Grants & Financial Resources

The following list of resources is provided to guide those looking for loans, grants or information regarding financial aspects of starting a vineyard and/or winery in North Carolina.

Vineyard and Winery Business Models 

• Cost of Establishment and Production of Vinifera Grapes - Cornell University
• Writing a Business Plan: A Guide for Small Premium Wineries - Cornell University 
• Writing a Business Plan: An Example for a Small Premium Winery - Cornell University 
• Smart Marketing Articles - Cornell University
• Winery Planning and Design
• Vineyard and Winery Feasability Workbooks - Iowa State University
• Wine Grape Production - Penn State University 

Financial Resources

• N.C. Dept of Agriculture, Agribusiness Development  Ron Fish, ron.fish@ncmail.net or (919) 733-7887
• USDA agriculture funding resource guide
• USDA Rural Development Division offers business and cooperative programs including Value-Added Producer Grants.  VAPG may be used for planning activities and for working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy. Eligible applicants are independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. For assistance, contact Bruce Pleasant, Business Programs Specialist, at 919-873-2031 or email bruce.pleasant@nc.usda.gov.
• N.C. Rural Economic Development Center - microlending program
• Farmers Tax Guide - IRS Annual Publication (800) 829-1040
• Golden LEAF Foundation is a possible source of grant funds available to non-profit and government organizations. 
• Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA of Pittsboro offers a producer cost-share grant program.  Scott Marlow is the director of farm sustainability at (919) 542-1396. They offer free assistance in putting together a loan package or restructuring debt.
• N.C. Agricultural Finance Authority - Frank Bordeaux - (919) 790-3949. Primarily a lender of last resort, they require that a company be turned down by at least two commercial lenders. They do have other programs that may be helpful, depending on the specifics of your situation.
• Federal Grants - search federal grants available for agriculture, community development, etc.
• AgCarolina Financial - farmer owned cooperative that provides financial support to rural eastern North Carolina through farm loans, agribusiness loans, home financing, and rural property lending.
• Tobacco Trust Fund Commission at (919) 733-2160

Business Resources

• Business ServiCenter, N.C. Department of Commerce (800) 228-8443 or (919) 807-4280 works with individuals to determine needs, permits, options, employee regulations and provides further resources.
• Good Work  in Durham (919) 682-8473
• Small Business Administration - Charlotte (800) 827-5722
• Small Business and Technology Development Center (800) 258-0862. A counseling service with regional offices.
• Small Business Center Network within the local community college system  offers counseling, training & resources

Insurance Coverage

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has a Market Assistance Program (MAP) established in the mid-eighties when commercial coverage was difficult to find. Anyone having difficulty finding commercial coverage should contact the MAP and ask about carriers that may be willing to write the coverage. Keep in mind, though, that MAP attempts to respond to the availability issue. It does not speak to affordability. There are two types of companies that provide insurance coverage:

• Licensed companies, whose policyholders are covered by the NC Guaranteed Association in the event a licensed company became insolvent
• Surplus Line Coverage (SLC) companies. If the SLC Company were to become insolvent, there would be no protection for its policyholders, under the Guaranty Association.

If you are having a problem finding coverage, please call the NCDOI's Market Assistance Program at (919) 807- 6750 or (800) 546-5664 for assistance.