LOCATION: Gerdin Business Building (Room TBD), Ames, IA
Register below
For more information, contact:
Penny Brown Huber, 515.232.1344, or BrownPennyL@aol.com
Sherry Shafer, 515.331.8954, or sshafer@iastate.edu
Click here for brochure! (PDF)
This program will assist potential and existing local producers learn the skills needed to create and strengthen successful farm business ventures. Unlike other business education programs, this program addresses the special needs of farm business ventures by providing a practical, hands-on approach to developing a small business - whether just starting out or ready to grow.
This program is more than a class. It brings together tested curriculum as well as introductions to local institutions who need your products; law and accounting students who will support you during the year; and networking with your peers who may help your business grow. If you commit the time and thought needed for this class, you will:
- Experience a rare opportunity to meet with a cadre of experienced local small producers and experts who will give you practical solutions you can use everyday to grow your business.
- Learn important and necessary tools to build your profitable farm business.
- Complete a business plan.
- Mix with a group of like-minded peers facing similar issues who can provide your opportunities to branch out, develop support relationships and rekindle your enthusiasm.
- Hash out problems with a mentor! Our instructors and business experts will work with you to find solutions your specific challenges.
- Receive easy-to-read couse materials which include: The Legal Guide for Direct Farm Marketing, Directory of local farm business support & resources, materials specifically designed for each session, Tilling the Soil of Opportunity Guide, Business Workbook, Resource Guide
Who Should Attend...
If you raise vegetables, herbs, flowers, specialty livestock or poultry, or farm prairie seed and native grass seeds on 50 acres or less and are intersted in direct marketing, this is the program for you. The curriculum is specifically targeted to assist local small producers in testing their innovative ideas and creating farm business plans. For example, the curriculum will help you ask the correct questions critical to a successful business. Question such as, What is the market potential of the product? Who are my customers or end-users? How should me product be distributed? How can my new or existing venture be funded? How do I cash flow a successful operation?
Twenty five small producers will be accepted into the 2008 class which will meet once a week from January through April. These meetings will be supplemented with guest speakers and hands-on-opportunities. Beginning in May, the group will work on finalizing their personal farm business plans, developing their marketing materials and test their business ideas. We know you are very busy from May until Ocotber, so we will not reconvene until November for a final group meeting. While there is a substantial amount of time committed, we believe in the end you will have received information and personal assistance worth at least $2500.
Participants will be expected to attend all classes and to complete a business plan. Program fees include the cost of one set of materials. One additional business partner or significant other may attend at no additional program cost, but you may wish to purchase an additional set of materials.
Workshop is from 1/24/09 to 4/11/09
Cost is $475, REGISTER BEFORE JANUARY 21, 2009
Or mail registration and check to:
Mid Iowa SBDC
10861 Douglas Ave.
Urbandale, IA 50322