JACKSON, Wyo. — Three local food businesses have been awarded grant money from the Startup Business Builder program.
Of the 24 projects in Wyoming that were granted funding, three are in Teton County, two are in Pinedale and one is in Afton. Quinoa Good in Jackson received grant money for its e-commerce launch; Slow Food in the Tetons will utilize its funds on software integration for food market operations; and Jackson Hole Chip Company plans to purchase a delivery vehicle.
Farther outside of Jackson, Mountain Fresh Produce in Pinedale plans to acquire a refrigerated van; Silver Stream Farm (formerly Satchitananda Farm) in Pinedale will use the money on a local produce marketing expansion; and Shumway Farms in Afton will upgrade its ice cream freezing system.
The Wyoming Regional Food Business Center (WYRFBC) launched the Startup Business Builder grant program in 2024. Applicants could apply for up to $15,000 to assist in expansion of post-production operations. The 24 grantees were awarded a total of $313,000. The grant was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center (RFBC).
The WYRFBC team required that applicants participate in a free six-part education series titled “Market Course: A Guide to Selling Wyoming Local Foods,” which was hosted in partnership with the University of Wyoming Extension. According to the press release, “Pairing technical assistance with monetary awards increases the likelihood of business success and efficient use of the funds.”
The press release also states that recent federal legislation has eliminated funding for the RFBC, and those changes will go into effect September 15. The grantees were informed that the awards will still be distributed in accordance with RFBC’s mission.
