Source: NCSU

The Business of Agriculture Series
Mondays, October 1-November 19, 2018
6 to 8 p.m.
Central Carolina Community College
Pittsboro Campus, Building 42, Room 108

This eight-week series will enable experienced food and farming entrepreneurs to gain the skills needed to craft a new business plan to diversify, expand, or better manage their existing operation. Students will gain a greater understanding of finance, marketing, and management tools needed to successfully operate their business. Registration for the full eight-week session is recommended for the most comprehensive business plan. Each session builds on the content from the previous session.

Instructors will feature local case studies and guest speakers. The Business of Agriculture Series is brought to you by the Chatham County Small Business Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center, and the CCCC Sustainable Agriculture Program with support from NC Growing Together

Course Schedule:

October 1—Assessment and Analysis:  This session will provide a basic overview of the program, and help you determine if you and your location are well suited to run a food and/or farming business. Instructors: Jon Spoon & Debbie Roos   

October 8—Marketing Options: In this session, participants will evaluate different types of markets—direct-to-consumer, wholesale, restaurant, CSA—and the potential for each, in light of their specific products/services. Instructor: Robin Kohanowich 

October 15—Marketing-Your story!: In this session, participants will work with others on telling their unique story and will draft a seven-point marketing plan. Instructor: Robin Kohanowich 

October 22—Production & Processing: This session will discuss the infrastructure and equipment needed to operate a small farm or food processing business. Participants will also learn about regulations that may affect their farm or food business, and what resources are available to help. Instructor: Debbie Roos

October 29—Accounting Terms and Tools: In this session, we will first review basic accounting terminology useful in formulating a business plan. Next, we will work through examples of Income Statements and Balance Sheets, discussing how these items help you set up and manage your business. Instructor: Bob Armantrout 

November 5—Business Planning: In this session, we will discuss Enterprise Budgets, Whole Farm Budgets, Breakeven Analysis, Risk Analysis, SWOT Analysis, and the creation of a Business Plan. Instructor: Bob Armantrout 

November 12—Operations: This session will provide a framework for operating your business including taxation, zoning and licensing, bookkeeping, human relations, insurance and others. Instructor: Jon Spoon 

November 19—Final Presentations & Potluck! The course is FREE but pre-registration is required. Register online.

* Participants are strongly encouraged to register for all eight classes. The classes are designed to be taken as a series.

Read more at: https://growingsmallfarms.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/08/register-now-for-business-of-agriculture-series/