Agricultural Business Assistance Program Application FY 2026-2027

Cumberland County is introducing a new Agricultural Business Assistance Program funded through American Rescue Plan (ARP) Freed-Up Capacity. The program offers up to $50,000 in financial assistance to eligible, for-profit agricultural businesses that have experienced economic hardship due to weather-related disaster events, rising input costs, or declining commodity prices. Please see below for all eligibility and application criteria details.

For additional information email: digitalhelp@cumberlandcountync.gov

Eligibility Criteria: a) For-profit agricultural businesses operating within Cumberland County employing no more than two hundred-fifty (250) FTEs are eligible for funding via the program, if the business: b) Employs a low to moderate income individual, being those full-time equivalent positions paying less than or equal to $44,250. Employees may not earn more than $44,250. c) Possess the capacity to be successful with the use of the program funds. d) Have filed a valid form FSA-578 and possess a valid tax identification number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) for sole proprietors. e) Be registered and in good standing with the North Carolina Secretary of State if the business is a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership. f) Is not in bankruptcy. g) Is current with property taxes and any fees that are collected with property taxes or have a payment plan in place with the tax administrator. h) Maintains a policy of general liability insurance with at least as much coverage as the amount of funding received from the program. i) Complies with Cumberland County Policy No. 3-11: Conflict of Interest. j) Have employees with wages reported with a W-2 or Form 1040 Schedule C for sole proprietors. k) Maintains employment of at least one full-time equivalent low to moderate income employee for one year after the first receipt of assistance under the program. l) Farm must have been operational on or before March 3, 2021.