Supporting All Farmers with Business Planning

Maine ranks third nationally for beginning producer–operated farms (35.9%), yet new farmers face steep hurdles—accessing capital, navigating regulations, and proving financial viability. The Business Planning for Producers course equips aspiring and early-stage farmers with the skills to launch and grow sustainable enterprises through comprehensive business planning.

Since 2023, the program has run as ten two-hour Zoom sessions with Brightspace materials, covering market research, marketing, funding, financial record-keeping, and sustainability. In 2023–2024, 36 individuals representing 32 farms participated. Graduates report building enterprise budgets, completing business plans, improving record-keeping, conducting market research, and sharpening their understanding of customers, pricing, funding sources, and financial statements.

Successful completion qualifies participants for USDA FSA Borrower Training Credit. Since 2017, course participants have secured $8,726,835 in FSA loan funds. In 2023–2024 alone, ten farms finalized business plans and earned the new Business Planning for Producers badge. By strengthening business fundamentals, the course boosts farm resilience, supports Maine’s local food systems, and improves long-term success.