2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant

Agribusiness Incubator Program 2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant Application Deadline: May 3, 2013, 4:00 p.m. Contact Information: Agribusiness Incubator Program Email: agincubator@ctahr.hawaii.edu Telephone: 808-956-3530 Fax: 808-956-3547 Need: Many of Hawaii’s agricultural producers would be able to enhance the viability of their operations by producing value-added agricultural products (typically processed food). However, new potential food processors and manufacturers in Hawaii face considerable obstacles due to the lack of contract manufacturing capacity in the state combined with the high cost of transportation. The option for those desiring to produce processed food products is typically to begin manufacturing themselves on a small scale, which requires expertise and capital that they often do not possess. Objective/Funding: To assist existing or potential food manufacturers, especially those of value-added agricultural products, with equipment and guidance that will facilitate startup/growth. Approximately $27,000 will be awarded across one or more applicants for the purchase of equipment and/or services detailed in their proposal(s). Eligibility: Hawaii-based companies that manufacture, or intend to manufacture, products containing Hawaii-grown agricultural products. Proposal Process and Requirements: Applicants will develop a proposal using the template supplied below. Proposal shall use 12-point font, have 1” margins, and not exceed 4 pages. Proposal will be submitted via email to the address listed above by the deadline listed above. Proposals meeting the above requirements will be reviewed by AIP and scored by the Evaluation Criteria below. AIP may, at their discretion, communicate with applicants to seek clarification on any portion of the applications. Applicants whose proposals are not selected for funding will be notified by e-mail by 5/24/2013. Applicants whose proposals are selected for funding (awardees) will be notified by e-mail by 5/24/2013, and schedule an initial meeting with AIP by 6/7/2013. AIP will work with awardees to develop mini-business plans and procure proposed equipment/services by 8/2/2013. Awardees will supply progress and impact information to AIP relevant to the proposed project by 11/1/2013. Proposal Evaluation Criteria: Potential impact of project on company’s growth – 40% The likelihood and degree to which successful implementation of the project (e.g., purchase and use of proposed equipment) will allow the company to grow. Examples include but are not limited to increasing revenue, reducing costs, and launching product(s). Potential impact of project on Hawaii agriculture – 20% The likelihood and degree to which successful implementation of the project will support and/or increase production of Hawaii agriculture and the viability/success of Hawaii agribusiness(es). Proposed approach – 20% The soundness of the proposed approach, including objectives, timetables, budgets, methodology, and expected outcomes. Relative value of funding – 20% The amount of the requested funds relative to the potential impacts and relative to the amount of matching funds by the applicant (matching not required). Proposal Template: See following 4 pages. Agribusiness Incubator Program 2013 Value-Added Agricultural Product Manufacturing Grant Proposed Project Title: _______________________________________________ Applicant Information Your Name: ________________________________________________________________ Company Name: ____________________________________________________________ Company Address: __________________________________________________________ Primary Phone: ______________ Email:_______________________________________ Website (if any): ____________________________________________________________ Amount Requested: __________________________ Cash Match: ___________________ Narrative Company/owner background Project objective, including planned products and operations Expected impact on Hawaii agriculture Specific plan to achieve objective, including marketing as applicable Permits Will any part of your project require a Federal, State or county permit? If so, what actions you have taken to obtain the required permit(s), and how much time you think the process will take. Are you Food Safety Certified? If not, and you are producing a commercial food product, what is your plan to become certified? Timeline/Budget Please describe each major activity to implement the described project and the estimated cost of that activity, and indicate when it will be started and completed. If you think your project may continue beyond the end of the year, please explain. Activity Cost to Company Cost to Grant Timeframe Example: Purchase SuperMixer model XW-12 and ship to Hawaii $100 $1000 8/2013 – 9/2013 Example: Harvest berries $0 $0 9/2013 – 9/2013 Example: Advertise in Yummy Honolulu $500 $0 11/2013-11/2013 Total “Cash Match” $ $ Total “Amount Requested” Revenue and Expense Last Year (or attach Tax Return or accounting system Income Statement) This year (projected) Next year (projected) Notes Revenue Product/service 1 (specify) Product/service 2 (specify) Other revenue 1 (specify) Other revenue 2 (specify) Total Revenue Expenses Sales and marketing Research and development Wages and salaries Outside services Supplies Rent Equipment Repairs and maintenance Utilities and communication Insurance Travel Taxes Other expense 1 (specify) Other expense 2 (specify) Other expense 3 (specify) Other expense 4 (specify) Other expense 5 (specify) Other expense 6 (specify) Other expense 7 (specify) Other expense 8 (specify) Other expense 9 (specify) Other expense 10 (specify) Total Expenses Net Profit I certify that the information on this application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and that details may be audited for verification. _________________________ ____________________________ ______________ Printed Name Signature Date