The Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) is excited to announce the launch of a new Request for Partnership (RFP) under Alaska’s Regional Food Business Center (RFBC). This RFP invites individuals and organizations with expertise in food business development to apply to become Technical Assistance (TA) providers. Selected partners will receive funding to deliver specialized support to Alaska’s small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, helping to build business capacity.
The Alaska RFBC, launched earlier this year as part of the USDA’s Islands and Remote Areas Regional Food Business Center, is designed to bolster Alaska’s food sector by providing critical business support to producers, processors, distributors, retailers, direct marketers, and support organizations. Now, with the Request for Partnership, the focus is on finding skilled technical assistance providers who can offer their expertise to help local food and farm businesses grow and thrive.
Supporting Small Businesses and Middle-of-the-Supply-Chain Activities
Through this RFP, the Alaska RFBC is seeking partnerships with organizations or individuals who possess in-depth knowledge of value-added agriculture and middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. TA providers will work directly with small and mid-sized food and farm businesses to help build capacity, navigate regulatory environments, and expand their market reach.
“These technical assistance providers are key to supporting Alaska’s small food and farm businesses,” said Robbi Mixon, Executive Director of the Alaska Food Policy Council. “Their expertise will help businesses cultivate necessary skills and strategies to grow sustainably and increase their market access. This is a vital step toward strengthening our state’s local and regional food economies.”The RFBC’s Technical Assistance Program will offer specialized guidance in these areas, empowering businesses to enhance their operations and create new opportunities for growth.
Building Skills for Long-Term Success
Our RFBC TA Program is aimed at Building Capacity and Expanding Markets for farm and food businesses. Through partnerships with technical assistance providers, businesses will have access to critical support, such as:
- How to develop or maintain a direct-to-consumer enterprise
- Accessing institutional consumers
- Using new strategies to improve local/regional food processing, distribution, aggregation, or storage
- Value chain coordination
- Market development
- Navigating and managing financial resources from third parties
- Minor business development (defined by USDA as planning, financial literacy, legal and regulatory awareness, succession planning, and record-keeping)
By investing in these critical areas, the RFBC aims to reduce the barriers small businesses face, such as lack of access to resources or expertise. This approach will help create a more resilient, sustainable food system in Alaska that fosters economic development and food security.
“Alaska’s food producers are at the heart of our local economy, and with the right support, they have incredible potential to grow,” said Mixon. “Our technical assistance partners will provide the tools to help empower these businesses to thrive.”
Enhancing Alaska’s Food Security and Economy
The RFBC’s mission goes beyond helping individual food and farm businesses. We are is working to build a stronger and more secure food system across the state. Reducing dependence on food imports, enhancing local production, and developing more robust supply chains are all essential components of creating a more resilient food economy.
Through the RFP, the RFBC seeks to address challenges unique to Alaska’s geographical and environmental conditions. TA providers will play a pivotal role in helping food businesses navigate these obstacles, ensuring that locally-produced goods can reach more communities across the state.
This initiative will not only boost the food sector but also aims to create new jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and contribute to the overall economic growth of Alaska’s regions.
Applications Open for Technical Assistance Providers
Applications for the RFBC’s Request for Partnership are now open, and the RFBC encourages individuals and organizations with experience in value-added agriculture, business development, and middle-of-the-supply-chain support to apply. Selected partners will receive sub-awards to provide specialized technical assistance to food businesses throughout Alaska.
Key details of the RFP:
- Deadline for applications: November 29, 2024
- Projects begin: February 2025
- Who can apply: Farmer, Rancher, Agricultural/ Mariculture Producer, Fisher, Cooperative, Food hub, Aggregator (other than food hub), Distributor, Processor, Value-Added Production, Government Agency (state or local), Tribal government, Non-profit Organization, College or University, Cooperative Extension
The RFBC is committed to ensuring equitable growth, particularly focusing on underserved and historically underinvested communities, including rural and Indigenous food businesses. For more information and to apply, visit the Alaska Food Policy Council’s RFBC Technical Assistance page: AFPC’s RFBC Technical Assistance page.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Alaska’s food economy by contributing vital expertise and supporting the businesses that will drive economic and food security forward.
