Move Your AG Idea Forward With South Carolina's Grant Program
South Carolina Farmers & Agribusiness Innovators
Build the future
of agriculture
Apply for up to a $30,000 grant and get expert support to grow your idea, your business, and your impact.
Applications open December 1st, 2025 & close on February 2nd, 2026
South Carolina Farmers
& Agribusiness Innovators
Build the future
of agriculture
Apply for up to a $30,000 grant and get expert support to grow your idea, your business, and your impact.
Applications open December 1st, 2025 & close on February 2nd, 2026
Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness
Why Apply For The Cultivating Innovation: Making Small Farms Big Business Grant?
Watch This Brief Video
The Wells Fargo Foundation proudly supports the Cultivating Innovation: Making Small Farms Big Business grant, empowering South Carolina farmers with essential funding for cutting-edge agricultural advancements.
These grants fund sustainable technologies, efficient farming practices, and market expansion initiatives, enabling producers to boost yields, cut costs, and thrive amid climate challenges—fostering resilient, prosperous rural communities.
Wells Fargo is committed to helping fuel rural small business growth across South Carolina.
Access Growth Capital
Test ideas faster
Strengthen rural businesses
Close The Gap Between Idea & Impact
You juggle production, pilots, and paperwork while costs climb and margins tighten. Without flexible capital and trusted partners, good ideas stall at the edge of the field.
A clear path forward changes what’s possible.
access funding Built for
sC agriculture
We fund South Carolina-built solutions that improve efficiency, profitability, or market access on the farm and across agribusiness. If you run a company with a working product or pilot, you’ll be happy to see our clear criteria and straightforward application.
Funding pairs with practical support so you can move faster with confidence.
Who This Program Is For
Whether you run a family farm, a small agribusiness, or you’re developing technology to solve real problems in agriculture, this program is built for you.
Ready to take your innovation further? We’re here to help.
Click HERE to view elgibility requirements
Your Path To Funding Is Simple
This South Carolina program funds agricultural innovations from established farmers and agribusinesses ready to build, test, or scale. It’s the only grant focused solely on agricultural innovation in South Carolina.
Here’s how we guide you from application to award.
Step 1
Apply online with your business story, innovation proposal, and a short video pitch.
Step 2
Our expert panel reviews each application using a clear scoring rubric.
Step 3
If selected, join a supportive cohort, attend training webinars, and connect with mentors.
Step 4
Complete the program and receive up to $30,000 award at our Innovation Showcase.
Work with people who know your field
We sit at kitchen tables, walk fields, and review plans with operators and builders across the state, every season.
We understand tight margins, seasonal deadlines, and the pressure to show results.
Our advisors and resource partners will help you refine your approach, connect with trials, and prepare for what’s next.
You’ll get simple guidance, office-hours support, and a how-to webinar before you apply.
Our Mission
We believe that the future of South Carolina agriculture starts with bold ideas and practical solutions. Our mission is to help small and medium-sized farms and agribusinesses thrive by supporting innovation at every stage, from hands-on problem-solving in the field to cutting-edge technology in the lab.
We connect farmers, entrepreneurs, and business organizations with the funding, mentorship, and resources they need to move their ideas forward. Whether you’re streamlining your operations, developing new products, or tackling sustainability challenges, we’re here to help you grow.
The Cultivating Innovation: Making Small Farms Big Business grant, sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation and powered by SCRA, SC SBDC, and other key partners, offers direct support for those ready to make a difference. We bring together experts, advisors, and resource partners who understand the realities of agriculture and the excitement of building something new.
Join a network that values tradition, rewards creativity, and believes every South Carolina farmer and innovator deserves a clear path to success.
Here’s how we guide you from application to award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Farmers, agribusiness owners, and innovators based in South Carolina who are ready to improve agricultural productivity or launch new solutions.
Do I need advanced tech skills?
No. We welcome applicants with all backgrounds. The application and support resources are designed to be simple and approachable.
What kind of projects are eligible?
We fund innovations in products, services, processes, technology adoption, business models, and social or environmental impact. If your idea makes agriculture better, we want to hear from you.
What support do you offer?
Participants receive mentorship, training webinars, technical assistance, and access to a network of resource partners.
How does the application process work?
Apply online with your business story, innovation proposal, and a short video pitch. Our expert panel reviews applications using a clear rubric.
What happens if I’m selected?
You’ll join a cohort, attend training, connect with mentors, and present your project at the Innovation Showcase. Upon completion, you receive your $30,000 award.
How do I get help during the process?
Our advisors are available for questions, guidance, and support from application to award.
Are there special opportunities for underserved farmers?
Yes. We prioritize funding for minority-owned, women-owned, and other underserved businesses. Dedicated partners provide targeted outreach and technical support.
What are the key program dates?
Application opens November 1, 2025. Deadline is January 5, 2026. Cohort announced January 22, 2026. Program starts February 1, 2026.
ReADY TO GET STARTED?
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