Cultivating Northeastern Farmers

Build and understand your farm as a business.

Agri-Veteran Business Accelerator

Learn how to build the perfect strategic plan to move your farm and small agribusiness forward.

We understand. The business of farming is intimidating. You love working on your farm, but the financial aspects of business can feel overwhelming without support or a plan in place.

The Veteran Business of Farming Program is a 10-week series designed for veterans and military spouses who want to transition into farming, ranching, and agriculture. In this program, we’ll help you cultivate a strategic self-designed action plan to validate your goals, build your farm and engage with a community of entrepreneurs just like you.

Curriculum

Week 1 – Legal Structures and Business Framework
Week 2 – Site Analysis & Exploring Your Potential
Week 3 – Understanding Your Market and Customers
Week 4 – Financial Planning for Your Business
Week 5 – Maximizing Your Profits and “Belt-Tightening”
Week 6 – Business Operations & HR

We are excited to be working in Collaboration with the NC Cooperative Extension teams

Curriculum

Week 7 – Beekeeping and Market Garden Design
Week 8 – Pasture-Based Livestock Systems
Week 9 – Agritourism
Week 10 – Timber, Pine Straw, and Drones

Course Schedule

Week One

Legal Structures and Business Framework

Week Two

Site Analysis & Exploring Your Potential

Week Three

Understanding Your Market and Customers

Week Four

Financial Planning for Your Business

Week Five

Maximizing Your Profits and “Belt-Tightening”

Week Six

Business Operations & HR

Week Seven

Beekeeping and Market Garden Design

Week Eight

Pasture-Based Livestock Systems

Week Nine

Agritourism

Week Ten

Timber, Pine Straw, and Drones

FAQ'S

Is there any cost to attend the program?

No. All workshops and courses are fully funded by our community partners.

Do I have to own land, have a farm or homestead to attend?

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.

Do I have to attend all the sessions to get a Certificate?

No. Students must attend 60% of the live sessions.

How do I get the information from a missed class?

Students who miss a class will receive a recording of the session.

If I need help with certain topics is there support for me?

Yes. We have a private Facebook group where instructors and students can discuss coursework, business development, and provide feedback.