Farm Business Lab
Build the profitable farm business of your dreams!
What is the Farm Business Lab?
Farm Business Lab is an 8 week business planning program with ongoing support that will change the course of your farm. You will work with experienced coaches and facilitators to launch or grow your farm business over the course of the class.
The curriculum was developed in partnership with National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD).
Who is the Farm Business Lab™ for?
The Farm Business Lab™ is for farm entrepreneurs. Previously only available to specialty crop producers, the Farm Business Lab is now open to all kinds of farmers.
What: Hands-on exercises, learning tools, dialogue, access to seasoned entrepreneurs, accountability for completing a business case document and business case presentation, and building a peer network.
Why: Farm Business Lab™ provides proven, practical business tools and builds confidence — you are the future of our local economy — and increases your chances for success significantly. Use Business Lab™ to build the vehicle to carry your idea, product, and dreams forward.
When: Eight class sessions over an eight-week period. Three hours of meeting time per class.
Where: The Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, Keene, NH
Benefits of the Program
Farm Business Lab™ for business is a collaborative program. You will work with the instructor and other participants to discuss your business and dive deeply into the components of your business. The instructor’s role is to help facilitate the discussion and offer insight, where helpful.
We also invite a number of community-based entrepreneurs to share their expertise and experience with either starting a business or supporting growing businesses. Guest speakers include business founders, service providers, working professionals, and all-around wise sages.
Farm Business Lab™ offers an ideal setting for discovery, hands-on application of practical business tools, and the ability to clearly communicate the value of your product or service, and the benefits your business offers.
Clarity – Throughout the course, farmers will learn how to:
- Enhance the competitiveness of your business
- Receive technical assistance
- Receive peer support from other farmers
- Create a business plan
- And more!
Connections:
- The network of fellow entrepreneurs will become your support system for years to come
- You will have access to the network of business coaches at the Hannah Grimes Center
Program Components
(Class topics subject to change as needed to maximize the impact of the Business Lab™ experience)
Class 1
Introduction to Farm Business Lab™
- Introductions
- Class overview
- Create mission, vision, and values
- Understand the opportunity and or the problem your business addresses
Class 2
Whole Farm Planning
- Getting started with a whole farm goal
- Skills, scales, and design
- Enterprise considerations
Class 3
Finances & Revenues
- Business model and financial viability
- Basic terms and definitions of financial terms
- Financial statements, budget projections
- Financing your business
- Initial practice pitch
Class 4
Whole Farm Management
- Understanding data to make informed business decisions
- Assessing financial health
- Labor management
Class 5
Customer, Marketing, and Sales
- Defining and understanding your customer
- Define the market and business need
- Developing your marketing and sales plan
- Telling your story
Class 6
Conservation Planning
- Evaluating conservation concerns
- Developing a conservation plan
- Practice implementation
- Conservation resources
Class 7
Pitch Practice & Farmer Roundtable
- Full pitch practice
- Farmer round table
- Resource & planning ahead
Class 8
Pitch Event
- Pitch your business to friends, family, and community members!
- Debrief and assess your experience and all-important next steps
Testimonials
Diana DeMarsico, Owner of Wild Meadow Farm
“I really appreciated hearing and working with the instructors and other members. Other farmers’ opinions are extremely valuable. I am very grateful for the opportunity to check in and learn with so many wonderful folks.”
John Rixey, Farm Manager of Dog Days Farm
“The farm business lab provided our farm with a more intimate knowledge of the business beyond the fields. When it seems like the farm work is never ending, having dedicated time to working on the business can be incredibly helpful. The Farm Business Lab is a great opportunity to work on the foundation of any farm business.”Rachel Patterson, Co-owner of Headwaters Homestead
“Farm Business Lab helped me to understand my values and implement them on a larger scale throughout my business. This course helps connect you with a diverse array of other farmers and the open sharing in the group was incredibly helpful and affirming. The facilitators were knowledgeable and open people that wanted to help our businesses succeed.”David & Amanda Wadleigh, Owners of Kimball Fruit Farm
“I left this class knowing exactly what I wanted for my business. This course brought up some points that made us ask ourselves the questions we didn't know we needed to ask. My confidence level after those 6 weeks had me feeling like I could run my own business.”Anthony Munene, Owner of Two Mountain Farm
“Hannah Grimes is such a unique, resourceful center which has offered me an equal opportunity to develop a road map to succeed on my farm business.”Gerianne Fierro, Owner of Lucky 13 Farm
“This class was especially well constructed because it covered all aspects of the farm. I am glad I was able to attend - in our third year of farming many things still aren’t making much sense on the business side (we’re farmers not accountants!) for example - cost of goods sold. We do this every year for our taxes but now we actually understand what it means and how to better use this information to benefit our business.”The following criteria may be taken into consideration for selection:
- Producers needs/goals are a good match with program curriculum
- Demonstrated interest in improving profitability and efficiency of your business
- Demonstrated readiness to participate fully
- Demonstrated trajectory for growth
Schedule, Cost, How to Apply
Schedule
Tuesdays, 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25* 4:30-7:30 PM at the Hannah Grimes Center.
*2/25 is the final pitch event and graduation from 5-7 PM.
Cost
The tuition for the upcoming Farm Business Lab cohort is covered by Hannah Grimes’ grant funding. Farmer entrepreneurs may take the course at no cost.
Application Process
- Please complete our New Client Form.
- Schedule a meeting with our Program Director to discuss fit for the Farm Business Lab™.
- Complete a Farm Business Lab™ application.
- Applications will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted before the start of the class to confirm program acceptance or schedule an additional interview, if necessary.