Category: Small Business

Farmer’s Truck Grants of the Month

USDA – Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)

Deadline: June 5, 2026
Geography: Nationwide
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, cooperatives, local governments, food hubs, and regional food system organizations
Funding Focus: Local and regional food system development and infrastructure
Funding Amount: $25,000 – $500,000

Supports projects that strengthen food distribution systems, including aggregation, storage, logistics, and infrastructure tied to moving food into communities.

Cold chain, storage, distribution components, and even mobile market vehicles may be included when tied to launching or expanding a structured food access program, with funding focused on operations, routes, and impact.

This is a strong opportunity for organizations developing the operational and supply chain side of a mobile market program.

USDA – Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

Deadline: June 5, 2026
Geography: Nationwide
Who Can Apply: Nonprofits, local governments, Tribal entities, cooperatives, food councils, and community organizations
Funding Focus: Direct-to-consumer food access programs
Funding Amount: $50,000 – $500,000

Supports the community-facing side of mobile market programs, including outreach, staffing, vendor recruitment, SNAP/WIC integration, and overall market operations.

Funding is primarily focused on programming & market operations. Mobile market infrastructure may be included when positioned as part of a broader program with a clear funding plan.

This is a strong fit for organizations building or expanding the program and engagement side of a mobile market.

Explore how these grants could help you launch or expand your mobile market truck! Our team can help you complete applications, prepare submissions, and offer grant writing services to strengthen your proposals.

LET’S TALK

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Inventory

Inventory practices have a huge impact on the financial standing of Food and Beverage businesses.

Make sure yours are fit for purpose by joining CBIZ on April 30 for a wide-ranging webinar covering key aspects of inventory management.

Our food and beverage professionals will be presenting on accounting, tax, risk management, and technology, helping F&B unlock smarter financial strategies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain key insights into some straightforward inventory solutions that can help your business reach its full potential.

THURSDAY APRIL 30TH @ 2 PM ET

Welcome World Rewards Program

Calling all NYNJ small business owners! The Welcome World Rewards Program will connect residents and visitors with participating small businesses through a digital experience that rewards neighborhood exploration and drives foot traffic across New York and New Jersey communities. Businesses can register at no cost for the opportunity to be featured as a participating venue.

LEARN MORE

Certified Laboratories Webinar

There’s still time to register for our webinar!
Join our expert panel during Outsource Week, presented by Contract Laboratories, as they outline four essential considerations for evaluating a third-party testing lab. These insights will guide you in choosing a lab you can trust.
4 Expert Tips for Evaluating Third-Party Labs for Regulatory and Product-Release Testing
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 20
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST
In this complimentary webinar, you will learn about…
  • Reviewing the lab’s quality management system (QMS): Key factors to consider.
  • Understanding lab accreditation: Accreditations to look for and their significance.
  • Validating testing methods: Why validation matters and how it impacts reliability.
  • Regulatory risks of invalidated results: Why some results may not be shown on a COA and the associated risks.

Main Street Capital Program for Start-Ups

Governor Hochul has just announced the launch of the Main Street Capital Program, a new $10 million fund that will provide qualifying start-up and early-stage companies with access to affordable term loans up to $100,000. Part of New York’s broader State Small Business Credit Initiative efforts led by Empire State Development, this program will help bridge the financing gap experienced by many entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses.

This program offers minimal payments for the first 12 months of the loan to give businesses more flexibility as they launch and grow. Loans will be up to six years with a fixed interest rate of 9.9%. In the first year, borrowers will pay less-than-interest-only, with no principal payments during that time. Click here to learn more about the program launch.

Startups and early-stage businesses must complete a pre-application questionnaire. Based on their responses, they will be invited to complete a full application for the program, or they may be connected with their local Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC) or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for additional support.

For more information on the fund, eligibility, and requirements, please visit the program’s webpage.

Food Show PLUS! at CHFA NOW East

Expand Your Food Business to Canada with Food Show PLUS! at CHFA NOW East

We’re excited to share an opportunity for your business to explore the Canadian market! Food Export – Northeast is offering a Food Show PLUS! service at CHFA NOW East, Canada’s largest trade show dedicated to natural, organic, and wellness products. This event will take place in Toronto on September 21-22, 2024.

Key Benefits:

  • Connect with qualified buyers
  • Receive in-market briefings
  • Get on-site assistance
  • Participate in self-guided retail tours
  • Obtain post-show lead qualifications

 

Early Bird Registration: $250 (Deadline: July 21, 2024)

Standard Registration: $375 (Deadline: August 20, 2024)

 

🔗 Learn more: https://www.foodexport.org/events/market-entry/food-show-plus/m24cne/

 

For questions, please contact Logan Zweifel at lzweifel@foodexport.org or (215) 599-9748.

Trellus Acquires LocaLI Bred

LONG BEACH, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Trellus Same-Day Local Delivery & Marketplace announces the acquisition of LocaLI Bred, a Long Island-based company known for its unique curated gift boxes featuring local artisans and makers. Now known as “LocaLI Bred curated by Trellus,” the brand will continue the mission of supporting small businesses in Trellus’ expanding delivery service area.

Founded by Theresa Pinelli and Halie Geller in 2018, LocaLI Bred began as a home-based business, eventually settling at their Northport headquarters. They’ve worked with hundreds of local brands to sell nearly 20,000 subscription and gift boxes. LocaLI Bred has also bolstered Long Island’s economy, returning over half a million dollars to local makers through their purchases.

READ MORE

East End Food & Business Members – NOW Hiring

East End Food’s Job Recruitment Service offers the opportunity to apply to multiple farms and food businesses on Long Island, NY – through one application.

We connect individuals who are interested in working in sustainable farm and food businesses with those who want to share their expertise.

Get started by filling out our Job Recruitment Application and a member of the East End Food team will follow up with you within 1-2 weeks.

Now open: 2023 Small Business Credit Survey

The Federal Reserve Banks invite you to take our annual 10- to 12-minute survey of small business owners and the self-employed. You’re receiving this email because you or someone at your company responded to the survey in past years – thank you.

This survey is designed to track small business conditions and capital needs across the nation. Your confidential answers provide critical information to service providers, policymakers, and lenders to improve programs that help businesses like yours thrive.

Take the survey by November 17, 2023

For more information about the survey and to see past survey reports, visit: FedSmallBusiness.org. If you have any questions, please contact Emily Corcoran.

Thank you for your participation!

Made on LI: Subtle Tea Company

It’s iced tea made on Long Island! The Subtle Tea Company brews small batches in Ronkonkoma and it’s shipped out everywhere.
“Subtle Tea is the only organic craft brewed iced tea on the island — we think it’s important to taste tea first when you’re drinking Iced tea,” says owner Kyle Chandler.

Read the entire News12 article HERE

ESD Capital Grants – Round 13 CFA Open

The new Round of CFA funding is now open and could be a great program for LIFC members.

Below is the 2023 CFA Resources PDF

Please note: ESD Capital Grants, SPFS, Craft Beverage, and Non-Profit grants are subject to the July 28th deadline.

Guidance for ESD programs including Capital Grants and Strategic Planning and Feasibility studies can be found on page 7 of the PDF and on page 133
there are also two new programs from ESD for craft beverage businesses and non-profits.

Click HERE to learn more about the Craft Beverage Micro-Grant Program

More information about the round and the Strategic Planning and Feasibility application can be found here: https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/.

Energy Efficiency Natural Gas – National Grid Rebates

We understand the importance of energy efficiency upgrades that will decrease operating costs and increase profit margins. That is why we have developed energy efficiency programs specifically for our commercial customers.

If your business is on a firm gas heating rate, you could be eligible for the following incentives for high-efficiency gas heating equipment.

The flyers below outline a majority of the rebates offered to National Grid customers.

NGrid Commercial OnePager – Outlines all of our offerings in one place. This flyer is the most comprehensive.

NGrid CI Kitchen Equipment – Outlines the rebates offered to customers after purchasing kitchen equipment.

Commercial Direct Install – Explains offerings free to the customer that will save gas (IE spray valves, faucet aerators, thermostats).

2023 Global NY Export Experts Tour

Expand Your Presence in the Global Marketplace

Empire State Development’s Global New York Division is taking its expertise on the road!

Global New York programs connect companies with sales agents and distributors abroad and offset the costs of exporting with grants and loans, as well as help New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace.

From June 12 – 16, Global New York is bringing its eight foreign office representatives from Canada, Mexico, Europe (U.K.), South Africa, Israel, India, the Caribbean, and China on an eight-stop export promotion tour to regions across New York State.

Join us on the 2023 Global New York Export Experts Tour and learn how to expand your presence in the global marketplace.

To attend an event and information regarding multiple locations and dates, please visit https://esd.ny.gov/global-ny-trade-promotion-tour

Summer Internship Opportunity

Cornell AgriTech is offering a summer internship program. They are looking for talented undergraduate students with an interest in food and beverage business to work with them in beautiful Geneva, NY this summer.

Details:
This nine-week internship program will focus on the business development of food and beverage companies.
Students will have the opportunity to learn about:

    • Entrepreneurship
    • Food and beverage production
    • General business operations
    • Cornell food and beverage research and technology
    • Emerging food innovation and trends
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Government economic incentives
    • Capital investments
    • Business-to-business partnerships
    • Supply chain issues
  • Students will work with Center of Excellence experts and actual companies to gain knowledge about success in the food and beverage industry.
  • Site visits will allow students to see food company operations firsthand.
  • Students will develop a comprehensive databases and guides that will help small businesses grow.
  • Benefits include housing and a $4,825 stipend.

Long Island Job Fair

We would like to invite you to the 2nd LI Food, Beverage & Hospitality Job Fair!

The Job Fair will take place at Hotel Indigo East End on Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Hotel Indigo East End is located at 1830 West Main Street Rt 25, Riverhead, NY 11901. There is no fee to participate. A table and chairs will be provided for you. There will be an employer breakfast and informational session for employers from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the Employer Registration form and send it back to SCDOLevents@suffolkcountyny.gov at your earliest convenience.

Also below is the event flyer for job seekers. Share it with friends, family, and neighbors who are interested in a career in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.

Attracting and Retaining Employees

Webinar: March 1, 2022

Time: 10:00am – 11:00am

Remote work, flexible hours, and an emphasis on a more diverse workforce have begun to alter recruiting and onboarding for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). As the economy recovers, SMBs must reimagine how they attract and onboard talent, if they hope to attract and retain the best and the brightest in their industry.

In this webinar, you will hear directly from talent and organization management experts about a variety of best practices for recruiting and onboarding an empowered and diverse workforce in a virtual world.

Learn More and Register

Virtual Conversation with Rachel Hersh and the Independent Beauty Association

Join Rachel Hersh of Prestige Capital, in partnership with the Independent Beauty Association, for the upcoming webinar:

Who said you need EQUITY when all you need is LIQUIDITY?

Thursday, January 20, 2022 – 3pm EST

Ms. Hersh’s guests save $50 at registration when they use this coupon code: IBA50.
Feel free to share this event and code with anyone you believe will benefit from this valuable information.

Event Description

Rachel Hersh of Prestige Capital is on a mission to shift the conversation about accessing growth capital. With 24 years of financing experience, she is focused on helping businesses and brands grow and scale and to better understand their funding options and cashflow management. Rachel’s unique storytelling approach uses real-life examples to simplify invoice financing and factoring – little-known forms of financing that allow companies to grow and scale rapidly without giving up or diluting equity.

Join Dr. Akemi Ooka in this interactive webinar as she talks with Rachel Hersh of Prestige Capital about real-world strategies for indie brands and businesses to scale quickly and creatively.

To join, register here:

members.independentbeauty.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1586847&group=

Learn more about IBA here:
independentbeauty.org

Learn more about Prestige Capital here:
prestigecapital.com/

Support NYS Small Businesses this Holiday Season

Fuzehub has compiled a list of NY-based small businesses that they encourage you to support this holiday season!

These companies have come through the Fuzehub Solutions Program, Innovation Fund, or one of Fuzehub’s other programs (Build4Scale, Manufacturing Reimagined, etc). If you are looking for a unique gift for a loved one, look no further than your own backyard.

Click HERE to view the list.

NYS Event: NYS COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program (NYSTAR)

Learn more about the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program
Companies should join the meeting if they meet the following criteria:

  • Must have been in operation on or before 3/1/2019 (and be operating now)
  • Must have 2020 Gross receipts between $25,000 and $2,500,000
  • Must have had at least $1 profit on 2019 tax return
  • Must show 25% loss of gross receipts from 2019 to 2020
  • Did not receive PPP in excess of $250,000.

There will be an opportunity to learn more on December 13, 2021 at 1pm.
The link to join the meeting is:
https://meetny.webex.com/meetny/onstage/g.php?MTID=e90f72df426ff8bd680287a46d3134d14

Further details about the program can be found here:
State of New York Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program (nysmallbusinessrecovery.com)

What is HSBC Roar

What is HSBC Roar?

Successful applicants will be invited to join one of two groups taking place in each location. Each group will welcome five entrepreneurs. Each month, you will be invited to attend an exclusive, 1.5-hour virtual workshop, hosted by a renowned female entrepreneur on a key topic. Following this, you will have access to an invaluable bank of resources and additional materials including online tutorials, worksheets, and readings, to continue developing the insights shared. Throughout the program, you will also have access to a qualified Executive Coach from Ignition Coaching, an executive coaching, and corporate training company.

How to apply – You can apply for this exciting opportunity if your company is:

  • Less than 5 years old
  • Headquartered in the UK, HK SAR, or the US
  • Revenue up to USD3m
  • Operating internationally or plans to do so in future

You will also have needed to have raised investment previously and/or have immediate plans to do so

If you have answered yes to all of the above then HSBC Roar could be for you.

To find out more and apply please click here: http://promo.allbrightcollective.com/partnership/hsbc/roar/.