Are you looking to strengthen your farm or agricultural business or learn more about funding opportunities? KCARD’s Growing Your Farm and Food Business Workshop Series is returning this fall with three in-person workshops across Kentucky.
Upcoming Workshop Dates and Locations
Choose the location and date that work best for you. All workshops are open to participants regardless of where their farm or business is located.
Adair County — October 22
Adair County Cooperative Extension Office
Register for the Adair County workshop
Bath County — October 27
Bath County Cooperative Extension Office
Register for the Bath County workshop
Daviess County — November 12 (new date)
Daviess County Cooperative Extension Office
Register for the Daviess County workshop
Registration is $20 per person and includes lunch and workshop materials. All workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time.
Whether you’re just getting started or have an established operation, these full-day workshops are designed to give you practical information, resources, and connections you can use to move your business forward.
From understanding the basics of business planning and financials to learning how to approach grant applications, the workshops will cover key topics for farmers and agricultural businesses at different stages. You’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with service providers and funding program representatives and ask questions specific to your operation.
What to Expect
The day will begin with business planning and financials, providing an introduction to the building blocks of a strong business plan and how financial information fits into your overall business strategy. Whether you’re developing your first business plan or looking to strengthen an existing one, the session will provide practical information you can apply to your operation.
Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in roundtable discussions with other farmers, agricultural businesses, and program representatives. These conversations are designed to give you a chance to meet representatives from funding agencies and to learn from others who understand the challenges and opportunities of running an agricultural business.
A networking lunch is included with registration, giving participants additional time to connect with other attendees, service providers, and funding program representatives.
The afternoon will focus on grant writing and funding opportunities. Participants will learn about the basics of developing a funding application, including how to think through a project, develop a budget, and communicate their plans clearly to potential funders.
Throughout the workshop, there will be opportunities to ask questions about your own farm or business and connect with people who may be able to help you identify resources and funding opportunities.
What You’ll Take Away
By the end of the workshop, participants will have a better understanding of:
The key components of a business plan
Basic business financials and how they support planning
How to approach writing a grant application
What to consider when developing a project budget
Funding opportunities and resources available to agricultural businesses
How to connect with service providers and funding program representatives
The workshop is intended to be useful whether you’re working on a new business idea, preparing for a future funding application, or looking for ways to strengthen an established operation.
Who Should Attend?
These workshops are a good fit for beginning and established farmers, food businesses, and agricultural entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their business knowledge and learn more about available resources.
You don’t need to have a perfect business plan or a grant application ready to attend. In fact, the workshop is a great opportunity to learn the basics, ask questions, and start thinking through your next steps.
If you’re ready to strengthen your business planning, learn more about funding, or simply make connections with people who can help, we hope you’ll join us this fall.
Choose the workshop that works best for you and register today! If you have questions, feel free to contact us at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info.