Source:  NCDA&CS, 1/25/10

Turning a small or part-time value-added food business into a full-time business is a big step, but a new marketing series is designed to help food entrepreneurs decide if it is a move that makes sense for them.

“Food Marketing in the Real World” will take place March 9, “Making Media Work for Your Food Business” will be held July 20, and “The Secrets of Marketing and Selling Success” will be held Nov. 9.

The registration period is now open for the March 9 workshop, and will open June 1 for the July 20 event and Oct. 4 for the Nov. 9 workshop.

The workshops, hosted by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and sponsored by Carteret Community College, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the college’s Small Business Center in Morehead City.

The workshops will cover a variety of topics, including creating a competitive advantage, understanding the difference between sales and marketing, knowing when to make the move from part-time to professional, marketing to food service and retail, and understanding the financial considerations of expanding a business.

Each workshop costs $30, which covers materials and lunch. The deadline for each workshop will be the week prior to the event date. Space is limited to 30 people, and interested participants are encouraged to register early once the registration period opens.

For a registration form for the March 9 workshop, go to www.ncagr.gov/markets/agbizmarketing.htm, or call Annette Dunlap in the NCDA&CS Marketing Division at (919) 733-7887.