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Important Program Information

To submit an application, please complete this registration on-line. Then send via mail the $100 registration fee payable to "Orange County Cooperative Extension" to PLANT Beginning Farmer Program, c/o Orange County Cooperative Extension, POB 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Applications are due by October 15, 2019. 

Interested applicants can call Mike Lanier at 919/245-2063 to discuss their interest in the program.

This class is mostly being taught by SCORE Chapel Hill Durham.  SCORE mentors will also provide free mentoring to students who are starting a farm business.  To learn more about SCORE Chapel Hill Durham, visit the SCORE Chapel Hill Durham website.

Below is a copy of the tentative schedule for the class.  This class will meet on Thursday nights from 6 PM to 9 PM.  Food and refreshments will be provided during the 7 o'clock hour of each session.



Class Schedule

Session #1:  October 17, 2019

·  Business Planning Process
·  Business Model Canvas
·  Values, Mission & Vision 
-  Products and Services

 
Session #2:  October 24, 2019

·  The Basics of the Local Food Economy
-  Customer Analysis and Profiles
-  Competitive Analysis
-  Developing your farm's brand
-  Marketing Messages


Session #3:  November 7, 2019

-  Marketing Communications Plan 
-  Sales Plan
-  Operations Plan
-  Business Structure
-  Human Resources Strategy 

 
Session #4:  November 14, 2019

·  Financial Strategy
·  Financial Management
-  Risk Management


Session #5:  November 21, 2019

-  Exit Strategies
-  Executive Summary
-  Tools for Working on and Analyzing Your Business

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