Navigating Grant Applications with Expert, Stephen Ussery, Founder of Stewards Unlimited

In the latest episode of our podcast, we sat down with Stephen Ussery from Steward's Unlimited to discuss the complexities and opportunities surrounding grant applications for agricultural businesses. Whether you're a farmer, rancher, or involved in meat processing, understanding these opportunities can be pivotal for growth and expansion. Listen in or catch the full conversation on YouTube!

Meet the Expert, Stephen Ussery, Founder of Stewards Unlimited

Katie Olthoff, co-founder of Chop Local, kicked off the conversation by welcoming Stephen Ussery. Their discussion revealed invaluable insights into the agricultural programs and the impact these grants can have on businesses. Stephen, a consultant in grant writing and business planning, shared how his firm helps clients navigate the often overwhelming process of evaluating and applying for grants.

Understanding the Grant Landscape

Stephen explained Steward’s Unlimited’s core focus: guiding businesses through grant writing, particularly with USDA programs. They assist in evaluating opportunities, designing projects, and managing applications. Stephen emphasized the importance of feasibility studies, particularly for grants like the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPE), highlighting how these studies can be crucial in evaluating the viability of large-scale projects.

Strategic Planning: The Key to Grant Success

Katie and Stephen discussed the strategic planning involved in submitting successful grant applications. They highlighted the necessity of a well-crafted business plan and emphasized thinking critically about potential projects and their alignment with grant goals. Stephen advised starting early and seeking professional guidance to avoid being overwhelmed when deadlines approach.

Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG): A Game Changer

Another major opportunity discussed was the Value Added Producer Grant (VAPG). Stephen considers it one of the top grants for agribusinesses, offering working capital for market expansion. He detailed how this grant differs by allowing funding for ongoing business activities instead of requiring wholly new endeavors. Potential uses include purchasing finished animals for processors, covering processing fees, hiring staff, and expanding marketing efforts.

Success through Planning and Expertise

The conversation revealed valuable tips for both novice and experienced grant applicants. Stephen stressed the importance of having a detailed action plan and securing professional advice when necessary. Katie underscored the value of receiving professional feedback and iterating on previous applications, sharing her personal experience of resubmitting and succeeding on her second attempts.

Embracing Technology: AI in Grant Writing

A unique portion of the discussion touched on using AI tools for grant writing. Both Katie and Stephen shared their experiences leveraging AI to improve efficiency and maintain consistency across application documents. This approach can significantly simplify the process, provided the user inputs precise and detailed prompts.

Moving Forward: Timing and Preparation

As the conversation concluded, both experts stressed the importance of preparation, encouraging listeners to start early and leverage available resources such as feasibility studies and marketing plans. For those interested, Stephen recommended signing up for grant alerts on Steward's Unlimited’s website to remain updated on upcoming opportunities.

Unlocking the potential of your agricultural business through grants requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and sometimes, external expertise. By preparing in advance and leveraging resources and technology, farmers and processors can position themselves for success in obtaining these valuable funding opportunities.

For more insights and specific guidance, visit Steward's Unlimited’s website and join the dedicated community of agricultural professionals striving to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance navigating the grant application landscape. Together, we can harness these opportunities to drive growth and innovation in agriculture.