State agribusiness grants open through May 1

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The state's Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship is calling for the most creative agricultural entrepreneurs to apply for 2019 agribusiness grants, and a priority is being put on rural counties like Sumter.

"We are looking for unique, innovative ideas - not your average roadcrop folks," ACRE Executive Director Kyle Player said. "It's not a handout but a handup and gives funds, mentorship and opportunities for additional income to the selected businesses."

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture's ACRE initiative will parcel out sections of General Assembly-granted funding in amounts up to $25,000 to businesses selected. Applicants must run an existing agribusiness or have a finished agribusiness product or prototype.

The application also calls for a complete business plan and, if an applicant advances to the finalist round, an in-person pitch of the business to a panel of judges in Columbia on June 4.

"This grant program is for those business owners who are established," Player said. "We have a different curriculum program with Clemson Agribusiness that helps people build their business plans."

The goal of the grant program is to give champions of agricultural industry-driven research and distinctive agribusinesses throughout the state a financial and entrepreneurial boost. ACRE not only connects recipients of these grants with funds, but also offers marketing assistance and connects chosen businesses with mentors, potential investors and consultants who have access to additional grants.

This year's winners will follow five 2018 grant recipients that ranged from Sam Norton's Heron Farms in Charleston - the first saltwater farm in the U.S. - to George Nelson's SweetBay business, a project in Berkeley County involving hydroponic greenhouses, potential crop solutions to a local food desert and a farm school program in collaboration with the Charleston-based Sundrops Montessori School.

Player, a Lee County native, said applicants from rural counties will have points added to their overall totals during the application review process.

"Counties like Sumter County are pretty rural, and there are lots of agribusinesses around," she said. "We're prioritizing these rural folks who may not have as much opportunity or resources as people in more urban areas."

Last year, ACRE received 30 grant applications, and there were 13 business owners in the finalist round before the group was whittled down to the five winners. Player said she expects at least 30-40 applicants again this year.

Grants will range in amount, and the number of grants given will depend on the nature of the applications received.

Applications are open until May 1. Those interested must be S.C. residents, must submit a business plan and completed application form and must agree to terms and conditions that include permission for an ACRE site visit to their business if they advance past the finalist round.

Applications and more information on this and other ACRE programs can be found at www.acre-sc.com.