Gardening for Greenbacks Program
In 2008, The Gardening for Greenbacks Program was established to forge Cleveland as a model for local food system development and serve as a resource to ensure that every resident has access to fresh, healthy and affordable food. The Gardening for Greenbacks program assists entrepreneurs that are seeking to do urban farming as a "for-profit" venture. The Grant is to be used by individuals and entities wishing to establish or expand their urban farm.
Eligibility
To apply, applicants need to successfully complete market garden training, have an executed lease on a plot of land, and secure contracts/agreements to sell the produce grown to local venues. The Gardening for Greenbacks Program cannot be used in conjunction with the City’s Summer Sprout Program. The Applicant is required to document the sales to the local community with a “Monitoring Sheet” (which will be submitted to the City at year end) inventorying the produce grown/harvested and the location of sales for the term of the grant.
Max Assistance
The recoverable grant awarded is between $3,000 and $5,000.
Use of Proceeds
Purchase of gardening tools, irrigation equipment, construction materials for hoop houses and raised beds construction, display tables and booths, soil, signage, and rain barrels.
Equity Requirement
Applicant must provide a minimum of 20% equity.
Collateral
No collateral is required; however the urban garden must operate for a term no less than two years.
Interest Rates
N/A
Loan Terms
The Applicant is required to submit annual job creation reports and monitoring reports for produce sales levels for a term of at least two years.
Success of urban farming in the City of Cleveland - In the News
“How Urban Agriculture Swept through Greater Cleveland,” Cleveland.com. July 17, 2017 https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2017/07/urban_farms_proliferate_in_cle.html
“Top 10 Cities in the U.S. for Urban Farming, “ Inhabitant. 6/22/2016 https://inhabitat.com/top-10-cities-in-the-us-for-urban-farming/
“Urban Agriculture in Ohio — Promoting local food production and creating economic opportunities statewide “ Ohio State University, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, February 15, 2019 https://cfaes.osu.edu/stories/urban-agriculture-in-ohio