Business of Farming at BlueRidge
Join us for a live instructor-led 4-week series designed for new and beginning farmers who want to explore their options in farming, ranching, and agriculture.
Business of Farming at BlueRidge
Join us for a live instructor-led 4-week series designed for new and beginning farmers who want to explore their options in farming, ranching, and agriculture. In this program, we’ll help you cultivate a strategic plan to validate your goals and engage with a community of entrepreneurs just like you.
Classes held virtually each Wednesday from (6:00pm-8:00pm) for four weeks. Class begins on Wednesday March 8.
What you will learn:
- Legal structures
- Site analysis & Exploring your Potential
- Financial planning – Grow your numbers
- Understanding Your Marketing and Customers
Curriculum:
Week 1 (March 8) – Legal Structures and Business Framework – Kick start or expand your farm business by finding which business structure works best for your goals. Learn the fundamentals of the business operations and how they work. Learn to think outside of the box on which business entity might be best for you.
Week 2 (March 15) – Site Analysis & Exploring Your Potential – Explore how you can learn your farms potential through analysis of all land and equipment so you can explore and move your business to its full potential. You will learn to think strategically in making decisions that will enhance your capacity.
Week 3 (March 22)– Financial Planning for Your Business – You will learn how to understand your business financials so that you can make smart and strategic decisions that will make you profitable. You will explore all areas of business finance so that you are confident in your decision making as you move your business into a profitable venture.
Week 4 (March 29)– Understanding Your Market and Customers – Learn how to find your niche, business concept and opportunity. Explore how you can fine tune your value proposition and begin to explore which customers are best for your business. Learn how to find the right customer for you –and keep them.
Course Schedule
Week One
Legal Structures & Business Framework
Week Two
Site Analysis & Exploring Your Potential
Week Three
Understanding Your Market & Customers
Week Four
Financial Planning for Your Business
Week Five
Maximizing Your Profits and "Belt-Tightening"
Week Six
Business Operations & HR
Week Seven
Pasture Raised Chickens
Week Eight
Pasture-Raised Cows & Chickens
Week Nine
Market Garden Design, Barn Storage, Tractors and Equipment
Week Ten
Drones & Agriculture
FAQ'S
No. All workshops and courses are fully funded by our community partners.
Everyone is welcome.
No. You can be in the dreaming stage, in the process of obtaining land or acquiring a farm, or operating a farm of any size.
No. Students must attend 60% of the live sessions.
Students who miss a class will receive a recording of the session.
Yes. We have a private Facebook group where instructors and students can discuss coursework, business development, and provide feedback.