A course to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to start, adapt, and maintain a profitable land or sea-based business.
This multi-session course is designed to help you evaluate potential land or sea-based businesses and understand the core concepts of business planning including: market research, marketing, funding, financial record keeping and sustainability. Successful completion of the Level 2 course awards students a micro-badge certificate through the University of Maine and qualifies students for USDA Farm Service Agency Borrower Training Credit.
Note: This course used to be known as “So, You Want to Farm in Maine”
Course Information
Registration is opening soon for the 2024 course. Please read below to learn about Level 1 and Level 2 before registering.
Course schedule:
- 10 sessions on Thursday evenings from 5:00–7:00 p.m. beginning November 7, 2024 and ending on February 6, 2025.
- Sessions will take place on the following dates:
- November 7, 14, 21
- December 5, 12
- January 2, 9, 23, 30
- February 6
- Note: Participants should plan to spend approximately 3 hours/week on additional asynchronous coursework required.
Course format and completion:
Level 1: Intended for aspiring producers who are considering starting a natural resource-based business in Maine.
- Complete readings, videos, quizzes and assignments in Brightspace (online learning platform)
- Attend 10 two hour Zoom sessions, Thursdays, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Level 2: Intended for producers who have already or plan to start a natural resource-based business within the next year in Maine.
- Complete all requirements for Level 1
- Write a draft business plan
- Give a brief presentation describing the budget for a new enterprise your considering
Course Fee:
This training program is offered on a sliding scale (self-selected) and is the price per farm. We strive to make the training accessible and affordable for all Maine residents.
Level 1: Intended for aspiring producers who are considering starting a natural resource-based business in Maine.
- $150: Full price: Suggested for those who can afford the full course fee.
- $105: 30% discount: Suggested for those who can afford 70% of the full course fee. Discount code: 24_25bp4pl1_30
- $60: 60% discount: Suggested fee for participants for whom the full course fee would prove a barrier. Discount code: 24_25bp4pl1_60
Level 2: Intended for producers who have already or plan to start a natural resource-based business within the next year in Maine. Level 2 offers additional one-on-one consultation with our business management educators and the opportunity to receive USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Borrowers Training Credit.
- $250: Full price: Suggested for those who can afford the full course fee.
- $175: 30% discount: Suggested for those who can afford 70% of the full course fee. Discount code: 24_25bp4pl2_30
- $100: 60% discount: Suggested fee for participants for whom the full course fee would prove a barrier. Discount code: 24_25bp4pl2_60
If price is a barrier for participation, payment options will be available.
Topics Covered:
Basics of writing your business plan including:
- Market analysis
- Marketing strategies
- Financial planning
- Sustainability
- Leveraging resources