WAgN, along with some of our collaborators, offers several educational and assistance opportunities that help individuals develop and/or further expand an ag-based enterprise. These program components follow a continuum that addresses the needs of individuals at all stages of business development.

Growing Places
Our signature course! Held in the Fall and Spring in different locations throughout Vermont, the purpose of Growing Places is to help you evaluate the possibilities and realities of starting an agriculturally based business. In this 6-part seminar, you'll learn about goal setting, resource evaluation, and marketing. You'll have an opportunity to hear how others like you have made their dream a reality and you'll meet the experts who are there to help and support you. Follow the link above to find out more.

Tilling the Soil of Opportunity
A Business Planning Class for Agricultural Entreprenuers, Tilling the Soil gives both new and experienced farmers the tools to move forward with an innovative business idea. Part of the NxLevel curriculum series, Tilling consists of 12 3-hour sessions. During the class, participants examine the critical components to developing a comprehensive business plan. Participants will learn how to organize and better manager their businesses; identify opportunities to market products and or services; understand and organize business financials; learn how and where to get funding; network with other farmers and members of Vermont's agricultural community; and write a detailed, comprehensive business plan ready for a lender's reivew.

Intsturctors for the course include UVM Extension and Vermont Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business management specialists. The course also includes farmers, lenders and industry professionals who will share their experience and insights with participants.

For more information, visit the Land Link Vermont website at http://www.uvm.edu/landlinkvt/.

WAgN
Women's Agricultural Network
590 Main St., UVM
Burlington, VT  05405
(802) 656-3276
or wagn@zoo.uvm.edu

University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, notional orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.