A course starting in December 2010 will provide both new and experienced farmers with the tools to develop agricultural business plans to start or grow their businesses.

“Building a Sustainable Business” will be offered in three locations – Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and Berlin, Vermont. The course is designed for farmers who are thinking about a new agricultural venture, to diversify their current operation, or to start-up a new farm business. To that end, participants will assess their resources, develop marketing strategies, begin to understand financials, learn how and where to get funding for their businesses, and network with other farmers.
“Building a Sustainable Business” will be offered from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for 6 weeks on Wednesdays December 1, 8, 15 and January 5, 12, and 19.  The three locations will link up via the internet for part of each class session.
Pre-registration is required as space is limited. The fee is $150 per person.  For people who have participated in the VT Women’s Ag Network course, Growing Places, the fee is $125.  Scholarship assistance is available.  For more information, contact Jessie Schmidt at [email protected], or 802-223-2389.  Please register by November 19, 2010. A check or money order reserves your space at the course. To register, send your check, made payable to UVM Extension, Building a Sustainable Business, 617 Comstock Rd, Suite 5, Berlin, VT 05602. Or, you can find application materials on-line at www.uvm.edu/newfarmer under "classes."  If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please let Mary Peabody, [email protected] or 802-223-2389, know by November 15, 2010 so we may assist you.
University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.