Resource Roundup: Howard County just launched a $20K agtech grant

For those in the farming tech industry, Howard County is now accepting applications for an up-to-$20,000 grant for founders.

Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) opened applications for its Howard Country Agricultural Grant for Innovation and Expansion, designed to help agricultural producers looking to expand their tech or try a new process. The grant is also open to tech companies looking to test their agricultural products.

Five grants from $1,000 to $20,000 are available, though Kathy Johnson, director of agricultural business development of HCEDA, said more could be made available. Applicants can use the funds for research and new development, construction, or major purchases, although they will need to commit to using some of their own funds as well. In past cycles, she said, farmers have considered applying for funds for drone technology.

Johnson hopes the funds will boost agricultural innovation in Howard County and Maryland as a whole, while also keeping farming sustainable for local producers.

“We’re hoping this will help our farming community to continue to grow and be able to bring the next generation of farmers into the farming operation so that we can have locally grown foods forever, but also to be able to keep up with the way that technology is changing in agriculture and allow the next generation their chance to add their touches to the farms as well,” Johnson said.

Fairfax Founders Fund

Northern Virginia is also opening up some municipal funds for early-stage founders.

The Fairfax Founders Fund is open for early-stage startups based in Fairfax Country. The funds will provide up to $50,000 for founders of startups with a high growth trajectory looking to develop their businesses and open themselves up to later investments. With the fund, Fairfax County hopes to expand its tech clusters and innovation-based jobs.

The program’s funding is aimed at women, people of color, veterans, founders with disabilities and other underrepresented individuals. A second cohort for the fund will open in the fall.

Aim High

This week, the Northern Virginia Technology Council launches its Aim High program in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College and Fairfax County Public Schools.

With Aim High, local students are matched up with companies for career exposure and preparedness in tech-related jobs. The program kicks off May 25 in McLean, supported by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation.

Through the program, 500 public school students will be paired with Aim High companies to participate in panels, fireside chats, education sessions, workshops, internships, mentorships and more. Students will be matched for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, and 17 area companies have committed so far.