Food & Farming Network to Host Farm Business Viability Series Beginning Feb. 4

Farm Business Viability Series
Location: *Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, 600 E Front Street, 2nd floor Conference Room, (free parking)
February 4 to March 18, 2014, 5-7pm, (Tuesdays)

(*except March 18th, the program will be held at the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance, 1610 Barlow Street, Traverse City MI.)

Registration:
For more information and to register, contact Susan Cocciarelli (231) 620-4176 or susancocciarelli@nwm.cog.mi.us
$20 per course or $75 for series

Download/view: Farm Business Viability Series Info Sheet (pdf)

Business Feasibility - Instructor: Chris Wendel, Tuesday, February 4

In this class, we will discuss market research, business assessment and baseline determination. We will look at the big picture, including market identification, introduction to cash flow and capturing competitive analysis data.

Intro to Financial Statements - Instructors: Nic Welty & Chris Wendel, Tuesday, February 11

Align your business plan with current or anticipated cash flows. In this class, we will discuss financial ratios. Review or plan your business plan, market penetration and marketing strategy.

Farm Record Keeping - Instructor: Nic Welty, Tuesday, February 18

Introduction to setting up farm-based record keeping. The training includes access to technical assistance to keep and maintain good production records, and food safety. Some technical assistance provided through the Rehmann Group.

Risk Mitigation and Production Planning - Instructor: Nic Welty, Tuesday, February 25

Using the Farm Credit Council’s one page risk mitigation planning tool, farmers will learn the principals behind risk mitigation planning.

Financial Farming - Instructor: Chris Wendel, Tuesday, March 4

Learn to understand and be prepared to apply for capital, as well as how to access diverse sources of capital, including local savings programs, flexible loans, and other public and private dollars.

Leasing or Buying Land: Farm Succession and Land Transfer Strategies
Instructor: Brian Bourdages, GTRL Conservancy, Tuesday, March 11

Learn about programs and effective strategies to lease and purchase farmland from farm specialists in the region.

Mobilizing Market Channels - Instructor: Rob Sirrine, Tuesday, March 18

Farms and food businesses will share market opportunities through the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance.
*NOTE: This program will take place at the Grand Traverse Foodshed Alliance, 1610 Barlow Street, Traverse City MI.

Registration:
For more information and to register, contact Susan Cocciarelli (231) 620-4176 or susancocciarelli@nwm.cog.mi.us
$20 per course or $75 for series

Download/view: Farm Business Viability Series Info Sheet (pdf)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities)

Testimonial

Our Township greatly benefits from Network Northwest's experience, depth of knowledge and understanding. Because they work with so many diverse communities in our ten-county region they understand the local land-use issues and are already working on solutions by the time we realize we need some help.
Susan Odom, Chair, Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission