Indiana Farm Bureau invites Hoosier food and agriculture entrepreneurs to compete for start-up funds, as well as training, networking opportunities and other resources through the Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. The Challenge is part of the Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative and is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and ag businesses.

Contact:
Molly Zentz
317-692-7822
765-469-3150
mzentz@infb.org

(Indianapolis) – April 26, 2017 - Indiana Farm Bureau is calling all Hoosier entrepreneurs, focused on food and agriculture, to compete for $145,000 in startup funds from the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge invites agriculture-based businesses—including farms, ranches, agritourism, agriculture technology, local food production, craft breweries and more—to compete.

The Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge is the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs working on food and agriculture businesses. Ten rural entrepreneurs will share $145,000 in startup funds with four finalists each being awarded $15,000 and the opportunity to compete for an additional $25,000. Six best-in-show winners will each be awarded $10,000. The best-in-show categories are Best Farm Startup, Best Agritourism Startup, Best Farm-to-Table Startup, Best Ag Tech & Support Services Startup, Best Craft Beverage Startup and Best Local Product Startup.

The Farm Bureau Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative helps rural entrepreneurs overcome the hurdles they face and aims to provide them with world-class business training, networks and resources. In addition to the startup funds, winners compete for the opportunity to pitch to multimillion dollar investors, make use of free booth space at the American Farm Bureau annual convention, gain feedback from national business experts and receive education on venture capital and business expansion.

To learn more about this year’s competition and its rules and submission timeline, visit www.strongruralamerica.com/challenge.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: Since 1919, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected the livelihood, land, equipment, animals and crops of Hoosier farmers. It is the state’s largest general farm organization and a farmer’s strongest advocate. INFB works diligently to ensure a farmer’s very right to farm, because agriculture is so vital to Indiana’s economy.  Learn more at INFB.org