Complete Application Overview

The Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness: Making Small Farms Big Business Program, made possible by Wells Fargo is a strategic initiative designed to foster innovation and accelerate growth within small-to-medium sized agribusinesses across South Carolina. This program, sponsored by Wells Fargo and produced by the SC Research Authority (SCRA), SC Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and other key collaborators, will provide intensive training, mentorship, and significant financial awards to enable agribusinesses to develop and implement innovative solutions.

Program Overview & Components

The program will select competitively chosen small-to-medium agribusinesses to take part in an agribusiness innovation cohort. One-time grants are awarded in the amounts of $15,000-$30,000 +

Application & Selection

• Application Launch: December 1, 2025

• Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

• Cohort Notification: February 5,  2026

• Program Start: February 12, 2026

Applicants must submit an online form, a detailed innovation proposal, business needs and goals, a financial snapshot, letters of commitment, and a crucial 5-minute video. This video serves as a virtual pitch, demonstrating the agribusiness facility, proposed product/process, and the applicant's passion.

Program Support & Development

The program offers comprehensive support:

• A Launch Event: "Igniting Innovation" on November 24, 2025 at the South Carolina State House will kick off the program application opening, engaging stakeholders and generating significant awareness around the program.

• A virtual Application Training Webinar taking place on December 4, 2025 introduces applicants to the program and how to apply.

• The application portal closes on February 2, 2026

• The selected applicants will be notified on February 5, 2025.

• Cohort members participate in Five Webinars that cover critical topics: Innovation Landscape & Utilizing AI Tools, Validating Your Innovation & Market Fit, Building a Business Case & Financial Projections, Protecting Your Innovation & Navigating Regulations, and Scaling, Strategic Partnerships & Sharpening Your Vision.

• Each agribusiness receives support from SC SBDC consultants and an Expert Mentorship Pool.

• Peer-to-peer learning opportunities foster collaboration among cohort members.

• The program culminates in a Capstone Innovation Showcase & Awards event, where participants display their refined Innovation Plans and receive their  awards. This in-person event provides significant networking opportunities and showcases participant achievements to partners and industry leaders.

This program represents a targeted, high-impact investment in South Carolina's agribusiness future, aligning Wells Fargo's philanthropic goals with the critical needs of a vital state industry. By accelerating innovation, building capacity, and fostering collaboration, this initiative will bolster individual businesses and significantly contribute to the long-term economic health and resilience of the entire state.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Must be a for-profit business operating in the agricultural industry in South Carolina and falling into one of these categories:

• Agricultural Producer

• Agribusiness: Processing

• Agribusiness: Distribution and Marketing

• Agribusiness: Support Industries (including farm equipment, seed companies, producers of fertilizers and pesticides, ag-technology.)

2. Must be currently operating in the state of South Carolina for at least one tax year.

3. Must be considered a Small or Medium Size agribusiness.  Definition of Small-Medium Size Agribusiness is based on SBA small business size standards which is determined by your unique NAICS code.  You can use the SBA size standard tool and the NAICS lookup tool to determine size standard.

Examples of Eligible Expenses

Award funds must be used to directly advance the development, testing, or implementation of the proposed innovation project. All costs must be reasonable, well-documented, and clearly connected to achieving project outcomes.

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to:

1. Labor and Personnel

Wages or stipends for staff or contractors directly engaged in product development, testing, or implementation of the innovation.

Temporary or part-time labor needed to execute project-specific activities 

Specialized technical or professional services directly tied to the innovation 

2. Working Capital (Project-Specific)

Short-term operating costs necessary to launch or complete the innovation project (e.g., raw materials, packaging, or supplies directly related to production trials).

Pilot production or demonstration expenses required to bring the innovation to market readiness.

3. Research and Development (R&D)

Expenses for feasibility studies, testing, or applied research supporting the innovation concept.

Costs of prototype creation, field trials, or demonstration plots to evaluate effectiveness or performance.

Data collection, analysis, and reporting directly supporting proof-of-concept or product validation.

4. Supplies and Materials

Purchase of raw materials, parts, or consumables required for development or testing.

Lab or field supplies necessary for research, production trials, or demonstration activities.

5. Equipment and Technology

Purchase of specialized equipment or software required to develop, test, or implement the innovation 

Modifications or upgrades to existing equipment that enable innovative use or improved efficiency.

6. Intellectual Property and Legal

Fees associated with intellectual property protection (e.g., trademark, copyright, or patent filing directly related to the innovation).

Professional legal or regulatory consulting fees related to compliance, labeling, or licensing required for commercialization.

7. Professional and Technical Services

Consulting or professional services such as business planning, market research, product design, or financial modeling tied to the innovation project.

Accountant, attorney, or technical advisor fees directly connected to project deliverables.

8. Marketing and Commercial Readiness (Innovation-Specific)

Branding, packaging, or marketing development directly tied to launching a new product or service created through the project.

Ineligible Projects

To ensure that funds are used to advance innovation and create measurable impact within South Carolina agribusiness, certain projects and expenses are not eligible for funding under this program. Applications that primarily focus on activities listed below will not be considered.

• Purchase or acquisition of real property (including land)

• Debt repayment or refinancing

• Academic or research-only projects without a defined business or commercialization plan.

• Projects located outside of South Carolina or not primarily benefiting South Carolina agriculture.

• Political, lobbying, or advocacy activities.

• Projects that duplicate existing efforts or rely on unproven or unfeasible concepts without a clear path to implementation.

Definition of Innovation

For the Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness Program, "innovation" is defined as the successful development or implementation of a novel or significantly improved idea that creates tangible value for a South Carolina agribusiness and/or the broader agricultural ecosystem. This goes beyond just invention and focuses on the practical application of new approaches.  This definition seeks to create an inclusive environment for small and limited resource farmers and agribusinesses.

Innovation for this program may encompass, but is not limited to, the following categories:

Product Innovation: The creation or significant improvement of new agricultural products (e.g., a new specialty crop, value-added food product, bio-based material, or animal breed).

Service Innovation: The development of new or enhanced services offered by agribusinesses (e.g., ag-tourism experience, direct-to-consumer delivery models, specialized consulting for other farmers, or new equipment rental services).

Process Innovation: Improvements to the methods and workflows used in agricultural production, processing, or distribution that lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced quality, or improved sustainability. Examples include implementing precision agriculture technologies (drones, sensors, AI for crop management), optimizing supply chain logistics, or automating aspects of farming operations.

Practice Innovation: The adoption of new or significantly altered farming or business practices that deliver novel benefits. This could include transitioning from conventional to sustainable, regenerative, or organic agricultural techniques, implementing experimental plots to test multiple variables for optimal methods, or adopting new animal welfare protocols.

Technology Adoption Innovation: The innovative integration and application of existing or emerging technologies (e.g., IoT devices, blockchain for traceability, data analytics, renewable energy solutions) into an agribusiness's operations to solve problems or create new opportunities.

Priority Areas for the Grant

The Wells Fargo Cultivating Innovation in SC Agribusiness Program seeks to fund projects that advance innovation, resilience, and inclusivity across South Carolina’s agricultural landscape. While all eligible applications will be considered, priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate the highest potential for impact in one or more of the following areas:

1. Advancing Innovation in Small and Medium Agribusinesses
 Projects that introduce novel products, services, processes, or business models with the potential to increase competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability among South Carolina’s small-to-medium-sized farms and agribusinesses.  Definition of Small-Medium Size Agribusiness is based on SBA small business size standards which is determined by your unique NAICS code.

2. Supporting Historically Underserved Farmers
 Initiatives that directly involve or benefit historically underserved producers—including beginning, socially disadvantaged, limited-resource, and veteran farmers—as defined by USDA which includes Beginning Farmer and Rancher (under 10 years), Socially Disadvantaged, women owned, Veteran Owned, and Limited Resource Farmer. 

3. Leveraging Technology for Agricultural Transformation
 Proposals that apply technology—such as data analytics, precision agriculture tools, automation, or digital platforms—to improve productivity, decision-making, or traceability within agribusiness operations.

4. Generating Broad Impact Across Multiple South Carolina Farms
Projects that demonstrate clear benefits extending beyond a single operation—such as shared infrastructure, cooperative models, pilot programs, or scalable innovations that can be replicated or adopted by other South Carolina farms. Proposals that create ripple effects across regions or farmer networks, improving efficiency, profitability, or sustainability for multiple producers.

5. Ensuring Financial Sustainability and Long-Term Viability
Projects that present a clear and realistic plan for financial sustainability beyond the program period. Priority will be given to innovations with strong business fundamentals—those that demonstrate market demand, sound financial projections, and a credible path to continued revenue or investment. Proposals that show how the project will generate measurable returns, maintain operations without ongoing grant support, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the agribusiness will be viewed favorably.

These priority areas reflect the program’s commitment to building a more innovative and sustainable agribusiness sector for South Carolina.

Application Components:

The Cultivating Innovation Agribusiness Program application is designed to help you clearly communicate your innovative idea, demonstrate your business’s capacity to bring it to life, and show how participation in this program will accelerate your growth. Each section builds upon the last—guiding you from introducing your agribusiness and describing your innovation, to outlining your readiness, alignment with program goals, and commitment to participation. The application consists of six parts:

Part I: Online Application Form – Business Profile and Background
Establishes who you are, what your agribusiness does, and how it contributes to South Carolina’s agricultural economy.

Part II: Innovation Proposal
The core of your application, where you describe your innovative idea, explain the problem it addresses, and outline the specific project you will carry out using the program’s support.

Part III: Business Viability & Capacity
Demonstrates your business’s readiness, stability, and team capability to successfully implement and sustain the proposed innovation.

Part IV: Program Alignment & Need
Explains how the Cultivating Innovation program—and the $30,000 award—will help you achieve measurable business growth, strengthen your innovation, and align with the program’s mission.

Part V: Letter of Commitment
Confirms your dedication to fully participating in the program, acknowledging award conditions, and committing to project success.

Part VI: 5-Minute Video
Brings your written proposal to life by allowing reviewers to see your operation, understand your innovation, and connect with your vision and passion.

Together, these components provide reviewers with a complete picture of your agribusiness—your idea, capacity, and drive to innovate. Approach each section thoughtfully, using clear, specific examples and concise language that highlights both your creativity and your readiness to turn your innovation into measurable impact.

Part I: Online Application Form – Business Profile and Background

This section provides reviewers with a foundational understanding of your agribusiness—who you are, what you do, and how your operation contributes to South Carolina’s agricultural economy. Applicants should use this section to clearly describe the structure, scale, and focus of their business, establishing credibility and readiness to implement an innovation project.

Be concise but thorough. Use factual information and avoid jargon so reviewers unfamiliar with your specific industry can easily understand your business. When completing this section, focus on the following:

Business Profile: Provide complete and accurate details about your legal structure, ownership, years in operation, number of employees, and primary location of activities in South Carolina. 

Agribusiness Category: Identify your applicant category, specifically your sector (e.g., specialty crops, livestock, aquaculture, food processing, ag-tech, etc.) and briefly describe your primary products or services.

Background and Summary of Business Operations (300 words): Summarize your company’s history, mission, and core activities. Highlight what makes your operation distinctive—such as innovations you’ve already adopted, partnerships, or markets you serve. Describe your current scale, annual revenue range (under $5M), and any recent growth or milestones.

Part II: Innovation Proposal (800-word limit)

This section is the heart of your application. It should clearly explain the innovative project idea you want to pursue, why it matters, and how it will make a difference for your business and South Carolina agriculture. Reviewers are looking for originality, practicality, and clear potential for measurable impact.

Your proposal should tell the story of your innovation—what problem you’re solving, what your solution is, and why it has strong potential to succeed. Avoid technical jargon when possible and focus on clarity, evidence, and results. In addition to describing your innovative idea, outline a specific project you propose to carry out with the program’s support that will advance or validate this innovation.

When completing this section, address each of the following areas:

Problem Identification: Describe the challenge or opportunity you are addressing within your business or the wider agricultural sector. Explain why this issue matters and how it affects your operation or community. Your proposal should demonstrate not only creativity but also a realistic pathway to implementation within your existing resources and timeframe

Proposed Innovation: Present your idea clearly. What makes it innovative or significantly improved compared to existing practices? Describe your concept, product, process, or business model and how it works.

Project Implementation Plan: In addition to describing your innovative idea, outline a specific project you propose to carry out with the program’s support that will advance or validate this innovation. This project should represent a concrete step toward making your idea operational — such as developing a prototype, testing a new process, piloting a service, or implementing an on-farm improvement — and demonstrate how the award will help you achieve measurable progress.

Expected Impact: Explain how this innovation will benefit your business and others in the agricultural community. Describe the potential outcomes—such as improved efficiency, cost savings, new revenue, environmental gains, or job creation. Indicate the benefits to the agribusiness, sector, and SC economy.

Alignment with Program Goals: Connect your innovation to the Cultivating Innovation Program’s mission of fostering growth and sustainability in South Carolina agribusiness.

Your Innovation Proposal should demonstrate creativity, feasibility, and a strong connection between your idea and the real-world challenges facing South Carolina farmers and agribusinesses.

Part III: Business Viability & Capacity (800-word limit)

This section helps reviewers understand your readiness to carry out the proposed innovation and sustain it beyond the program. It should demonstrate that your agribusiness has the operational capacity, financial stability, and market awareness needed to successfully implement your project and translate it into real impact.

Use this section to show that your team, resources, and business fundamentals position you for success. Be transparent and specific—reviewers are not looking for perfection, but for a clear, realistic picture of your strengths, preparedness, and ability to grow through the Cultivating Innovation Program.

When completing this section, address the following areas:.

Operational Capacity: Demonstrate that your business has the staff, facilities, systems, and time to carry out the proposed innovation project effectively.

Market Viability: Provide an indication of your market opportunity. Even preliminary information about your target customers, market size, or competitive landscape helps reviewers assess the innovation’s potential success.

Team Capability: Briefly describe the experience and roles of your core team members. Explain why they are well-suited to execute the proposed project.

Financial Overview: Summarize your current revenue, profitability, and funding sources to show a solid foundation. Highlight any financial practices or partnerships that support long-term sustainability.

Your goal in this section is to give reviewers confidence that your agribusiness has both the capacity and commitment to turn an innovative idea into a viable, lasting success.

Part IV: Program Alignment & Need (800-word limit)

This section allows you to explain how participation in the Cultivating Innovation Agribusiness Program—and the accompanying award—will directly help you achieve your innovation and business growth goals. Reviewers will use this information to assess whether your project is a strong fit for the program’s objectives and resources.

Be clear and practical. Show that you understand how to apply the program’s training, mentorship, and funding to move your idea forward. A well-defined plan that connects your needs, goals, and the program’s support will strengthen your application significantly.

When completing this section, address the following:

Use of Award Funds: Provide a clear and reasonable plan for how the award will be used to advance your innovation.

Project Budget:   Include a simple, realistic budget that outlines how the award will be used to carry out your proposed project — highlighting key expenses such as materials, equipment, testing, labor, or other costs directly tied to advancing your innovation.  Provide a brief justification for each item, explaining how it directly supports the successful implementation and advancement of your innovation. Reviewers will be looking for thoughtful, well-justified spending plans that demonstrate a clear link between costs and project outcomes

Growth Goals: Outline your short- and medium-term goals for the next 1–3 years related to your innovation. Explain how the award and program participation will help you achieve measurable business results such as expanded production, new markets, or increased efficiency.

Program Fit: Describe what you hope to gain from the cohort—specific knowledge, skills, connections, or mentorship—and how these align with your innovation and long-term vision.

Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate how your project supports the broader mission of the Cultivating Innovation Program: fostering sustainable and growth-oriented agribusiness innovation across South Carolina.

Your goal in this section is to help reviewers clearly see the connection between your needs, your innovation goals, and the program’s ability to accelerate your success.

Part V: Letter of Commitment

This section confirms your dedication to fully engaging in the Cultivating Innovation Agribusiness Program and seeing your proposed project through to completion. The Letter of Commitment helps reviewers assess your level of seriousness, accountability, and readiness to make the most of this opportunity.

Your letter should be signed by the business owner or CEO and written on company letterhead if available. It should communicate your willingness to commit the time, effort, and resources necessary to actively participate in the program and successfully implement your innovation project.

When completing this section, include the following:

Program Participation: A clear statement confirming your full participation in all aspects of the program—webinars, mentorship sessions, peer learning opportunities, and the in-person Capstone Innovation Showcase & Awards event.

Commitment to Project Success: A brief statement expressing your dedication to implementing your innovation and using the award responsibly to achieve measurable results.

Letters of Support: You may include one to three letters from partners, collaborators, or community organizations that reinforce your project’s credibility, feasibility, and potential impact.

Your Letter of Commitment is your opportunity to demonstrate leadership, reliability, and enthusiasm—qualities that strongly influence reviewers’ confidence in your ability to execute and sustain your innovation.

Part VI: 5-Minute Video

The video component is your opportunity to bring your innovation to life. It allows reviewers to see your operation, understand your passion, and visualize your idea in action. The goal is not professional production quality—it’s clarity, authenticity, and enthusiasm.

Your video should help reviewers connect your written proposal to the real-world context of your agribusiness. It should clearly show who you are, what you do, and how your innovation will make a difference.

When preparing your video, include the following elements:

Overview and Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your business, and the problem or opportunity your innovation addresses.

Show Your Operation: Give reviewers a quick tour of your facilities, equipment, or production space to demonstrate your capacity to carry out the project.

Demonstrate or Describe the Innovation: Clearly explain or show the product, process, or idea you are proposing. Highlight what makes it innovative and how it will create value.

Impact and Vision: Conclude by describing the impact you hope your innovation will have on your business, your community, and South Carolina agriculture overall.

Keep the tone conversational and genuine. The best videos show your excitement, commitment, and practical understanding of your innovation’s potential. Simple smartphone or tablet recordings are completely acceptable—focus on content, clarity, and authenticity, not polish.  Simple smartphone or tablet recordings are encouraged. Ensure good lighting and clear audio so reviewers can easily understand your presentation.

Optional: Supporting Materials (e.g., product photos, website link, media mentions, brief bios of key team members).

How Applications Will Be Reviewed

Each application will be evaluated through a competitive review process designed to assess innovation, business readiness, alignment with program goals, and commitment to participation. Reviewers will consider the overall quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposal, as well as its potential to create meaningful impact within South Carolina’s agribusiness sector. Each section of your application corresponds to key review categories. Reviewers will assess both the quality of your responses and the feasibility and impact of your proposed innovation.  

Applications will be reviewed across the following core areas:

1. Innovation Proposal: Potential and Clarity
Reviewers will look for a well-defined problem or opportunity and a clearly described innovative solution. Strong proposals will demonstrate originality, practical feasibility, and the potential for measurable impact—whether economic, environmental, or social. Reviewers will also consider how effectively the innovation addresses real challenges in South Carolina agriculture and the stage of development (concept, pilot, or ready-to-scale).

2. Business Viability and Capacity
This area evaluates the applicant’s ability to successfully implement and sustain the proposed project. Reviewers will assess the business’s overall health, operational readiness, and market understanding, as well as the experience and capability of the team leading the effort. The goal is to determine whether the applicant has a solid foundation to translate innovation into lasting success.

3. Program Alignment and Need
Reviewers will examine how well the proposed project aligns with the goals of the Cultivating Innovation program—fostering innovation, growth, and sustainability in South Carolina agribusiness. Applicants should demonstrate a clear and reasonable plan for using the $30,000 award and articulate how participation in the program’s training, mentorship, and peer learning will help them advance their innovation and achieve business growth.

4. Commitment and Communication
Reviewers will look for clear evidence of the applicant’s commitment to fully engage in the program and follow through on their proposed project. A strong Letter of Commitment, along with a clear, engaging 5-minute video, will help reviewers gauge the applicant’s enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to communicate their ideas effectively.

5. Leadership and Community Impact (Bonus Consideration)
Additional consideration may be given to applicants demonstrating strong leadership, collaboration, or innovation within historically underserved or limited-resource farming communities, or whose projects significantly strengthen the broader agricultural ecosystem in South Carolina.