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South Carolina ACRE Agribusiness Grant
Industry-Specific · South Carolina Department of Agriculture · SC
The South Carolina ACRE Agribusiness Grant is a competitive cash grant of up to $25,000, run by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, for South Carolina agribusiness entrepreneurs with innovative agricultural products or business ideas.
The South Carolina ACRE Agribusiness Grant is a state-run competitive grant program administered by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. ACRE stands as an initiative aimed at supporting agribusiness entrepreneurs and companies within South Carolina that have an innovative agricultural product or business concept. The program offers cash grants of up to $25,000 per awardee, awarded on a competitive basis rather than automatically to all applicants who meet minimum criteria.
To be considered, applicants typically pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, and selection is based on the strength and innovation of the proposed agribusiness idea. Beyond the cash award, recipients gain access to a network of business advisors, which can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs building out an agricultural venture, whether that's in production, processing, distribution, or a related agribusiness sector.
This program matters to small-business owners in South Carolina's agricultural space because it provides both non-repayable funding and mentorship support at a stage when capital and guidance can be hard to secure through conventional means. Because it is a competitive pitch-based program, not every applicant who meets baseline eligibility will receive funding — only those selected by the judging panel.
Deadlines and application rounds are not fixed on an annual basis according to the available information; applicants should check current rounds directly with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Because award amounts, eligibility specifics, and open application periods can change, prospective applicants should confirm all current details directly at the official South Carolina Department of Agriculture website before applying or making business plans around this funding.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a cash grant, not a loan, administered through the ACRE initiative.
Do I have to repay the money?
No, based on the available information this is a grant award, not a loan requiring repayment.
Who is eligible to apply?
South Carolina-based agribusiness entrepreneurs and companies with an innovative agricultural product or business may apply; confirm eligibility at the official source.
How much money can I get?
Awards are cash grants of up to $25,000 per awardee.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum award amount is specified in the available information.
What is the deadline to apply?
The listing notes to check current rounds; there is no fixed deadline given, so confirm at the official source.
Where do I apply?
Applications are handled through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture at agriculture.sc.gov/farm-and-business-support/agribusiness-development/.
Who runs this program?
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture administers the ACRE program.
Is this available outside South Carolina?
No, this program is limited to South Carolina-based entities.
What kind of businesses does it fund?
It funds agribusiness entrepreneurs and companies with innovative agricultural products or business ideas.
How are winners selected?
Selected agribusiness entrepreneurs pitch their business plans to a panel of judges who choose awardees competitively.
Do awardees get anything besides money?
Yes, awardees also receive access to a network of business advisors.
Is the award amount taxable?
This is not addressed in the available information; confirm at the official source.
Can I apply every year?
Application rounds and their frequency are not specified here; check current rounds at the official site.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with South Carolina Department of Agriculture; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.