Growth Through Agriculture Mini-LOAN SFY2015-2016

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Mini-Loan program is a branch of the Montana Growth Through Agriculture Program established by the Montana Legislature to encourage economic and agricultural development through e ducation, p romotional, m arketing, t ravel and o ther business activities. To begin the application process for a Growth Through Agriculture Mini-Grant and/or Mini-Loan: Read the Mini-Loan program outline attached below to determine eligibility . Contact the Food and Agricultural Development Center network , a local economic development organization, and/or your regional Small Business Development Center to discuss your project, regulations that may apply (especially for food manufacturing businesses) and for assistance in applying for a Mini Loan. Register with the Montana Secretary of State . If your company is not already registered with the Montana Secretary of State, you may need to do so before going any further with the application process. Organizations other than Sole Proprietorships must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State prior to submittal of the Mini-Loan application. Register and apply online . The GTA Mini-Loan application is available online system at www.fundingmt.org . You may contact program staff to discuss your proposal by email at gta@mt.gov or by phone at 406-444-0511. If you are interested in applying, go to www.fundingmt.org to register and receive a password that will enable you to fill out and submit an application. Fill out an application . Go to www.fundingmt.org and login with your username and password. Go through the following steps to open up and start an application. Select “Funding Opportunities” from the menu list. Select the funding opportunity titled “AGR Growth Through Agriculture Mini-LOAN SFY2015-2016” under Opportunity Title. To open an application, click “Start a New Application”. If you have any questions about the eligibility of your project, please contact the GTA Manager, Angie Nelson, at the number listed above. Deadline: Open cycle as long as long as funding is available. Decision Timelines: Applicants should be aware that funding decisions will generally occur 6-8 weeks from receipt of the final application. Eligible Uses of Funds: Targeted Use of Funds (including but not limited to) 50% of the cost of – Small Processing Equipment Construction Infrastructure costs Inventory/Working Capital Costs Educational Activities NOTE: For-profit businesses are eligible for a 0% interest loan and 6 month deferral for marketing, promotional and educational activities.