The Bear Flag Vanguard Fund
Awards of up to $2,500 for California Farmer Veterans
The Farmer Veteran Coalition of California (FVCCA) is proud to offer the Bear Flag Vanguard Fund. This program provides micro-awards of up to $2,500 to eligible California veterans to purchase critical equipment, infrastructure, or materials that act as a catalyst for their agricultural operations.
⚠️ Important Payment Notice: Approved fellowship funds are disbursed directly to the verified vendor or supplier for the purchase of specific assets. Cash awards are never paid directly to the applicant.
Application Process & Timeline
To maintain a competitive and fair evaluation process, your application must be submitted entirely through our online portal below.
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Before beginning, ensure you meet our foundational criteria:
You are a veteran, active duty, reserve, or National Guard service member.
Your agricultural operation is located within the state of California.
You have attended at least one FVCCA-sponsored event (in-person or virtual live) during the current cycle, or you have watched one of our pre-recorded business planning webinars.
Step 2: Prepare Your Required Documents
The online form cannot be saved mid-progress. Please gather the following items before you begin filling out the application:
A Complete Business Plan (5 to 15 pages preferred): Your plan must be attached as a PDF. It should clearly outline your business structure, production methods, market analysis, financial history/projections, and short-term goals. (We highly recommend using AGPLAN or similar planning software).
Formal Cost Documentation: A digital copy (PDF or image) of an official quote, invoice, or estimate from your preferred vendor for the exact equipment or materials you are requesting.
Your Service Information: Your military branch, status, and dates of service.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
The form below is divided into four short sections:
Section 1: Applicant & Contact Information
Section 2: Military Service & Event Verification
Section 3: Fellowship Request Details & Strategic Impact Essay (250 words or less)
Section 4: Required Document Uploads & Transition Essay (500 words or less)
Ready to Apply?
Review your documents, scroll down, and complete the multi-step form below to submit your application for review.
For questions or technical issues regarding your submission, please contact the FVCCA Support Team (evas@fvcca.org)
