Lowcountry Local First (LLF), in partnership with Clemson Cooperative Extension, has opened up the call for applications to the 2018 Agricultural Business Planning Course. This 8-week intensive will provide an overview of the business planning process as well as instruct individuals on how to best manage an agriculture-related business. Each participant will receive a business planning workbook, subscription to a business planning template, start-up fact sheets and budgets.
Topics covered include pre-planning, marketing, pricing, cost of production, profitability, financial statements, and organizational management. Participants will walk away with a business plan framework and will pitch their business concepts to a panel of peers and experienced professionals for feedback. The curriculum is a combination of Clemson’s materials along with the most recent, cutting-edge business planning tools. The class will be taught by Clemson’s Agribusiness Team, integrating outside experts for certain topics. There will be an opportunity to build and foster a strong regional and statewide network for ongoing support and assistance.
The class size will be capped at 20 participants. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis now through August 31, 2018.
WHO SHOULD APPLY? Entrepreneurs interested in developing or expanding a sustainable agricultural business in South Carolina.
COST: $450 / individual. $100 will be reimbursed upon submission of complete business plan.
LOCATION: Clemson Extension Office; 259 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
COURSE TIMEFRAME: September 10 – October 29, 2018; Monday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. Business plans will be due Nov 12, with a pitch competition being held Nov 19. Learn more and apply: https://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/farmbusiness/
