We will be adding readings and resources as the course progresses. Check back each week for links!
Building a Sustainable Business Workbook– Helpful prompts and worksheets for assisting in the business plan writing process.
Week 1: Introduction to the Business Plan
Presentations
Business Plan Templates
- Farm Business Plan Template
- Extended Business Plan Template with Prompts
- Plantilla del Plan de Negocio Agricola
- Plantilla larga del Plan de Negocio
Suggested Reading
Additional Resources
- Starting or Diversifying and Agricultural Business
- a b nursery sample business plan
- Farm Plan Example-Carrot.pdf
Week 2: Product and Industry Description
and Business Structure
Presentations:
Business Structure Resources
- ATTRA farmbiz structures tipsheet
- Business Structure For Small Farms_A Quick Guide
- farmbiz_structures_tipsheet
- Business Structure Flowchart
- Business Structure Resource
Suggested Reading for this week:
- Organic Farmers Business Handbook- Chapter 1 and pages 132-136
- USDA Organic market overview
- WA Organic Stats
Additional Resources
- Researching Small Enterprises PowerPoint
- Industry description homework
- UCSC economic trends and policies
- Farmers Market Numbers for Stimulating Local Economy
Week 3: Market Channels
Presentations
Sell What you Grow PowerPoint- 2017
Suggested Reading for this week:
- Market Farming Success- Chapter 2 and pages 187-206
Additional Resources
- Agrotourism in Washington State An Industry Profile http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/EM040E/EM040E.pdf
Week 4: Property Purchasing and Leasing
Reading for this week:
- Market Farming Success pages 7-26
- NWFCS Land_Buying_Checklist
Additional Resources
Week 5 Financing, Balance Sheet, Income and Expense Statements
Presentations
- Week 5 Powerpoint Financing & Financial Statements
- FSA Loan Programs February 2018 Washington State
- Cultivating Success 2019 NWFCS & 5 C’s of Credit
Additional Resources
Suggested Reading for this week:
- Market Farming Success Chapter 8
- Organic Farm Business Handbook Chapters 7 and 8
Additional Resources
Week 6: Market Analysis
Presentations:
Suggested Reading for this week:
- Organic Farmers Business Handbook: Chapter 5
Additional Resources
- Truffle Market Analysis
- Puget Sound Population Growth Forecasts
- Market Analysis- Your customer
- Skagit County Census Information http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53/53057.html
- Skagit County Census Statistics
- Fresh Market Comparison
- Marketing Strategies for Farmers and Ranchers
- SWOT Template
Week 7: Cash Flow
Presentations:Week 7 Cash Flow
Suggested Reading for this week:
- Organic Farm Business Handbook Chapters 2 and 3
Week 8: Marketing and Branding
Presentations: Week 8 Branding and Marketing
Suggested Reading for this week: Market Farming Success Chapter 7
- Certifications and Labeling
Week 9: Labor Management and Insurance
Presentations: Week 9 Labor and Employee Management
Suggested Reading for this week: Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook Chapter 6
Additional Resources
- Labor Management
- Small Farm Intern Program
- Washington Small Business Guide (en Español tambien)
- Payroll calculator in Organic Farmer’s Business Handbook
- IRS Agricultural Employers Tax Guide
Week 10: Enterprise Budgets
Presentations: Week 10 enterprise budget
Additional Resources:
- WSU Enterprise Budgets
- OSU Enterprise Budgets
- BC Ministry of Agriculture Enterprise Budgets
- Organic Farmers Business Handbook CD
- Oregon Tilth Crop Costing Tool
Week 11: Tips for Success & Risk Management
Climate Change Impacts in Skagit County
Skagit County Logo Design: Image 360
Viva Farms Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture Program