October 5, 2004

Purdue Extension offers grant proposal tips for value-added ag

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Grants are an expanding part of the business funding landscape, and Purdue University Extension is offering a program to help those in agriculture and food-related enterprises compete for those funds.

The Purdue University New Ventures team on Oct. 28 will offer a free Value-Added Grant Proposal Writing Workshop that will address issues for startups and for those who want to expand existing businesses. The interactive videoconference will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at 10 locations.

"With more and more people applying for grants, the environment is becoming very competitive," said Joan Fulton a Purdue Extension specialist and professor of agricultural economics. "This workshop gives important hints on how to approach a grant proposal and what to include and not include. Chances of submitting a successful proposal will increase when you follow the strategies from this workshop."

Purdue Extension offices in Allen, Hancock, Decatur, LaGrange, Lake, Marion, Marshall and Orange counties will host the event. The workshop is also available at Purdue Extension's southwest district office in Knox County and at the Southeast Purdue Ag Center in Butlerville, Ind.

Preregistration is required. Contact Christy Lusk, (765) 494-4231 or clusk@purdue.edu, to register.

The workshop agenda includes Jerry Hay of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Kathy Altman of the Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture (OCA). Hay will talk about what the USDA looks for in a value-added grant proposal, and Altman will discuss OCA grant programs and other assistance.

Fulton will talk about writing a successful grant proposal. More information about New Ventures is available at its Web site.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Joan Fulton, (765) 494--0594, fultonj@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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