Growing Your Farm and Food Business: 2025 Workshop Series

Are you looking to strengthen your farm or food business with better business planning and funding opportunities? KCARD is excited to announce the return of our Growing Your Farm and Food Business Workshop Series this fall! 

These full-day workshops are designed to give farmers and food entrepreneurs the tools they need to build strong business plans and successfully apply for grants and loans. 

Pulaski County Workshop Recap 
The first stop in the series took place October 1st in Pulaski County, where participants spent the day learning how to develop comprehensive business plans and navigate funding opportunities. Attendees gained insights from KCARD staff and partners on crafting project budgets, writing strong grant proposals, and making their business ideas fundable. The event also featured valuable networking with fellow producers and program representatives, sparking collaboration and new ideas for farm growth. 

What to Expect 
The day will kick off with a Business Planning and Financials session, highlighting how strong planning supports loan and grant applications. After a short break, you’ll join round table discussions with other farmers, food businesses, and program representatives to share experiences and ask questions. 

Following a networking lunch (included with registration), round tables will continue before the group comes back together for afternoon grant-writing sessions. You’ll learn how to create a project budget, get practical grant writing tips, and leave with strategies you can immediately apply to your business. 

“We greatly appreciate the participation of the grant program representatives in the workshops. Having the opportunity to talk with program representatives in person is very valuable to the farmers who attend.” 
Brent Lackey, KCARD Executive Director 

Registration Details 
The cost to attend is $20, which includes lunch and all workshop materials. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. 

Who Will Be There? 
Funding programs represented will include: 

  • Kentucky Proud 

  • Kentucky State University Small-Scale Farm Program 

  • Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund programs 

  • USDA programs 
    …and more! 

Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts, strengthen your business planning skills, and explore funding opportunities that can help you grow your farm or food business.