Wilson, NC — RIoT has received $75,000 through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) to address critical gaps within the region’s AgTech innovation ecosystem and, most importantly, to empower farmers and growers to test and evaluate new technologies they may want to implement on their operations. This funding will enable RIoT to enhance collaboration with AgTech stakeholders, refine and formalize processes for identifying high-potential pilot opportunities, and deliver targeted support to growers and tech entrepreneurs to experiment with emerging tools in a low-risk, highly supported environment before adopting them in the field. Collectively, this investment strengthens RIoT’s capacity to accelerate technology commercialization and advance AgTech adoption in Eastern North Carolina and across the state.
Agriculture is one of North Carolina’s most vital industries, yet many promising technologies never make it to farms because entrepreneurs lack real-world testing environments, pilot support, and clear commercialization pathways and growers lack opportunities for learning about and adopting these technologies. This grant helps bridge that divide by creating more direct, grower-driven engagement in technology development.
RIoT has been a core facilitator and connector in developing the City of Wilson’s “The Source” a greenhouse facility designed specifically to give small and medium-sized growers a place to test, refine, and understand innovative IoT, AI, and data analytics solutions to use on their farms. Early work at The Source has shown that AgTech pilots vary widely in technical and resource needs, making tailored support and incremental funding essential for successful deployment.
The GAFC grant directly addresses these challenges. With this funding, RIoT will work closely with AgTech partners to evaluate best practices and develop clear, repeatable processes for designing and executing pilot projects at the Source and will provide financial support to growers and entrepreneurs to cover early customization costs. Entrepreneurs will gain the support they need to test and validate their ideas, while growers benefit from gaining hands-on experience with these proven, practical, field-ready technologies that enhance efficiency, yield, and sustainability.
The result is a stronger AgTech ecosystem—one that accelerates solutions for growers, boosts local entrepreneurship, and drives economic growth across the state.
“This funding allows RIoT to deepen our work in AgTech and expand opportunities for small businesses across the region,” said Greg Dunko, RIoT’s Director of Strategy. “We’re excited to put it into action through new pilots and programs.”
Opportunities for Engagement: Pilot Participation and Accelerator Enrollment
RIoT invites growers, startups, educators, and technology developers interested in learning about and/or piloting agricultural technology solutions to engage with pilot opportunities at The Source in Wilson, NC. Individuals or organizations interested in proposing a pilot project are encouraged to contact Greg Dunko for additional information.
RIoT is also accepting applications for the next cohort of the RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP) in Wilson. RAP is a 12-week, equity-free accelerator designed to support early-stage companies as they validate business models, engage with mentors and customers, and prepare for commercial growth. Applications are currently open and must be submitted by January 16. Learn more & apply here.
About RIoT
RIoT is dedicated to advancing innovation-driven economic development through high-impact programs, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive mentorship. By fostering connections among entrepreneurs, industry partners, and communities, RIoT supports the development of scalable technologies and strengthens regional innovation ecosystems.
About the SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC)
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition identifies and supports Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) that demonstrate a strong capacity to promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship—particularly in underserved communities, regions, and industry sectors. GAFC provides funding to advance the maturity and impact of ecosystems that support small business growth and technological innovation across the United States.