Between 2019 and 2023, the EmPOWERing Mountain Food Systems (EMFS) project provided assistance and funding to food and farming businesses by way of cost-share, low-interest loans; direct grants; free business counseling services; the apprenticeship program; and support for value added food production. We had the pleasure of assisting and becoming friends with so many wonderful clients!

• We worked with the Small Business Centers of Tri-County, Haywood and Southwestern Community Colleges to connect agriculture folks to the amazing business consultation services and trainings that these centers provide.
• Through our Advanced Business Services program, we were able to assist existing or start-up businesses with employee management, legal consultation and referrals, cost-share, grants and loans to help them thrive.
• Through our partnership with Center for Agricultural and Food Entrepreneurship (CAFE), our clients received assistance with product development, from recipe development to marketing and production.
• Our Scholarship and Honorarium program covered the cost of producers, educators, nutrition educators, Cooperative Extension agents, business owners, and others attending professional conferences or events that will help grow local food businesses in the region. Honorariums were awarded for clients who committed to supply production or business presentations in the region or who participated in advisory board deliberations
• Our Mountain Food and Farm Apprenticeship connected curious students with paid 12-week part-time internships with local food and farm businesses in our region.
• The Equipment and Supplies funds provided many needed resources for coolers, trailers and barn construction. Clients paid 5% of the cost and EMFS covered the remaining 95%, up to $1,500. For equipment over $15,000 we connected our clients with Natural Capital Investment Fund who supplied a loan for 70% of the cost, while EMFS was able to cost-share up to $7,500 or 30% directly to the vendor.

EMFS Program FAQ’s for 2019-2022 Operations

What can grant and loan money be used for? Equipment, infrastructure, and supplies to increase production and income.

What documentation is required for Loan Services and Cost Shares?  An application must be submitted, including an enterprise budget describing project costs and the estimated increase in production and income with a corresponding time frame. Each Small Business Center in the region is available to help fill out an enterprise budget and complete the application process.

Are there program participation requirements? Yes. This project aims to increase farmer and food business skills. We are partnering with three Small Business Centers in the region located at Haywood Community College, Southwestern Community College, and Tri County Community College. Each applicant can meet with their SBC director or our Advanced Business Consultant to assess their readiness to submit a grant or loan application, but only after submitting the intake form and requesting assistance through EMFS programs.

How do I receive funding for the grant/loan programs (Excludes Scholarships and Honorariums)? Funds are paid directly to the vendor. No funds will be issued directly  to individuals/businesses.

What are additional sources of financial resources? There are numerous federal, state and local grant and loan programs available for farm and food businesses. Please see our resource page for additional funding sources.

I’m just starting my food or farm business, do I qualify for funds? Yes, we aim to support new and beginning farmers. We are not supporting ‘hobby farms.’ as part of this program. We require a business plan process to be in place during the application process.

What are the conditions of receiving funds? Lenders will determine eligibility based on financial capacity and EMFS has no influence  over loan eligibility or decisions. Grant awards are contingent on business plans and strength of application.

What are the conditions for receiving grants? A local committee will decide grant awards on a rolling basis.

What kind of business support do you offer? Each Small Business Center offers free one-on-one counseling as well as free courses to help businesses. The project also provides advanced business services through tenBiz, a business support firm located in Sylva. tenBiz manager, Tonya Snider will work with clients to determine business needs and match clients with professional services including but not limited to legal, accounting and marketing.

Do I qualify for a loan? Each loan award is decided on by a variety of factors. A business with a history of success, a strong business plan, support from partners, and the potential to increase profits will have more success acquiring a loan. New businesses can still qualify for a loan but will need to show personal assets and financial stability in addition to a well thought out business plan.