The attached memo from USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan is must-reading for anyone interested in USDA support for building local food system enterprises.  It's a very helpful synopsis of some key opportunities for farmers, non-profits, local governments, cooperatives, businesses, and others.  Three programs are described:

The Community Facilities Program provides loans and grants for the construction, acquisition, or renovation of community facilities or for the purchase of equipment for community projects such as community kitchens, farmers markets, or food storage facilities for farm to school programs.

The Business and Industry Guarantee Loan Program is to help new and existing businesses in rural areas gain access to affordable capital.  USDA essentially co-signs the loan allowing more favorable interest rates and terms.

The Value-added Producer Grant Program provides grant funding for agricultural producers who add value to their raw products through processing and/or marketing, thereby increasing farm income.

I would encourage you to have a look at the memo (click the "read more" link below to download the attachment if you're reading this in your email) if you are interested in the kind of support described above.  I'd also encourage you to seek collaboration and assistance from the other subscribers on this site.  Specific groups like the Value-Added Processing group or the Entrepreneurs in Agriculture, for example, could focus the search for needed expertise, partners, sounding boards, proposal reviewers and editors, etc.  If you could use help from your colleagues on this site, please don't hesitate to ask, your chances for a successful proposal will improve as a result.   Lets work together to channel the funding being offered into successful local food system enterprises!