Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program

Related Resources

Connecticut’s agriculture industry, including producers, food businesses, and non-profits sourcing CT Grown farm products, can access new one-on-one business technical assistance and grant coaching. Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is utilizing funds available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Resilient Food System Infrastructure Grant Program (RFSI) to contract with three separate entities to provide an array of services, including but not limited to, market diversification and development, supply chain coordination, and business and financial planning. 

Please note, you do not have to be a grantee of the RFSI program to receive free assistance.

The three entities are the CT Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Carrot Project, and Tierra Viva Collective. Each will have specific areas of assistance for program participants as follows:

CT Small Business Development Center 

  • Business advising and planning
  • Grant writing assistance prior to application submissions, focused on DoAg programs
  • Supporting farm/food system businesses more broadly by providing access to all appropriate CTSBDC services, including:
    • Advising in business and product strategy, access to financing, financial management, accessing markets and customers, and other areas as needed
    • Providing in-depth assistance to those who are more specifically looking for assistance on the market side of their business (i.e. getting into new markets, creating value added products, assisting producers with a marketing strategy, etc.)
    • Leveraging CTSBDC’s proprietary and licensed business management tools and databases
    • Assisting clients in strategies to diversify their products and market outlets
    • Providing access to CTSBDC’s Business Financial Literacy and Credit Counselling and Immigrant Entrepreneur Assistance programs

Learn more.
To get started, complete the CT SBDC Agricultural intake form.

Carrot Project

The Carrot Project supports the financial viability of farm and food businesses by providing information, training, skill-building, and access to capital within a comprehensive support ecosystem. Their work prioritizes businesses facing barriers to financial sustainability and is rooted in a commitment to an inclusive food system. The Carrot Project's programs serve start-up, early-stage, expanding, and established farm, food, and fishery businesses—from those accessing land for the first time to those undergoing a farm transition. Services are free for most clients, with a cost-share for those above asset or income guidelines.

Business Advising & Coaching: The Carrot Project provides personalized, one-on-one advising to help clients meet their business goals and improve long-term viability. Their services have a proven record of increasing farm profitability.

Training: Nervous with numbers or have limited experience? Check out their website, calendar, and newsletter to increase your financial know-how! These tools are available nationwide.

Loans & Capital Readiness: The organization offers expert guidance in preparing loan or grant applications, securing loans and loan guarantees, and identifying the most suitable forms of capital for your needs.

Learn more.

To get started, email jcole@thecarrotproject.org

Tierra Viva Collective

They help early-stage land-based projects cut through administrative barriers by building alternative systems rooted in community values. They also support land stewards in securing funding, setting up collaborative structures, and building strong, local supply chains.

Their assistance helps farmers and producers clarify goals, grow their enterprises, and build sustainable food distribution networks rooted in equity and shared ownership. Through tailored mentorship, collaborative research, and capacity-building workshops, they support the long-term vision of community-owned land and food systems across the region.

 

To get started email hello@tierravivacollective.org

 

Agricultural producers or agribusinesses interested in working with any of the above organizations are welcome to contact them directly or reach out to Cyrena.Thibodeau@ct.gov, 860-895-3094.