The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship recently awarded $200,000 in grants to 12 businesses across the state as part of its advanced entrepreneurship program. Four of these recipients are based in the Upstate region.
One of the Upstate-based businesses receiving funding is Blue Ridge Rabbit Meat Co., a family-run rabbit farm located in Wellford. They plan to use the ACRE funding to add heating and cooling systems throughout their barn, which will improve animal welfare and efficiency. Farm in the Wildwood, another Upstate recipient, utilizes eco-friendly, no-till, and regenerative agricultural methods to grow baby greens, herbs, and various vegetables. With the ACRE money, they aim to make facility improvements, enhance marketing strategies, and expand their product offerings.
The Pickled Pepper People is a minority-owned business based in Greenville County that produces spicy slaw from fresh vegetables sourced locally and sustainably using a traditional Haitian family recipe. They plan to use the ACRE grant money for equipment, marketing, social media, and shared kitchen expenses. Lastly, Growing Green Family Farms supplies fresh produce to the Upstate region from their farm in Greenville County.
ACRE Executive Director Kyle Player expressed admiration for the creativity, drive, and diversity of the entrepreneurs who competed in the program. Each recipient will also receive access to a network of business advisors and professional assistance with additional state and federal grant applications.
