Help me find grants/funding for kelp farm startup equipment!
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My husband and I are scrappy would-be kelp farmers in MA. We are midway through the extensive permitting process. We are underpaid at our full time jobs and need a few thousand dollars to fix our truck and get our skiff on the water for some further investigation of our farm site. (Eventually, we'll need a bigger boat, of course).
I'm seeing grants for already-up-and-running kelp farms, for scientific equipment, investment for start-ups, grants for academic research... does anyone know of funding opportunities that will invest in the less 'sexy' needs of scrappy innovation? We need some basic tools to get some seed in the water!
Thanks!
Hilary
@hilary_davis Hi Hilary, this is often a tricky time for new farmers, and unfortunately a lot of funding tends to be pretty localized, and as you said -- priority given to experienced farmers. Have you looked into applying for GreenWave's Kelp Climate Fund? When your permit comes through, this can be a good option for offsetting some first-season expenses such as seed and gear. The fund pays $1/ft of seedstring planted for over 1,000 ft farms, including first year farmers. And 50% is paid at the start of the season, 50% upon harvest.