June 22-29, 2004
PROJECT
LEADER(S): Thomas M Campbell
IMPACT: Of the 13 participants that
attended the workshop, 8 completed business plans or were satisfied with their
completion process, 1 potential enterprise chose to cancel their plans. Both were retirement age and after completing
the course decided that the resource investments that they would need to
contribute to creating a successful farming enterprise exceeded that that they
were willing to provide. Two of the participants changed the focus of their
business interests and 15 individuals, unable to attend, have since expressed
interest in a similar program. These
individuals indicated that winter season classes would fit their schedules
better.
SUMMARY: In February, we were awarded a
Specialty Crops Grant to conduct a business planning workshop of specialty crop
and small green industry businesses. Funds for this educational program came
from several sources, including: Golden Leaf Foundation, Carolina Farm Credit,
and participant registration. This
program was developed over a period of 4 months by a team made up of one
extension agent; Cliff Ruth, one extension specialist; Jeff Owen, and one NCDA
Marketing Specialist; Bill Glenn.
The
program was conducted during two day sessions and concluded with a graduation
banquet. A total of 16 producers
attended the sessions. The curriculum
for the program was based on the text: “Building a Sustainable Business; A
Guide to Developing a Business Plan for Farms and Rural Businesses”. This approach was very well received and
allowed the participants to work at their own pace. The sessions were held on June 22nd
and June 29th, with the final banquet on July 27th. (See attached agenda and photo gallery).
This
type of educational program needs to be conducted on an annual basis for new
and beginning growers and/or green industry enterprises. Due to the hands-on
nature of the program, it should be conducted with a maximum of 25 attendees
(ideally no more than 15 or 20 participants). Follow up programs and advance
training are needed to encourage the participants in
maintaining their goals and strengthen their business plans.
June, 22nd Agenda
8:00
– 8:15: Introduction and Overview- Cliff Ruth, NCCES, Area Extension Agent
8:15
– 8:35: Warm up exercise/ get acquainted
8:35
– 9:15: Evaluating Your Current Financial Situation
9:15
–10:00 : Business Plan Development 101- Dr. Guido Van
De Hoven,
10:00-
10:15: Break
10:15-
11:00 Marketing Situation-
Bill Glenn
11:00-
11:45: Values, Principles, and Planning,
-Jeff Owen
11:45-
1:00: Lunch
12:30
– 1:00 Lunch Speaker- A Lenders Perspective- Mark Williams,
1:
15- 2:10: Current Human Resources and
Operations Situations- Cliff Ruth
2:10
– 2:30 Break and Ice Breaker
2:30-
3:15 Paradigms and Change- Video
3:15-
3:45: Whole Farm SWOT Analysis, Jeff Owen
3:45-4:45: Vision,
4:45-
5:00: Work Sheets, Homework Assignments,
Jeff, Cliff, Bill
June, 29th Agenda
8:00-
8:45: Review Session/Warm up exercises – Jeff, Bill, Cliff
8:45-
9:45: Marketing Strategy- Bill Glenn
9:45-10:00:
Break
10:00-10:30:
Marketing Continued
10:30-
12:00: Operations/ Financial Strategy- Tammara Cole,
Cliff Ruth
12:00-12:45:
Lunch
12:45-
1:45: Human Resources Strategy- Cliff Ruth
1:45-
2:00: Break
2:00-
3:30: Evaluating Strategic Alternatives-
Charles Safely
3:30-3:45: Worksheets/Discussion
3:45-4:15: Moving Ahead With Your Business Plan- Jeff
Owen
4:15-4:30:
Local Partners/Resources
4:15-
5:00: Wrap up Session, Prepare Prompting Letters- Evaluations