) 622-4094.  

Can I get an extension on my application? 

Your application must be submitted in WebGrants by the date and time indicated on the Request for Applications. After the deadline, WebGrants will prevent applications from being submitted. Late applications will not be accepted. 

Can I apply to more than one grant opportunity in a year? 

An organization can only be awarded one grant per fiscal year, so plan to only apply to one funding opportunity. That way, you can also maximize resources towards creating one strong application.

Do I need to provide matching funds for this grant?

In Fiscal Year 2025, matching funds are not required for any grants. In the past, grantees need to provide matching funds for the project, meaning that for a $50,000 grant, the business would contribute $50,000 towards the project. While matching funds are not required this year, if your project costs more than that grant amount, you will need to demonstrate that you can pay for any remaining project costs. It is possible that matching funds may be required in future years. 

My business is pursuing Act 250 approval. Does this affect my WLEI application? 

Visit the FAQ on Act 250 and Working Lands for information.  

Eligibility 

I am a previous WLEI grant recipient. Can I apply again this year? 

Any previous recipients of the Service Provider or Producer Association Grant or Contract can apply for the Service Provider & Producer Association Grant this year.

Eligibility of Past Grant Recipients for FY25 Business Enhancement Grant 

Previous grantees who apply again must explain how the proposed project either builds on previous work or is a separate project. Past grantees should demonstrate how continued funding will be used to improve the project or business. 

Can any type of farm apply to the Business Enhancement Grant?

Due to limited funds available, this year the Business Enhancement Grant is focused on working landscape businesses producing food, fiber, and forest/wood products. Please see the bullets below for further eligibility guidelines. If more funds are available in future years, agricultural businesses and projects related to non-food and fiber products may be eligible for funding.     

Farms within agricultural sectors producing food (for animal or human consumption) and/or fiber products are eligible: hay and forage crops; hemp grown outdoors for fiber or ingestible CBD products; herbs; honey; hops; fruit; legumes; livestock for dairy, meat, and/or fiber; poultry; maple; nut trees; mushrooms grown outdoors; vegetables; and viticulture. Any size farm in these sectors is eligible.  

Because this grant is focused on food and fiber agricultural products, projects related to the following sectors are NOT eligible: cannabis; Christmas trees; equine; flowers; hemp grown for topical CBD products; and horticulture crops. 

Businesses that exclusively grow food or other agricultural products indoors (such as hydroponics, aquaculture, or indoor mushroom production) are NOT eligible. These business types often are eligible for other grants or services, so please review the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets grants and the additional grants and financial assistance pages.  

Are small farms eligible to apply for the Business Enhancement Grant?

Any size farm within the eligble sectors can apply for the Business Enhancement Grant. Farms of all sizes have received Working Lands grants in the past.

Can secondary wood businesses apply for the Business Enhancement Grant?

Secondary wood businesses, such as woodworkers or manufacturers, pellet mills, etc. are eligible. Secondary wood businesses will be asked to identify the species mix of wood and the known origin of wood products used by the business. Secondary wood businesses that source more wood from Vermont will receive higher scores than those that do not source wood from Vermont. Businesses will need to estimate the percent and dollar value of wood sourced from within and outside Vermont. 

Wood product trucking and distribution businesses that transport Vermont-produced wood products are eligible. To be competitive, businesses will need to provide the percent and dollar value of Vermont-produced wood products distributed. 

Can food businesses apply for the Business Enhancement Grant?

Value-added food or fiber businesses that source at least 50% of raw ingredients from Vermont OR are applying for a Working Lands grant to significantly increase use of ingredients sourced from Vermont to at least 50% are eligible. Businesses need to provide the percent, dollar value, and source of Vermont-produced ingredients. 

Businesses that produce “unique food products” are NOT eligible unless the business will use grant funds to increase production of raw ingredients in Vermont. Unique food products are defined as processed food made from ingredients that are not regularly produced in Vermont or are not available in sufficient quantities to meet production requirements.  

Agricultural product trucking and distribution businesses that transport Vermont-produced food and/or fiber products are eligible. This includes both non-profit food hubs and for-profit distribution businesses that are focused on strengthening the agricultural Vermont supply chain. To be competitive, businesses will need to provide the percent, dollar value, and source of Vermont-produced food and/or fiber products distributed. 

Retail businesses that primarily sell Vermont-produced food and/or fiber products are eligible. To be competitive, businesses will need to provide the percent, dollar value, and source of Vermont-produced food and/or fiber products sold.  

Can I apply for a Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant for a water quality project? 

The WLEB will not fund water quality or soil health equipment and infrastructure projects that are eligible for funding under existing programs of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Can I apply for a Working Lands Business Enhancement Grant to build or repair farmworker housing?

For this year (FY25), farmworker housing projects are NOT eligible. In the past, farmworker housing projects were funded through a one-time special allocation from the legislature. If more funds are available in the future, farmworker housing may become eligible again. 

I'm looking for funds that are less than any of the available grants. Can I still apply for an amount below what is listed on the application?

Applications for amounts outside the range on the application will not be considered. WLEB recognizes that needs vary by sector, type of project, and business and the amounts vary from year to year to meet those needs. If the amount you are looking for isn't available, feel free to contact staff so that WLEB can consider the most current needs each summer when they make decisions on what grants to offer and for what amount.

Can my application include more than one purchase or project?

We recommend requesting the minimum grant amount needed to complete the work. This means one application can include multiple sub-projects that contribute to an overall project or business enhancement. Applications with multiple elements should explain why each will influence the business as a whole. All applications should emphasize how the requests fit with the scoring criteria outlined in the Request for Applications. 

Can grant funds be used to purchase land or livestock?

No, grant and matching funds may not be used to purchase land or livestock. Eligible uses of funds are in the Request for Applications (RFA) for each funding opportunity. 

I am looking for funds to start my business. Can I apply for Working Lands grants? 

There are no restrictions on an applicant’s business stage for WLEI grants. However, for start-up or very early-stage businesses, other sources of funding may be a better fit. Visit the New & Beginning Farmer Resources page, as well as the additional grants and financial assistance page. Sign up for the Agriculture Development Newsletter to stay up to date on new resources. 

My business or organization is not based in Vermont, can I still apply? 

Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of Vermont may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants. 

Can I apply for a Working Lands grant for energy efficiency projects?

WLEB strongly recommends that anyone needing energy efficiency upgrades or projects specifically focused on renewable energy should instead apply for the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). While REAP is competitive and requires matching funds from the business, there is significantly more money available through REAP than through WLEI. REAP applications are accepted on a rolling basis. REAP can fund many energy-related projects, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation. Free grant writing support for REAP is available for many farms through Farm Credit East. Contact Heather LaPierre for more information (Heather.LaPierre@farmcrediteast.com). 

Business Planning and Development Resources 

Where can I find business planning resources to support my application? 

Use the Business Plan Template to create or update a business plan. There are many business planning resources available to support this process. This document provides details on the stages of business development. Sign up for the Agriculture Development Newsletter to stay up to date on new resources and events. 

Can someone help me write my application? 

If you have an existing partnership with a business planner, they may be able to provide some broad support on your application. Otherwise, Working Lands staff try to make referrals to business planners to provide a few hours of general concept support for a grant for businesses that want that. Contact Clare Salerno at clare.salerno@vermont.gov or 802-917-2637 to see if that is available. Working Lands program staff cannot provide business advice or guidance on the content of an application, but Diana Ferguson is available to help with any of the technical aspects of submitting an application in WebGrants. She can be reached at diana.ferguson@vermont.gov or (802) 622-4094. 

Is there guidance on drafting the goals, performance measures, and expected outcomes for my project? 

This page provides assistance on writing goals, performance measures, and outcomes. 

I am a food business looking for distribution support. How can I connect with a food hub? 

Visit our page on working with food hubs and distributors for information.  

Do you know of other grant or loan opportunities that I can access? 

Visit the additional grants and financial assistance page, as well as a full listing of grants offered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. Forest businesses and organizations may be eligible for grants offered by the Department of Forest, Parks, & Recreation. Sign up for the Agriculture Development Newsletter to stay up to date on new opportunities.