EMFS Grant and Loan Programs
For Food and Farm Businesses
At Empowering Mountain Food Systems, we’re committed to helping Western North Carolina’s local food economy thrive. We offer two targeted funding opportunities to support farmers and food-based businesses in building capacity, increasing income, and strengthening their operations. Whether you’re just starting or growing an established operation, these funding options are designed to empower your next step. We’re here to support innovation, sustainability, and long-term success in our regional food system.
Grant
Jamie and Alena Melton with their kids Reese and Abigail at Jaar Farms, near Sylva. The Meltons participated in our Infrastructure and Equipment Financing Program with Partner Community Capital.
This grant supports local agricultural entrepreneurs by providing up to $3,000 in funding to help build farm capacity for increased production and income generation. The grant is intended to strengthen farm operations through targeted investments in equipment, infrastructure, technology, or sustainable practices that improve output and profitability. Ideal for beginning and established farms alike, this opportunity aims to foster economic resilience, encourage innovation, and enhance the long-term viability of our WNC local food system.
Who’s Eligible?
- Any food/fiber farmer, or food business in our 12-county service area: Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Yancey
- Any EBCI tribal food/fiber farmer or food business
- Not eligible – plant nurseries, flower farms, hemp farms, Christmas tree farms, or agritourism operations with the absence of food or fiber production
Eligible Uses of Funding Include:
- Purchasing supplies or tools to enhance productivity
- Investing in infrastructure improvements (e.g., irrigation, fencing, storage)
- Expanding crop or livestock operations
- Marketing or packaging materials to support product sales
Terms:
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Applicants meet with the Agribusiness Agent or Small Business Center Director to complete a budget worksheet analyzing costs and potential income.
- Cash awards are not made; EMFS staff work with each awardee to purchase specific products according to the grant award.
- Material orders may be picked up from a store location or delivered to the farmer or food business.
- Follow up at 6 & 12 months post award with the EMFS Team, including the preparation and sharing of these data points:
- An estimate of the financial and practical business improvements achieved from the loan.
- Metrics include staff changes, market diversification, an increase in acreage, and increased income.
Loan Match
This match is designed to support local agricultural entrepreneurs by providing 30% of the loan principal through matching funds to complement a secured loan through Partner Community Capital. The purpose of the match is to help build farm capacity for increased production and income generation. By matching loan investments, the match strengthens farm operations through targeted improvements in equipment, infrastructure, technology, or sustainable practices that boost efficiency and profitability. Open to both beginning and established farms, this opportunity promotes economic resilience, encourages innovation, and supports the long-term sustainability of the WNC local food system.
Click here to learn more: emfs_flyer_partner_capital.
Who’s Eligible:
- Any food/fiber farmer or food business in our 12-county service area: Buncombe, Burke, Cleveland, Haywood, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain, Watauga, Yancey
- Any EBCI tribal food/fiber farmer or food business
- Not eligible – plant nurseries, flower farms, hemp farms, Christmas tree farms, or agritourism operations with the absence of food or fiber production
Eligible Uses of Funding Include:
- Purchasing supplies or tools to enhance productivity
- Investing in infrastructure improvements (e.g., irrigation, fencing, storage)
- Expanding crop or livestock operations
- Implementing sustainable farming practices
- Marketing or packaging materials to support product sales
Terms:
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Loan applications are approved by Partner Capital. Application assistance is available from EMFS staff or Small Business Center staff.
- Follow up at 6 & 12 months post award with the EMFS Team, including the preparation and sharing of these data points:
- An estimate of the financial and practical business improvements achieved from the loan.
- Metrics include staff changes, market diversification, an increase in acreage, and increased income.
Loan Details:
- Interest rate: 8.5%-10.5%
- 1% origination fee
- Minimum loan amount: $10,500
- Maximum loan amount: $300,000
- 2-10 year terms; rates reset after 5 years for any loans >5 years
- No early payoff penalty
Required Loan Documentation:
- Partner Community Capital application: Fill out this interest form to see if you are eligible: http://bit.ly/4cTlAQJ
- Previous 2 years’ business tax returns
- Previous 2 years’ personal tax returns, for owners with 20% or greater ownership
- Legal entity documents such as Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, or Membership Agreement for LLCs, etc.
- Business plan
- Future 2 years’ business projections
- Enterprise budget for the funding request
- Business owner(s) personal financial statement, including a debt-to-asset ratio
- Resumes of business owner(s)
- Driver’s License or ID of business owner(s)
Limitations/Combination Restrictions:
- We seek to support as many farm businesses as possible. Grants are awarded up to 3K per farm, and repeat applications are not recommended.