Seeds for Success Workshops

Katie L. Sternweis, Dunn County Agriculture Agent, Specializing in Economic Development

Women in Agriculture Educator’s ConferenceMarch 28, 2012

Wisconsin Local Food Network• The Wisconsin Local Food Network (WLFN) engages,

connects, and empowers local, regional, and state organizations and individuals to build sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems.

• We envision vibrant local and regional food systems in Wisconsin that nourish the health and well-being of Wisconsin communities, conserve and enhance the natural resource base, and provide economic livelihood for a wide diversity of sustainable Wisconsin farmers and food businesses.

Assessing the Need

• September 2010 – WLFN distributes survey to statewide network

• Three Priority Areas Identified1. Market Development 2. Infrastructure Development3. Producer Development

Initial Steps

• January 2011 – Annual WLFN Summit• Group Discussion on Producer Development• Obstacles Identified

– Need for business development knowledge– Accessing and finding capital– Cost and clarity of regulations (license,

certification, etc.)

Initial Steps

• Committee Formed– Brainstormed Potential Projects & Workshop Ideas– Applied for $2250 mini-grant available through WI

Local Food Network – Designed Seeds for Success workshops

Seeds for Success workshops

• One Day Crash Course - “Planning and Financing Your Local Food Business”

• Two Main Subjects – Identified Obstacles from WLFN Summit– Developing and Writing Your Business Plan– Financing Options for Your Business

Seeds for Success workshops

• November 2011• Three Locations throughout Wisconsin

– Western, Eastern and Central/Southern• Business Plans - One Main Speaker at all locations• Financing Options – Panel of Speakers

Seeds for Success workshops

• “Business Plans – You Can Write One”– Carl Rainey, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture

Trade and Consumer Protection Economic Development Specialist

– 4 hour presentation, Q&A

Seeds for Success workshops

• Financing Options – Panel of Speakers– USDA Rural Development– Grant Funding Opportunities– WI Women’s Initiative Corporation– Farm Service Agency– Bank, Credit Union and Farm Credit Services

Participants

• 53 total at 3 locations• Mixed audience

– Producers who own a business– Producers looking to start a business– Represent organization which supports individuals

aiming to start business

Seminar Evaluation

Fell Short Met Exceeded0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Seminar Expectations

Seminar Evaluation

None; 7; 17%

Very Little; 12; 29%

A Little; 8; 20%

Some ; 12; 29%

A Lot; 2; 5%

Prior Knowledge of Business Plans

Seminar Evaluation

Very Little; 1; 3%

A Little; 4; 10%

Some ; 21; 53%

A Lot; 14; 35%

Knowledge of Business Plans After

Seminar Evaluation

None; 10; 24%

Very Little; 14; 34%

A Little; 7; 17%

Some ; 10; 24%

Prior Knowledge of Financial Options

Seminar Evaluation

Very Little; 1; 3%

A Little; 5; 13%

Some ; 24; 62%

A Lot; 9; 23%

Knowledge of Financial Options After

Seminar Evaluation

Pass along to other farmers

Expand my business

Figure out next steps

Write or revise a business plan

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How will you use information gained?

Follow Up Evaluation

• January 2012 - Zoomerang Online Survey• Key Indicators:

– Information Presented was Valuable– Some Put It To Use– Others Will Use in Future

QUESTIONS?

THANK YOU!