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Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) is now accepting applications from Midwest dairy farmers and processors for its two grant programs: The Dairy Business Builder and Dairy Industry Impact. The DBIA programs offer small- and medium-sized dairies up to $150,000 for the Business Builder program and $100,000 for the Industry Impact program.

Applications are due September 30, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants for both grant programs must represent a dairy farm or dairy manufacturing or processing business in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Qualifying dairies may apply to both the Dairy Business Builder Grant and the Dairy Industry Impact Grant programs. However, dairies may only submit one application per grant program.

What are the DBIA Program Goals?

The overall DBIA goal is to find ways to improve the profitability of dairy farmers and processors. This goal is in alignment with the stated objectives of the initiative.

• Increase on-farm diversification opportunities
• Create value-added dairy products such as specialty cheeses
• Focus on export opportunities for farm-scale and processor dairy products

What is the Dairy Business Builder Program?

DBIA's Dairy Business Builder Grants offer up to $150,000 in funding to help small- and medium-sized dairies complete projects that:

• Diversify on-farm activity
• Create value-added products (use milk to manufacture cheese, yogurt, etc.)
• Enhance the value of dairy commodities or dairy by-products
• Boost dairy exports

What is the Dairy Industry Impact Program?

DBIA's Dairy Industry Impact Grants offer up to $100,000 in funding to support projects that positively impact the dairy industry as a whole. Eligible projects include:

• Dairy export activities such as trade shows and demo programs
• Purchasing energy-efficient or water conservation equipment
• Implementing sustainable packaging options
• Developing dairy by-product innovations

What are the requirements to apply?

Application materials include

1. Business Data (including Food Safety plan information)
2. Project Data
3. Project Details and Uploads
   1. Project Summary
   2. Project Work Plan and Timeline
   3. Project Budget and Budget Explanation
   4. Business Plan
4. Vendor Quotes

Applications will be accepted through an online application portal.

DBIA Grant Guidelines can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.