We offer targeted, one-on-one business assistance aimed at helping small farmers and food business owners achieve greater financial sustainability and managerial confidence. If applicable, The Carrot Project also offers guidance on when and how to apply for financing, as well as assistance with loan application materials.

With our wide network of consultants and local partners, we have services available all over New England and the Hudson Valley.

What Services Do We Provide?

Our one-on-one business assistance programs include consultations with a Carrot Project staff person or a partnering consultant. Consultations can take place over the phone, at your farm or food enterprise, or over the web, depending your location and needs.

Within these consultations, we offer the following services:

• Business plan review to assist with decisions about accessing financing
• Development of financial statements in preparation of loan packaging or accessing financing
• Cash-flow budgeting
• Enterprise planning and development of financial projections
• Setting up financial tracking systems such as QuickBooks
• Optimizing financial tracking systems to assist with business decision-making
• Pre- and post-loan technical assistance
• Loan packaging
• Loans of up to $75,000 (please see our financing page for more information)
• Introductions to investors and assistance with pitch preparation
• Other services such as feasibility studies and preparation of business plan may be considered

These services may be free or cost-shared for Massachusetts residents. 

If outside of Massachusetts, please inquire about your region as our program availability and costs vary between states.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for our business assistance services, applicants must:

• Have acquired land or a location for their business, or are in the process of evaluating a lease.
• Be within one year of opening their business, or are close to opening.

How Do I Apply?

To apply for our business assistance services, please fill out our intake form here.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact businessassistance (at) thecarrotproject.org.

Ready To Apply?

Fill out our intake form or contact businessassistance AT thecarrotproject.org.