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BASTROP — A Bastrop- based beekeeping business rooted in sustainable agriculture and community outreach has been awarded a national grant to support its growth.
Lantana Farms, which operates locally as Local Honey Bee Company, was selected to receive a $4,000 grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed earlier this month. Owner Jeff Kreider, a retired U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of service, said the funds will help upgrade business equipment and support the farm’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
“America’s small business and self-employed community is the lifeblood of our economy, helping fuel growth along Main Street in small and large communities throughout the country,” said John Hearrell, NASE vice president.
Kreider and his wife, Sandi, launched the business in 2020 after settling in the Lost Pines area north of the city. What began with three hives has grown into a multifaceted operation that sells raw Texas honey, handmade bee wraps, small-batch roasted coffee, jams and other local goods.
The couple said they were drawn to beekeeping as a shared interest and a way to give back to the community.
“I love helping people. I love teaching people how to help themselves,” Sandi said on the business’ website. “I think this is the next step.”
A fifth-generation Texan, Sandi is a culinary professional with experience in teaching and ophthalmology. She leads the farm’s pantry product line and small-batch coffee roasting.
Jeff, who earned a degree from the University of the Incarnate Word after his military service, said he sees parallels between the structure of a beehive and his time in the military.
“Each bee knows their job and does it to the best of its ability,” he said. “They are organized, disciplined and work as a cohesive team.”
The award is part of NASE’s 2025 first-quarter Growth Grant program, which provides capital to help small businesses expand operations, invest in equipment or launch new marketing efforts.
“Lantana Farms was chosen for this award because it demonstrated a well-defined plan for growth ranging from executing new marketing initiatives, purchasing new equipment and other creative ways to expand,” Hearrell said.
NASE awarded $112,000 in grants to 28 small businesses in 2024, with support from AARP and Dell Small Business. The organization plans to continue the program throughout 2025, awarding $4,000 to selected businesses each quarter.
The Kreiders said they hope to use the funds not only to improve infrastructure but to expand their outreach and continue educating others interested in beekeeping.
More information on Local Honey Bee Company and its products is available at localhoneybeecompany.com. Details on NASE and grant opportunities can be found at nase.org.
