Seeds for Success Workshops Katie L. Sternweis, Dunn County Agriculture Agent, Specializing in Economic Development Women in Agriculture Educator’s Conference March 28, 2012

Wisconsin Local Food Network The Wisconsin Local Food Network (WLFN) engages, connects, and empowers local, regional, and state organizations and individuals to build sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems. We envision vibrant local and regional food systems in Wisconsin that nourish the health and well-being of Wisconsin communities, conserve and enhance the natural resource base, and provide economic livelihood for a wide diversity of sustainable Wisconsin farmers and food businesses.

Assessing the Need September 2010 – WLFN distributes survey to statewide network Three Priority Areas Identified 1.Market Development 2.Infrastructure Development 3.Producer Development

Initial Steps January 2011 – Annual WLFN Summit Group Discussion on Producer Development Obstacles Identified – Need for business development knowledge – Accessing and finding capital – Cost and clarity of regulations (license, certification, etc.)

Initial Steps Committee Formed – Brainstormed Potential Projects & Workshop Ideas – Applied for $2250 mini-grant available through WI Local Food Network – Designed Seeds for Success workshops

Seeds for Success workshops One Day Crash Course - “Planning and Financing Your Local Food Business” Two Main Subjects – Identified Obstacles from WLFN Summit – Developing and Writing Your Business Plan – Financing Options for Your Business

Seeds for Success workshops November 2011 Three Locations throughout Wisconsin – Western, Eastern and Central/Southern Business Plans - One Main Speaker at all locations Financing Options – Panel of Speakers

Seeds for Success workshops “Business Plans – You Can Write One” – Carl Rainey, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection Economic Development Specialist – 4 hour presentation, Q&A

Seeds for Success workshops Financing Options – Panel of Speakers – USDA Rural Development – Grant Funding Opportunities – WI Women’s Initiative Corporation – Farm Service Agency – Bank, Credit Union and Farm Credit Services

Participants 53 total at 3 locations Mixed audience – Producers who own a business – Producers looking to start a business – Represent organization which supports individuals aiming to start business

Seminar Evaluation

Follow Up Evaluation January Zoomerang Online Survey Key Indicators: – Information Presented was Valuable – Some Put It To Use – Others Will Use in Future

QUESTIONS? THANK YOU!