The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Heartland Regional Food Business Center are accepting grant applications from small to medium-sized farmers and food businesses in the central United States.

The first round of Business Builder Grants is worth approximately $3.7 million, and awardees will receive between $5,000 and $50,000. Only projects based in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Northwest Arkansas can apply.

The grants can be used for business expansion, job creation, increased production or new facilities, according to a press release.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Jenny Lester Moffitt said in the press release that these grants would enable smaller food companies and farms to expand their operations and create new sources of revenue.

“The Regional Food Business Centers are a cornerstone of USDA’s food system transformation efforts, designed to help farmers, ranchers and other food businesses access the resources and technical assistance they need to enter new markets,” Moffitt said.

Heartland will give preference to applicants who come from diverse backgrounds, have physical disabilities, play an important role in their local food system, are unaware of available resources and want to grow their business, the press release said.

Katie Nixon, co-director of Heartland, said in the press release that these grants will help strengthen local food systems in the six eligible states.

“The Business Builder grant opportunity will provide much-needed capital to build and strengthen local food systems in the Heartland,” Nixon said. “We are excited and ready to provide technical assistance to applicants with their ideas and applications. We are here to support our food and agribusinesses in their efforts to feed their communities.”

Applications for the first round of scholarships must be submitted by October 15th. A one-hour information webinar on how to apply for the scholarships will take place on August 28th.