By Andi Anderson
Indiana Grown has announced the availability of $25,000 in grant funding for its members who are interested in exhibiting at tradeshows. This initiative aims to support businesses with commercially ready products that seek to expand their market reach.
Tradeshows are essential for gaining exposure to potential customers and business-to-business clients, but costs associated with participation can be a barrier for many members.
The grants will help cover expenses such as booth fees, travel costs, setup expenses, and other related fees. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the importance of these grants for both small and large Indiana Grown businesses, stating, “These tradeshow grants are vital for small and large Indiana Grown businesses to compete on a national or even global level.”
Eligible Indiana Grown members can apply for grants of $1,000, $3,000, or $5,000. It is important to note that these are reimbursement grants, meaning that no upfront costs will be covered. The funding can be used for various expenses, including:
Booth space rental
Booth design, build, shipping, and material handling
Trade show auxiliary service fees (such as trash, sampling, and electrical services)
To qualify for the grant, businesses must meet several criteria. They must be Indiana Grown members, not currently using any other grant or cost-sharing program for the same trade show, have commercially ready products with existing sales, and specify the trade show in their application.
Additionally, the business must be classified as a small business according to U.S. Small Business Administration standards.
Caroline Patrick, the Indiana Grown Director, noted that several members successfully attended tradeshows last year, expanding their business opportunities.
She expressed hope that the grant program will continue to showcase and support Indiana Grown businesses both nationally and globally.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Indiana, Business