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.
Topics include:
The basics of writing your business plan, including:
- Market analysis
- Marketing strategies
- Financial planning
- Sustainability
- Leveraging resources
Course schedule:
Zoom Meetings: Thursdays 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Weekly from 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 and completion:
- Complete readings, videos, quizzes, and assignments in Brightspace (the online learning platform)
- Attend ten two-hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 5 – 7 p.m.
- 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 70% of the full course fee. Discount code: 25_26bp4pl2_30
- $100: 60% discount: Suggested fee for participants for whom the full course fee would prove a barrier. Discount code: 25_26bp4pl2_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.
