Description:

This multi-session course is designed to help you evaluate potential land or sea-based businesses and understand the core concepts of business planning including: market research, marketing, funding, financial record keeping and sustainability. Successful completion of this course qualifies students for USDA Farm Service Agency Borrower Training Credit.

Course schedule:

• Zoom meetings, Thursday 5:00–7:00 p.m., October 5 – December 14

Note: Participants should plan to spend approximately 3 hours/week on additional asynchronous coursework required.

Course format and completion:

• Complete readings, videos, quizzes and assignments in Brightspace (online learning platform)
• Attend 10 two hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 5 – 7 pm
• Write a draft business plan
• Give a brief business financial presentation
• Complete a one-on-one meeting with one of our business coaches

Course fee:

This training program is offered on a sliding scale (self-selected). We strive to make the training accessible and affordable for all Maine residents.

• $250: Full price: Suggested for those who can afford the full course fee. 
• $175: 30% discount: Suggested for those who can afford 60% of the full course fee. Discount code: 30_bp4p
• $100: 60% discount: Suggested fee for participants for whom the full course fee would prove a barrier. Discount code: 60_bp4p

*Please contact us at extension.newfarmer@maine.edu if these payment options still prove a barrier for participation.

Topics include:

Basics of writing your business plan including:

• Market analysis
• Marketing strategies
• Financial planning
• Sustainability
• Leveraging resources

Questions:

Email: extension.newfarmer@maine.edu
Phone: 207-933-2100

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, or would like to discuss any other barriers to participation, please email extension.newfarmer@maine.edu or call Rebecca Long at 207.743.6329 or 800.287.1482 (in Maine) to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, however all requests will be considered.