About this programme
Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) is a grant and loan program set up by the Montana Legislature to strengthen and diversify the state's agricultural industry by funding the development of new agricultural products and processes.
The Agriculture Development Council, attached to the Montana Department of Agriculture, administers the program under Montana Code Annotated 90-9. It funds Montana agricultural businesses working on new products or processes, covering costs such as equipment, construction, advertising and promotion, and engineering consultant fees. Projects are judged on whether they are consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act and primarily add value to Montana agricultural products, through measurable growth in sales or job creation.
Over the last three years, the average award has run $20,000 to $35,000, and the Council routinely funds proposals only partially rather than declining or fully funding every request.
How it works
GTA offers both grants, up to $50,000, and loans, up to $100,000, for the same range of eligible project costs: equipment, construction, advertising and promotion, and engineering consulting. Combined, a single project can request up to $150,000 in GTA funds.
A $1-for-$1 match is required for every proposal. Funds are paid out strictly on a reimbursement basis: an applicant spends its own money first, then submits receipts and invoices to be reimbursed for 50% of documented expenses, up to the matching funds it has actually spent. GTA cannot issue an upfront check. Standard reimbursement processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, though high-volume periods can stretch that to 30 days.
Grant awards require a personal guarantee and a security lien on the funded equipment until final reporting is complete; loan awards keep that lien in place until the loan is repaid.
Current grant and loan recipients join quarterly technical assistance calls, held at 11:30am on the last Tuesday of each quarter, to discuss claims, reporting and project progress.
Who can apply
Applicant organizations must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State, except for sole proprietorships.
Projects must expand Montana agriculture through measurable growth in sales or job creation, and be consistent with the goals of the Growth Through Agriculture Act.
How to apply
- Read the GTA Program Guidelines to confirm the project is eligible.
- Contact the Food and Agriculture Development Center Network for help preparing the application.
- Confirm the applicant organization is registered with the Montana Secretary of State (not required for sole proprietorships).
- Register and submit through the online application portal at mtagr.webgrantscloud.com. The process runs in two stages: a pre-application, followed, if selected, by a full application.
- Direct questions to gta@mt.gov.
Frequently asked
What can GTA funding pay for?
Equipment purchases, construction costs, advertising and promotion, and engineering consultant services tied to developing a new agricultural product or process. The Program Guidelines document lists the full set of eligible and ineligible expenses.
Is GTA a grant or a loan program?
Both. The Agriculture Development Council awards grants up to $50,000 and loans up to $100,000, for a combined maximum of $150,000 per project.
Do I need matching funds?
Yes. GTA requires a $1-for-$1 match, and it only reimburses 50% of documented expenses after that match has been spent and documented, capped at what you've actually spent as match.
Do I get the money up front?
No. GTA funds are reimbursement-only: you pay a cost first, then submit receipts and invoices for reimbursement. Processing normally takes 2 to 3 weeks, up to 30 days during busy periods.
How is my application scored?
The Agriculture Development Council reviews every proposal, both grant and loan requests, through the same process, and rates each one high, medium or low using criteria set out in the program manual. It can choose to fully fund, partially fund or decline any proposal.
Who can I contact about GTA?
The Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 444-3144 or agr@mt.gov, 302 N Roberts, Helena, MT 59601, or the GTA program directly at gta@mt.gov.
How do I stay informed about GTA funding rounds?
The department runs a sign-up list for funding opportunity notifications through GovDelivery.
More funding in Montana
Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit
Montana Department of Labor and Industry / Department of Commerce · Montana
Refunds half of the payroll taxes on new, well-paid Montana jobs to growing employers in goods-producing industries.
MicroBusiness Finance Program
Montana Department of Commerce, via certified MicroBusiness Development Corporations · Montana
Loans up to $100,000 plus training for Montana microbusinesses with under 10 employees, through eight regional development corporations.
Montana Automation Financing Program — Direct Loan Program
Montana Department of Commerce · Montana
Direct state loans to Montana manufacturers investing in automation equipment upgrades.
Montana SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program
Montana Department of Commerce · Montana
Matches up to $30,000 a year for Montana companies already winning federal SBIR or STTR research awards.
Montana SSBCI 2.0 Loan Participation Program
Montana Department of Commerce · Montana
State buys down risk on a bank loan up to $1 million for Montana businesses with under 750 employees, applied for through a participating lender.
Montana Wood Products Revolving Loan Program
Montana Department of Commerce · Montana
Loans up to $2 million at fixed low rates for Montana wood-products businesses upgrading or expanding operations.
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.