Heartland Regional Food Business Center - Kansas
Supporting local farm and food-based businesses.
RESOURCE NETWORK
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center helps farm and food enterprises start up, grow, and make supply chain connections needed to serve growing demand for local and regionally produced food.
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 across the nation established in 2023 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the development of a more resilient, diverse, and competitive food system. It consists of over 30 partners to provide these services.
LOCALIZED SERVICES
Comprised of over 30 partners, including K-State Research and Extension, Kansas Rural Center, and others, the Heartland Regional Food Business Center provides localized, proactive assistance to small, mid-size, and diverse entrepreneurs.
Technical Assistance
Farm and food business development, including training, business planning, mentorship, marketing, and help accessing financing and other support.
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- Sign up for technical assistance: heartlandfoodbusiness.org/contact/
Coordination
Connection to other needed businesses in the food value chain, such as processors and distributors. Connection to local, state, and national funding and other resources.
Capacity Building
Grant funding for next-step investments (Business Builder Subawards expected late 2024). Business assistance to local and regional food system initiatives in the region.
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- Contact a local partner: heartlandfoodbusiness.org/partners
- USDA Regional Food Business Centers Program: ams.usda.gov/regionalcenters
Kansas Technical Assistance Partners
About Us
K-State Research and Extension and Kansas Rural Center are serving as key partners, serving the state of Kansas and coordinating Kansas collaborator organizations. Learn about the resources available to Kansas entrepreneurs through the Heartland RFBC below.
Our Process
- Heartland Center meets with clients to determine business needs.
- Refers client to appropriate collaborators for technical assistance.
- To receive technical assistance from the Heartland Center contact heartlandfoodbusiness.org/contact/
Business Builder Grant
- Full grant funding between $5,000-$50,000
- Deadline: Second round will be due mid-March 2025.
- Allowable costs: Building a website or online store, marketing expenses, feasibility studies, packaging, cost related to project personnel, equipment used only for research, scientific, or technical activities related to the project, such as cold storage, bottling equipment, or delivery vehicles.
- Complete technical assistance and receive up to 5 bonus points for your application.
Technical Assistance & Resources
Heartland Center Key Partner: K-State Research and Extension
Funding is provided through Business Builder grant and professional development scholarships. Provide one-on-one technical assistance and refer clients to relevant resource providers.
Heartland Center Key Partner: Kansas Rural Center
Provide beginner farm support and business plans.
KS Value Added Food Labs
Provide up to $400 to support food testing and labeling for up to two products.
KS Department of Agriculture & From the Land of Kansas
Assist with food safety training and compliance. Provide one-on-one business support. Up to $200 per business, to support marketing, e-commerce, logo design, website consultation, and UPC codes through From the Land of Kansas.
Shop Kansas Farms
Assisting businesses to develop consultant business.
Kansas Small Business Development Center
Provides business management tasks including business plans, marketing, and financial assistance.
Let's Connect!
heartlandfoodbusiness.org | heartlandfoodbusiness.org/ contact | heartlandrfbc@ksu.edu
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.