Finance
Welcome to the International Microgreen Growers Association (IMGA) Florida resource page, where we provide valuable information to help you manage your finances, access grants, and build a solid financial foundation for your farm. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your farm’s profitability, we’ve gathered the most relevant resources and insights to support your growth.
Take Control of Finances with Profit First
Are you tired of waiting until year-end to see if your farm has actually turned a profit? It’s time to break free from the old, unpredictable way of managing farm finances.
Profit First, a cash flow management system pioneered by Mike Michalowicz, offers a revolutionary approach that helps farmers like you gain control and prioritize profits. Instead of waiting to see what’s left at the end of the year, Profit First shifts the focus by ensuring you pay yourself first.
Here’s what the Profit First method can do for you:
- Reduce Financial Stress: With a structured plan, you’ll know where your money is going and how much profit you’re making in real-time.
- Ensure Predictable Profitability: By allocating funds to profit and personal pay first, you create a sustainable business model where growth and profitability go hand in hand.
- Transform Your Business: Farmers across the country have experienced the success of this system. By prioritizing profit, they’ve been able to invest back into their farms, upgrade equipment, and secure long-term financial health.
Ready to transform your farm’s financial future? Let us help you implement the Profit First strategy to reduce cash flow struggles and ensure you’re not just working hard—but profiting along the way.
Why it works for farmers:
Here’s the secret: Sales – Profit = Expenses.
Many farms struggle with cash flow due to inconsistent income or seasonal revenue fluctuations. Profit First eliminates financial stress by giving you a sustainable model that ensures you’re always making a profit, even during off-seasons. Farmers who have adopted this approach have been able to expand their operations, upgrade their equipment, and secure long-term financial stability.
Key Benefits:
- Reduce Financial Stress: No more scrambling at the end of the year to figure out if you’ve made any profit.
- Increase Financial Control: You decide what percentage of your revenue goes into profit, operational expenses, and personal pay.
- Grow Your Farm: With a focus on profitability, you’ll have more funds available to reinvest in your farm, improve operations, or even expand.
Grants
In addition to managing your finances, accessing grants and funding can provide essential capital to help you grow your farm. Here are some key opportunities for Florida microgreen growers. (This list will be regularly updated to reflect the latest programs.)
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
The FMPP helps develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets. This is a great opportunity for microgreen growers looking to expand into farmers markets or direct-to-consumer sales, including through online platforms.
- Key Features:
- Offers funding for outreach, training, and technical assistance to farmers.
- Helps expand local food systems and increase access to healthy, locally-grown products.
- A 10%-25% match may be required depending on the project.
Eligibility: U.S. farmers markets, CSA programs, agritourism activities, or direct sales models.
Learn More & Apply: FMPP Program
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP)
The SCBGP provides funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture products.
- Key Funding Priorities:
- Projects focused on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus inputs or preventing runoff into waterways.
- Projects that reduce water usage or improve irrigation efficiency.
- Research, education, and technology advancements for innovative farming methods, including hydroponics and aquaponics.
Eligibility: Florida-based farmers growing specialty crops, including microgreens, can apply for funding.
Learn More & Apply: FDACS SCBGP Program
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers loans to beginning farmers to help them purchase land, equipment, and cover operating expenses.
- Key Features:
- Loans for farm ownership and operating expenses.
- Designed for farmers who are just starting out or those who have been farming for less than 10 years.
- Funds can be used for equipment, land acquisition, and more.
Eligibility: Beginning farmers who meet certain income and experience requirements.
Learn More & Apply: FSA Beginning Farmer Loans
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
The SBIR program helps small businesses, including those in agriculture, fund their research and development efforts. If you have an innovative idea for new farming technologies or solutions to common farming challenges, this program could be a great fit.
- Key Features:
- Highly competitive, offering funding for R&D and commercialization of new technologies.
- Encourages small businesses to enter the research and development sector.
- Protects small businesses by reserving a portion of federal R&D funds for them.
Eligibility: Small businesses with a focus on technological innovation and commercialization.
Learn More & Apply: SBIR Program
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
The EQIP program, run by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides financial and technical assistance to farmers who implement conservation practices to improve environmental health and sustainability.
- Key Features:
- Helps farmers adopt practices like water-saving irrigation systems, soil health improvements, and organic farming methods.
- Focuses on conservation efforts that can be integrated into existing farm operations, including those focused on water and nutrient management.
Eligibility: Available to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who are willing to implement conservation practices.
Learn More & Apply: NRCS EQIP Program
The Innovation and Commercialization Grant (ICG) Program
This program, available through the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, offers funding for businesses and farms that are incorporating innovative technologies or creating new agricultural products. If you’re using technology like hydroponics, vertical farming systems, or advanced irrigation systems for your microgreens, this could be a great opportunity.
- Key Features:
- Focuses on technology and innovation in agriculture.
- Offers grants for the commercialization of agricultural technologies.
Eligibility: Open to small and medium-sized businesses, including agricultural producers implementing innovative practices.
Learn More & Apply: Florida High Tech Corridor ICG Program
USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program
If you’re growing microgreens organically or considering transitioning to organic production, the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program can help offset the costs of organic certification.
- Key Features:
- Reimburses up to 75% of certification costs (up to $750 for organic certification).
- A great way for microgreen growers to get certified, which can increase marketability and profitability.
Eligibility: Available to farms and businesses certified under the USDA National Organic Program.
Learn More & Apply: USDA Organic Certification Cost Share
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program
The SCBGP provides funds to projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and floriculture products.
- Key Funding Priorities:
- Projects focused on reducing nitrogen and phosphorus inputs or preventing runoff into waterways.
- Projects that reduce water usage or improve irrigation efficiency.
- Research, education, and technology advancements for innovative farming methods, including hydroponics and aquaponics.
Eligibility: Florida-based farmers growing specialty crops, including microgreens, can apply for funding.
Learn More & Apply: FDACS SCBGP Program
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers loans to beginning farmers to help them purchase land, equipment, and cover operating expenses.
- Key Features:
- Loans for farm ownership and operating expenses.
- Designed for farmers who are just starting out or those who have been farming for less than 10 years.
- Funds can be used for equipment, land acquisition, and more.
Eligibility: Beginning farmers who meet certain income and experience requirements.
Learn More & Apply: FSA Beginning Farmer Loans
Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP)
The SBIR program helps small businesses, including those in agriculture, fund their research and development efforts. If you have an innovative idea for new farming technologies or solutions to common farming challenges, this program could be a great fit.
- Key Features:
- Highly competitive, offering funding for R&D and commercialization of new technologies.
- Encourages small businesses to enter the research and development sector.
- Protects small businesses by reserving a portion of federal R&D funds for them.
Eligibility: Small businesses with a focus on technological innovation and commercialization.
Learn More & Apply: SBIR Program
The USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI)
The SCRI program supports projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops (including microgreens) through research, education, and extension activities. This could be ideal if you want to explore new growing methods, pest control technologies, or sustainable practices specific to microgreens.
- Key Features:
- Offers funding for research into specialty crop production.
- Focuses on improving yields, sustainability, and marketability of specialty crops.
Eligibility: Open to farmers, universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations working in specialty crop research.
Learn More & Apply: SCRI Program
Florida Agricultural Food and Natural Resource (AFNR) Grant Program
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) offers AFNR grants to help support agricultural projects that focus on food safety, conservation, and new product development, all of which are relevant to microgreen growers.
- Key Features:
- Funding for food safety improvements, research, and technology adoption.
- Grants for developing new agricultural products and market opportunities.
Eligibility: Available to farmers, research institutions, and agricultural producers in Florida.
Learn More & Apply: FDACS AFNR Program
Grant Tips
- Read the Guidelines Carefully: Ensure that your farm’s mission and activities align with the goals of each grant program.
- Plan Your Proposal Well: Many grants require you to submit detailed proposals. Consider working with a grant writer or advisor to maximize your chances of success.
- Track Deadlines: Grants have specific application periods, so make sure to track these and prepare early.
- Show How You’ll Measure Impact: Many programs will want to know how the funds will help grow your farm and benefit the community.
Administered by the SBA microloans are provided to start-up, newly established, or growing small business endeavors.
Listed below are several federal and private grants available.
FarmFundr is a farmer-owned, equity crowdfunding platform focused on specialty crop operations in the United States.
Your can always borrow from friends and family.
Most banks have a commercial lending department to handle business loans.
Invest minimally and as you sell more you grow and purchase more equipment.
Taxes
We are not CPA’s so DO NOT CONSIDER ANY OF THESE GUIDES the complete authority. I promise you I still count on my fingers. If you need an expert seek one out.
Tax Guide (IRS 225)
AGRICULTURAL SALES TAX EXEMPTIONS IN FLORIDA
The purpose of this program is to defray worker expenses incurred preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers may only receive one $600 payment per person, and they must have worked in the U.S. during the pandemic. Interactive maps that provide contact information and worker application information can be found on the FFWR Awarded Grants | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov) webpage.
Grants of up to $20,000 to USA agricultural professionals who work with farmers and ranchers in multiple states and territories for farm-based research and marketing projects addressing sustainable agriculture. Grants emphasize building relationships between the farmer…
Rock Stead Farm Pollinate! is a paid training program for aspiring and beginner queer and trans* farmers interested in cooperative farm business models that center equitable food access. The purpose is to equip QT* farmers with farming skills, supplemental resources and supportive relationships to inspire more QT* and BIPOC led farming initiatives. This program is grounded in intentional care for our QT* farming community and dedication to share and support the lessons we have learned in our own experiences as farmers.
Gener8tor AgTech
A 12-week accelerator for high-growth AgTech and Agriculture startups. gener8tor AgTech invests in only five companies per program. This means a concierge, white glove experience. We focus all of our time, energy and network on you. Participating startups receive:
a cash investment of $100,000,
access to gener8tor’s global network of mentors and investors and
$1M+ in deals and perks from vendors like IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, PayPal, Zendesk and Microsoft.
SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS
1. The Amber Foundation ~ https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/about-us/
2. School of Computer Science ~ http://women.cs.cmu.edu/Resources/Funding/
3. Womens Fund of Central Ohio ~ www.womensfundcentralohio.org/
4. Scholarships for Mom ~ http://scholarships4moms.net/scholarship-application-for-moms
5. The Asia Foundation ~ http://asiafoundation.org/about/grant-guidelines.php
6. Avon Foundation for Women ~ https://www.avonfoundation.org/
7. Boston Women’s Fund ~ http://bostonwomensfund.org/
8. Breast Cancer Fund – www.breastcancerfund.org
9. Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation https://www.bms.com/about-us/responsibility/corporate-giving.html
10. Arizona Business and Professional Women’s Foundation ~ http://arizonabpwfoundation.com/
11. Business Owners’ Idea Cafe ~ www.businessownersideacafe.com/small_business_grants/index.php
12. Canadian Women’s Foundation ~ http://canadianwomen.org/
13. College of Education & Human Development ~ http://education.utsa.edu/current_students/financial_aid_resources_links/
14. Huggies Mom Inspired Grant Program ~ http://investor.kimberly-clark.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=667272
15. Chicago Foundation for Women ~ https://www.cfw.org/
16. The Commonwealth Fund ~ http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Grants-and-Programs.aspx
17. Women’s Guide to Paying for College ~ https://www.onlinecolleges.org/explore/financial-aid-women/
18. The Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting ~ http://www.efwa.org/research.htm
19. Ellis L. Phillips Foundation ~ http://www.ellislphillipsfndn.org/ellislphillips/guidelines.html
20. Exxon Contributions ~ http://www.exxonmobil.com/Corporate/community_women_invest.aspx
21. Federal Money Retriever ~ www.fedmoney.com
22. Financial Women International ~ www.fwi.org
23. The Fund for Women Artists ~ https://www.womenarts.org/
24. Fundsnet Services ~ www.fundsnetservices.com
25. Girls Global Education Fund ~ http://www.globaleducationfund.org/
26. Global Fund for Women ~ www.globalfundforwomen.org
27. The Henry Luce Foundation ~ www.hluce.org
28. Intuit’s Love a Local Business ~ http://www.businessgrants.org/opportunities/intuit_love_a_local_business_competition.html#.WZuU3tGWxes
29. Iowa Women’s Foundation ~ www.iawf.org/
30. The Kentucky Foundation for Women ~ http://www.kfw.org/
31. Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation ~ https://lpwhitehead.org/grants-program/scholarship-program/
32. The Columbus Foundation ~ https://columbusfoundation.org/nonprofit-center/grant-opportunities/supporting-foundation-grants/l-brands-foundation
33. Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting ~ http://www.efwa.org/
34. Maine Women’s Fund ~ www.mainewomensfund.org/
35. Microenterprise Development Industry ~ http://www.microenterpriseworks.org
36. National Association of Commissions for Women ~ www.nacw.org
37. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development ~ www.ncaied.org
38. National Organization for Women (NOW) Foundation, Inc. ~ www.nowfoundation.org
39. Super Mompreneur Fund ~ http://www.happyandhealthymom.com/happy_and_healthy_mompreneur_fund
40. College Scholarships for Women ~ http://www.collegescholarships.org/women.htm
41. New Mexico Women’s Foundation ~ http://nmwf.org/index.php?s=grants
42. Nokomis Foundation ~ www.nokomisfoundation.org
43. Open Meadows Foundation ~ www.openmeadows.org
44. Procter & Gamble Fund ~ http://www.pg.com/company/our_commitment/community.jhtml
45. Small Business Administration (Office of Women’s Business Ownership) ~ www.sba.gov/womeninbusiness
46. Travel Grants for Women ~ http://www.advance-africa.com/Travel-Grants-for-Women.html
47. Community Foundation of Western Nevada ~ http://nevadafund.org/receive/scholarship-information/
48. Amazon Small Business grant ~ amazon.com/smallbusinessgrants
49. Three Guineas Fund ~ http://www.3gf.org/
50. United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) East and Southeast Asia ~ www.unifem-eseasia.org
51. Verizon Foundation ~ http://foundation.verizon.com/
52. The Vermont Women’s Fund ~ www.vermontwomensfund.org
53. Google.org Impact Challenge on Climate Innovation ~g.co/climatechallenge.
54. Web of Benefit ~ www.webofbenefit.org
55. Whirlpool Foundation ~ https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/grantmaker-profile?collection=grantmakers&key=WHIR001
56. WHO Foundation ~ www.whofoundation.org/
57. Women’s Business Grants ~ www.womensbusinessgrants.com
58. Women’s Finance ~ www.womens-finance.com
59. Women’s Net ~ http://www.womensnet.net/
60. Women’s Fund of Central Indiana ~ www.cicf.org/page26569.cfm
61. The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham ~ http://www.womensfundbirmingham.org/
62. Women in the Skilled Trades Scholarships ~ https://www.refrigerationschool.com/financial-aid/scholarships/
63. Women’s Endowment Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver ~ http://www.jewishcommunityfoundation.com/
64. Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley ~ www.womensfoundation.org
65. Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund ~ http://www.rankinfoundation.org/
65. Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona ~ www.womengiving.org
67. Women’s Funding Network ~ www.wfnet.org
68. Women’s Philanthropy Institute ~ https://philanthropy.iupui.edu/institutes/womens-philanthropy-institute/index.html
69 Eileen Fisher Co. http://www.eileenfisher.com/EileenFisherCompany/CompanyGeneralContentPages/SocialConciousness/Women_Owned.jsp
70. Smart Women Grants (ZION BANK) ~ https://www.zionsbank.com/swsm_grant.jsp
71. The One Family Scholar ~ www.onefamilyinc.org
72.The Girls Going Places® Entrepreneurship Award Program ~ http://www.guardianlife.com/womens_channel/girls_going_places/girls_going_places.html
73. The Margaret MacNamara Memorial ~ Fund www.mmmf-grants.org/
74. Woman Owned ~ http://www.womanowned.com/
75. Society of Women Engineers ~ http://societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/scholarships
76. Go Girl! Grants ~ http://girlfriendfactor.org/go-girl-grants/
77. Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship ~ https://www.zonta.org/Global-Impact/Education/Women-in-Business-Scholarship
78. AARP Women’s Scholarship Foundation ~ http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/income/womens-scholarship-program/?cmp=RDRCT-WSC_Feb6_2012
79. Talbots Women’s Scholarship https://www.scholarshipamerica.org/talbotswomen
80. The Sunshine Lady Foundation ~ http://www.wispinc.org/
81. Women In Business Scholarships http://www.zonta.org/WhatWeDo/InternationalPrograms/JaneMKlausmanWomenInBusinessScholarship.aspx
82. Laurels Fund ~ http://www.efwa.org/scholarships_postgraduate.php
83. Michele L. McDonald Scholarship ~ http://www.efwa.org/scholarships_undergraduate.php
84. Rowling, Dold & Associates LLP Scholarship ~ https://www.petersons.com/scholarship/rowling-dold-associates-llp-scholarship-111_173719.aspx#/sweeps-modal
85. Scholarships4moms.com ~ http://www.scholarships4moms.net/form.php?c=253373187&forcelp=&ga_medium=html&ga_source=528&ga_name=Scholarships4Moms&ga_content=
86. Anita Borge Memorial Scholarship ~ http://www.google.com/anitaborg-emea/
87. Women Gamers scholarships ~ https://www.themarysue.com/women-in-games-scholarship/
88. Grants for Small Businesses funded by Verizon ~https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/small-business-relief-grants/verizon-big-concert-small-business
89. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards ~https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com/regional-awards
90. Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grant ~ https://www.merchantmaverick.com/grant-application-page
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