Welcome to Business Planning for Producers Level 1! Intended for aspiring producers who are considering starting a natural resource-based business in Maine, this course will help you create a strong business plan to ensure your success. This multi-session course is designed to help you evaluate potential land or sea-based businesses and understand the core concepts of business planning. In this course, you'll explore important topics such as market research, marketing strategies, funding options, financial record-keeping, and sustainability. Our goal is to provide you with practical tools and insights that you can apply to your own business, helping you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities you may face.

Topics include:

The basics of writing your business plan, including:

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

Course schedule:
Zoom Meetings: Thursdays 5p.m. – 7p.m. weekly. 
Starting on November 6, 2025 – February 5, 2026

(Break weeks on 11/27, 12/25, 01/01, and 01/22) 
Note: Participants should plan to spend approximately 3 hours/week on additional asynchronous coursework required.

Course format:

• Readings, videos, and interactives in Brightspace, the online learning platform.
• Ten two-hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 5 – 7p.m.

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.

• $150: Full price: Suggested for those who can afford the full course fee.
• $105: 30% discount: Suggested for those who can afford 70% of the full course fee. Discount code: 25_26bp4pl1_30
• $60: 60% discount: Suggested fee for participants for whom the full course fee would prove a barrier. Discount code: 25_26bp4pl1_60

*Please contact us at stephanie.wright@maine.edu (207.933.2100) if these payment options still prove a barrier for participation or if you have any questions about the course.

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 stephanie.wright@maine.edu 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.