Grant Opportunity Alert: Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant Applications Now Open!
Do you grow, produce, or distribute food in Wisconsin? Whether you’re a local farmer at the Eagle River Farmers Market, a small food processor, or a retail food business in Eagle River, this grant opportunity could help you take your business to the next level!
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin (BLBW) Grant program. This competitive grant is designed to strengthen Wisconsin’s agriculture and food industries by helping businesses more efficiently process, market, and distribute locally grown food products.
💰 What’s Available?
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Grant Amounts: $5,000–$50,000
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Total Available Funding: $200,000
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Match Requirement: 50% of the total project budget (cash or in-kind)
👩🌾 Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Farmers and producers
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Food processors and distributors
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Warehousing and retail food businesses
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Agricultural tourism operations
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Groups or cooperatives involved in local food systems
If you're involved in bringing Wisconsin-grown food—from vegetables to value-added goods like jams or granola—to local tables, you're encouraged to apply.
📅 Important Deadline
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Application Due: Monday, September 15, 2025, by 12:00 noon
🛠️ Eligible Projects
Projects that:
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Expand access to locally grown food
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Create or retain jobs
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Generate new investments in Wisconsin’s food system
Funding may be used for:
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Personnel
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Consultants
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Materials
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Supplies
Projects can span up to three years and must include measurable outcomes like increased local sales or job creation.
📈 Proven Impact
Since its start in 2008, the BLBW Grant has:
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Funded 128 projects totaling over $3.22 million
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Generated $14.7 million in new local food sales
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Created/retained over 540 jobs
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Benefited more than 5,600 producers and 5,500 markets
🔗 Learn More and Apply
To download application materials or learn more, visit:
👉 https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/BuyLocalBuyWisconsinGrants.aspx
Questions? Contact DATCP grants specialist Brian Williams at:
📧 [email protected]
