JumpStart

How will JumpStart applications be judged?

An independent panel of qualified judges, made up of industry representatives, will review all of the written applications and select up to 15 recipients.

Each application will be evaluated based on the following criteria to achieve a score out of 150 possible points:

JumpStart FAQ's

If you're looking for a beginner farmer grant to help offset your start-up costs, we've got you covered. Here are the answers to some of the most common JumpStart questions.

Do I need to live in Horizon Farm Credit's territory to be eligible?

Yes. Click here to check your eligibility.

How do I know if I qualify to apply for the JumpStart Grant Program?

Eligible applicants must be a beginning farmer with two years or less experience or planning to start farming in the next two years and reside in Horizon Farm Credit’s territory. 

If you are a beginning farmer returning to a family operation, you must be starting a new venture or enterprise to be considered a startup farmer. 

Startup farmers may be full or part-time farmers. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the application close date.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted or contacted. 

How many awards will be presented?

Up to 15 $10,000 awards.

Are there any restrictions for use of the grant funds?

Grant funds must be used for agriculture purposes to support your farm business within two years of receiving the grant. Fund use examples include tractors, equipment, livestock and farm operating expenses. You may also use funds for startup services including business planning, legal fees or other startup costs.

Grant recipients will be required to complete a grant acceptance agreement upon receiving the grant, indicating that they will use the funds appropriately.

What's involved in Ag Biz Basics?

Ag Biz Basics is FREE to grant applicants. Farm Credit will track completions in cooperation with Farm Credit University which offers the course.

Are the funds taxable?

Yes, the grant money is taxable. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact our JumpStart Grant Program Administrator, Johanna Rohrer at learning@horizonfc.com or 888.339.3334.

What should be included in your business plan?

Horizon Farm Credit has a business plan template that you may use. You may use another business plan format if you prefer. Business plans must include the following details:

• Business Overview: Objective, Description, Target Audience, Mission Statement
• Business Management and Organization: History, Organization, Strengths & Weaknesses, Implementation Timeline, Goals, Risk Management
• Marketing Strategy: Industry Outlook, Market Share, Income, Marketing
• Financials: Balance Sheet or Projections

Not sure where to start? Click here to request a replay of our How to Write a Business plan webinar.

I previously completed Ag Biz Masters. Do I still need to complete Ag Biz Basics?

No, if you fully graduated from the two-year Ag Biz Masters program, the Ag Biz Basics requirement is waived for your grant application. However, if you only partially completed Ag Biz Masters, you are required to complete Ag Biz Basics to be eligible for the grant. 

For proof of graduation, please contact learning@horizonfc.com. 

Is there anyone not eligible to apply?

Officers, Directors, and employees of the Sponsor, Horizon Farm Credit, and their subsidiaries, affiliates, their agents, press/media representatives, and the immediate family members of these entities are not eligible to enter. Family is defined as an individual and spouse and anyone having the following relationship to either: parents, spouse, son, daughter, sibling, stepparent, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, grandparent, grandson, granddaughter, and the spouse of the foregoing and/or those living in the same household of each, whether or not related, and are not eligible to enter.

Who will judge and evaluate my application?

An independent panel of qualified judges, made up of industry representatives, will review all applications.

Can I apply as a single applicant? Can I apply as a co-applicant?

Yes, you can apply as a single applicant or you can apply with a business partner. The application should only reflect those efforts of the named applicants.

If you apply as a partnership and are selected as a recipient, the cash prize will be awarded to the primary applicant.

Are past winners eligible to apply?

Past JumpStart Grant and Farmers on the Rise Award winners are not eligible to apply.

How will applicants be notified?

All applicants will be notified in late May. All 2025 winners will be invited to a Regional Beginning Farmer Achievement Night in June to receive their funds.