WSU Regional Small Farms to host in-depth business planning course for farmers
Photo Solstice Family Farm, Chimacum
Jefferson County, WA – The WSU Regional Small Farms program will be offering Agricultural Entrepreneurship, a 9-week in-depth business planning course for farmers in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap counties. The course features a full line-up of local guest speakers including bankers, business professionals, and successful farm owners with a special emphasis on the financial and legal issues unique to farm-based businesses.
The course covers evaluating resources, planning and research, legal and management issues, marketing strategies, budgets, and financial statements along with how to cultivate capital resources. During the course, participants will develop a business plan they can take to the bank to finance a new enterprise or expand an existing farm-based business. Participants will join a statewide cohort, including a full line-up of guest experts and farmer speakers, while also engaging in networking and support through regional breakout rooms.
The 9-week class series is being offered fully online through Zoom Tuesday evenings from 6pm – 8:30pm, starting February 2nd and running through March 30th. Tickets are $125, with scholarships being available for veteran farmers and anyone for whom the fee may be a barrier. Contact WSU Regional Small Farms program coordinator, Kellie Henwood, at kellie.henwood@wsu.edu for full scholarship information. To register visit www.cultivatingsuccesswa.org. Registration closes January 29th.
The Washington State University Regional Small Farms program provides research-based information and educational programs for farmers, consumers, decision-makers, and others involved in local food systems. The Food & Farms team across Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties work closely with farmers and community members to build a profitable farming system, to promote land and water stewardship, and to ensure that members of our community have access to healthy food. For more information about the program and class offerings please visit go.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms.
