Do you have a farm or food business in its infancy? Have you always wanted to start a food business? Has COVID interrupted your existing business and you are pivoting? If so, The Center for Women & Enterprise in partnership with The Center for an Agricultural Economy has a course for you: 10-Week Business Planning Course. This course is intended for new food-related businesses across the state of Vermont!

In this 10-week course, you will:

• Assess the financial & market viability of your business concept

• Learn how to identify & market to customers

• Explore options for funding the start-up and ongoing costs of operating your business

• Build a network of fellow aspiring business owners that can support you in launching and growing your new enterprise

• Complete the business plan to guide you in the launch & growth of your new company.

When: Mondays 5:30-8:30 from November 2- January 25 with weeks off for the holidays.

(11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 1/4, 1/11, 1/18, 1/25)

Where: Zoom. The link will be distributed prior to the first session

Fee: This class is free of charge thanks to the Working Lands & Enterprise Grant. You must apply to attend.

Please find the application here.

Please direct any questions you may have to Lylee Rauch-Kacenski at lylee[at]hardwickagriculture.org

Instructor: Diane Abruzzini is the Founder and Creative Director of Mind Frame, LLC. She is a marketing and finance professional and small business advisor. Her focus is on launch services, helping entrepreneurs get their ducks in a row to launch a new company, brand, or product line. Diane has experience in small food businesses, agriculture, technology, and investment banking. She has an MBA from the University of Vermont, is a core advisor with CWEVT, and volunteers on the Intervale Community Farm board and NAMI-VT finance committee.

About CWE: The Center for Women & Enterprise Vermont (CWEVT) is home to Vermont’s Women's Business Center. We offer no-cost business counseling throughout the life of your business and in addition to various short- and long-term training programs and workshops. We are here to support you as you start, grow, & pivot your business. https://cweonline.org/About-CWE/CWE-Vermont

About CAE: The Center for an Agricultural Economy is home to the Vermont Food Venture Center. Our amenities and services include: three commercial production kitchens, dry & frozen storage, low interest loans through the Vermont Farm Fund, business advising, financial planning, delivery services & supply chain logistics, market analysis & business start-up support. https://hardwickagriculture.org/