Supporting local producers

Ozark Slow Food Micro-Grants

Every penny stays in the Ozarks. Our 2026 Micro-Grant Program is open — awards up to $1,500 for new farmers, food entrepreneurs, and farmers markets across Northwest Arkansas.

Ozark Slow Food’s Micro-Grant Program began in 2012 to help grow the local food culture in our region by supporting local farmers and producers. 34 Micro-Grants awarded through 2020 aided farmers and producers in diversifying and enhancing the production and distribution of sustainably grown, locally-produced food in the region.

For 2026, the program is back. This grant opportunity supports new farmers and food businesses, expands food access, and strengthens our regional food system. Funds are awarded up to $1,500 — and every penny stays in the Ozarks.

Who can apply

New and early-stage farmers and food entrepreneurs growing their farms or businesses through production, infrastructure, and on-farm improvements.
Local farmers markets expanding Double Your Dollars and improving access to fresh, local food.
Applicants must be located in Washington, Benton, Madison, Newton, or Carroll counties.

What proposals should do

Proposals should include at least one of the following:

Support good, clean, fair food
Meet practical, on-farm needs
Improve access to local food
Welcome diverse paths into farming
Strengthen relationships between growers and eaters

Past awardees

Ames Orchard and Nursery

Guy Ames
Sycamore Bend Farm

Andrew Schwerin
White River Creamery

Scott & Tessa McCormick
Villines Farm

Genevieve and Joe Vilines
Lightner Farm

Bob and Sheryl Lightner
Ozark Alternatives

Paul Chapracki & Amanda Wunderlich

Applications

Apply for a 2026 Micro-Grant

Applications for the 2026 program are open. Review the criteria above, then start your application.

URL

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Name(Required)

First Last

What is the name of your farm, food business, or farmers market?(Required)

Business Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Country Phone Number

How long has your farm, food business, or farmers market been in operation?(Required)

Tell us briefly about your farm, food business, or farmers market.(Required)

Please include what types of crops you grow and/or products you make, or if a farmers market when you are open and how many market customers you typically see. If a producer, where can your products be found? What inspired you to start your business? What are your biggest needs to help support your business?

Does your farm, food business, or farmers market help support any of the following?(Required)

Please check any boxes that apply.

Support good, clean, fair foods (e.g., organic growing practices, fair wages, etc.)

Improve access to local foods

Welcome diverse paths into farming and food business

Strengthen relationships between growers and eaters

Other

If you selected Other, please explain.(Required)

Please provide a description as to how your farm, food business, or farmers market supports these efforts.(Required)

How would this mini-grant from Ozark Slow Foods help support your business and reach your goals?(Required)

Website

If you have a website, list it here.

Social Media

Add a link to your Facebook, Instagram, or other social media presence.

Anything else you'd like us to consider?

Add any notes, considerations, or anything else you’d like for us think about when looking over your application.

Prefer not to apply online, or don’t have reliable web access? Email us at ozarkslowfood@gmail.com and a board member will send you a paper application and help you submit it.