Business of Farming in Indian Country Series Fall 2021

Join us for a complimentary online 10-week Business of Farming in Indian Country designed for entrepreneurs and farmers. In this program, you will learn how to build the perfect strategic plan to move your farm and small agribusiness forward

Every Tuesday, starting October 5, 2021 at 6:00pm.

This course is offering a hybrid program: online and in-person. In-person will be hosted for up to 10 students (first-come, first-serve) at the Campbell Soup Conference Room located at Robeson Community College.

A Certificate of Completion will be presented to participants at conclusion. Hosted by Robeson Community College

Facebook Live Weekly Lunch with the Instructor: Join the Instructor and Special Guests every week to talk about the Weekly Topics on our FB page @FarmSchoolonWheels . Students can participate live to ask questions to the instructor!

This program is presented by Granit Training Group and Robeson Community College.

Curriculum

• Week 1 - Legal Structures and Business Framework - Kick start or expand your farm business by finding which business structure works best for your goals. Learn the fundamentals of the business operations and how they work. Learn to think outside of the box on which business entity might be best for you.
• Week 2 - Site Analysis & Exploring Your Potential – Explore how you can learn your farms potential through analysis of all land and equipment so you can explore and move your business to its full potential. You will learn to think strategically in making decisions that will enhance your capacity.
• Week 3 - Understanding Your Market and Customers - Learn how to find your niche, business concept and opportunity. Explore how you can fine tune your value proposition and begin to explore which customers are best for your business. Learn how to find the right customer for you –and keep them.
• Week 4 - Financial Planning for Your Business - You will learn how to understand your business financials so that you can make smart and strategic decisions that will make you profitable. You will explore all areas of business finance so that you are confident in your decision making as you move your business into a profitable venture.
• Week 5 - Maximizing Your Profits and “Belt-Tightening” - Have you ever wondered if you are fully maximizing your profits? You will learn how to analyze decisions based on data and opportunities within the market so that you can reduce costs, expand profits, and grow a successful business

• Week 6 - Business Operations & HR - Learn how to ensure your business operations are designed for success. Hiring the right people for the task at hand is critical for any small business and you will learn the tips on how to find and grow the talent your business will rely on.
• Week 7 - Pasture Raised Chickens - This session will cover site selection along with the required facilities & infrastructure to raise pasture poultry. The session will also provide an overview of the necessary production systems to ensure success in raising your poultry. Specific emphasis will be placed on determining the most appropriate breed selection. Also covered will be basic animal care/husbandry issues. Finally, the session will provide an overview of typical start-up costs, processing options as well as how to market your product.
• Week 8 - Pasture Raised Cows and Calves - This session will cover site selection along with the required facilities & infrastructure to raise pasture cows. The session will also provide an overview of the necessary production systems to ensure success in raising your cows. Specific emphasis will be placed on determining the most appropriate breed selection. Also covered will be basic animal care/husbandry issues. Finally, the session will provide an overview of typical start-up costs, processing options as well as how to market your product.
• Week 9 - Market Garden Design, Barn Storage, Tractors and Equipment – This session will cover site selection along with the required facilities & infrastructure to grow a market garden, including an overview of the necessary equipment. The session will also provide an overview of insect and disease control. Specific emphasis will be placed on determining the most appropriate variety selection. Also covered will be issues related to production systems. Finally, the session will provide an overview of typical start-up costs, post-harvest handling options as well as how to market your product.
• Week 10 - Drones and Agriculture - This session is intended for those folks who want to start a drone services agribusiness, a rapidly growing industry. You will learn about setting up a successful & legal drone business, what it takes to obtain a Commercial Drone Pilot license, types of drone equipment available, and the most profitable market segments.

All registered participants will receive the link to the class upon registration. For more information, email Roxanne Bailey-Reed at Roxanne@granittraining.com.

In-person location information: Campbell Soup Conference Room located at Robeson Community College's Small Business Center: Charles V. Chrestman Workforce Development Center (Building 18). 5160 Fayetteville Rd., Lumberton, NC 28360