During the course, you will learn to:

• Assess whether or not a business idea is a good fit for you.
• Develop a marketing strategy to make a profit
• Use financial tools to evaluate if your business has the potential to be profitable

This 9-session business planning course will help set your farm up for success in a new business venture.  During the course you will learn to assess the viability of a business idea, start to put a realistic path together to move your business forward, develop a marketing strategy to sell what you produce (and make a profit) and finally how to use financial tools to evaluate whether or not your business is meeting its financial milestones and achieving profitability. 

Unit 1: January 8,15 and 22 (Liz Higgins): Introduction to Business Planning and the Business Plan, Developing an Enterprise Budget for the Business Venture

Unit 2: January 29, February 5 and 12 (Bonnie Nelsen): Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Farm Business

Unit 3: February 19, 26 and March 5 (Steve Hadcock): Developing a Financial Plan for Your Farm Business

All course content is available online so you can work on it at your own pace.  There will be weekly webinars where you can meet other students and interact directly with the instructor on the content.  These webinars will be recorded.