The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM)’s Trade Show Assistance Grants provide Vermont agricultural, food, and forestry businesses with funds to exhibit and sell their Vermont products at trade shows targeting out-of-state buyers.
Donor Name: Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
State: Vermont
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/21/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
These matching grants can partially offset the expenses associated with exhibiting at trade shows, which provide excellent opportunities to network with wholesale buyers and expand into new domestic and international markets. Businesses may not apply for funding to support attendance at trade shows they have already attended five or more times, unless they have not attended within the last three years.
Funding Information
- The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative has set aside $30,000.
- The Minimum grant amount is $2,000 and the maximum grant amount is $7,500.
Grant Period
April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.
Eligible Proposals
Eligible proposals must assert that:
- Proposed trade show(s) target out-of-state buyers. Typically, trade shows based in Vermont would not be eligible. However, there are exceptions in which regional, or even international trade shows happen to be held here. These shows are eligible if they meet the other requirements in this document. Please contact the grant program manager with questions.
- Applicant has previously attended trade show no more than 4 times. This grant will fund up to 5 years of attendance at a single trade show. If the applicant has attended a trade show more than four times, but has not attended in three or more years, they are eligible.
- The proposed budget demonstrates a minimum of a 25% cash match contribution. This grant will reimburse eligible costs for each trade show up to 75%.
- Proposed trade show is in the business to business (wholesale) format. Direct to consumer shows are not eligible for this funding.
- Funding will be used for the following approved expenses:
Eligibility Criteria
Vermont-based agricultural, food, and forestry businesses that meet the following criteria are eligible to receive funds through this grant:
- Business is registered with the Vermont Secretary of State (unless they are a sole proprietor) and has been in business for over one year.
- Business or its headquarters are located within Vermont.
- Business has three or more wholesale accounts.
- Business’ products meet the Vermont Local Definition as defined in Act 129. If you are unsure if your products meet the Vermont Local definition.
For more information, visit AAFM.
