SWVA Agribusiness Success Center
With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant (RCDG), Appalachian Sustainable Development is opening the Southwest Virginia Agribusiness Success Center at our food hub in Duffield, Virginia.
The Agribusiness Success Center will serve as a regional hub for rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and small businesses by providing business education, technical assistance, and access to resources that support startup and business growth. As part of this effort, the Center will offer Business Kickstarter Awards, providing one-time awards of $5,500 to eligible businesses that complete the Center’s Business Kickstarter Program.
These awards are designed to help businesses address early challenges and take the next step toward sustainable growth while strengthening the regional economy.
Keep scrolling down to learn more about the Kickstarter Award.
General Coursework information
The Southwest Virginia Agribusiness Success Center offers a Kickstart Curriculum focused on key topics required for business readiness and growth. The curriculum includes structured courses covering:
Marketing
Business Planning
Financial Management
Legal Requirements & Licensing/Certifications
Program Start Date: February 11, 2026
Courses are offered twice monthly, with topics rotating throughout the Kickstart Program to align with different stages of business development. The program begins with a general information session on February 11, 2026, offered during two time blocks:
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Additional curriculum-related questions can be addressed during scheduled office hours on Thursdays from 10:00–12:00, available in 15-minute slots by appointment or email.
Business Kickstarter Awards
The Business Kickstarter Awards provide early-stage and growing businesses with targeted funding and hands-on support to help move from planning to action.
Through the Southwest Virginia Agribusiness Success Center, up to 24 awards of $5,500 are available. These funds are designed to help address early or ongoing challenges identified in a business or expansion plan and support continued growth.
Award Requirements
What is a business plan?
A business plan is a clear, written roadmap for a business. It explains what the business does, who it serves, how it operates, and how it will make money—both now and as it grows.
At its core, a business plan typically outlines:
The business idea – your mission, vision, and goals
Products or services – what you offer and why it matters
Target market – who your customers are and what they need
Competitive landscape – who else is out there and how you stand out
Marketing and sales strategy – how you’ll reach and retain customers
Operations – how the business runs day to day
Financials – costs, revenue, and projections for sustainability
Think of it as both a planning tool (to guide decisions) and a communication tool (to share your vision with partners, funders, or lenders). It doesn’t have to be long or complicated—what matters most is that it clearly shows where the business is now and where it’s headed.
Financial Documentation includes:
- IRS designation
- Farm Number (if applicable)
- Audit for businesses operating longer than five (5) years
- Financial statements for 2025, or 2026 if 2025 statements are not available
What is a spending plan?
A spending plan is a simple, intentional outline of how money will be used over a set period of time. It shows where funds are coming from and how they will be allocated to cover expenses and support goals.
In practice, a spending plan typically includes:
Income or available funds – money coming in or funds on hand
Fixed expenses – costs that stay mostly the same (rent, utilities, insurance)
Variable expenses – costs that may change (supplies, marketing, travel)
Savings or reinvestment goals – money set aside for growth or future needs
Unlike a budget—which can feel restrictive—a spending plan is meant to be flexible and proactive, helping individuals or businesses make thoughtful decisions about their money and adjust as circumstances change.
In a business setting, a spending plan helps ensure funds are used efficiently, priorities are clear, and financial decisions align with short- and long-term goals.
Workshop Participation
Applicants must include proof of participation in one (1) workshop.
1:1 Consultation
Applicants must include proof of two (2) one-on-one consultations, including:
- The Business Development Specialist
- One additional ASD Staff member
Eligible Uses of Funds
Kickstarter Award funds may be used for approved business development expenses, including:
- Marketing and branding
- Licensing or certification fees
- Early equipment purchases for new or value-added products
- Online retail or e-commerce setup
- Other approved business development needs
Application Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling quarterly basis:
- Applications Due: March 31 | June 30 | September 30
- Reviewed By: April 7 | July 7 | October 7
- First Payment Issued By: April 14 | July 14 | October 14
Have questions?
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