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Here is a list of upcoming events hosted by the Chesapeake Ag. Innovation Center. We are excited to invite you to participate and join us.
Join us for an exciting opportunity to develop and grow your business at the Producers Startup Program Event. This comprehensive six-week program is designed to help farmers and value-added producers develop the essential tools necessary to begin and manage operations successfully.
The program is web-based, and we will meet every Wednesday for an hour and a half to cover the key topics that will help you achieve your business goals. You will have homework assignments every class.
Topics
In this program, you will learn about idea generation, understanding your market and customers, market sizing and analysis, defining your competitive advantage, reaching your market segments, problems facing small businesses, financing your business, types of contracts, the 9 blocks of the business model canvas, lean model canvas, developing strategies and experimentation for actionable results, business pitches, and preparing for funding options.
About your instructor:
Your instructor for this program is Brian K. Brown, an experienced business coach and economic development professional. Brian currently serves as the Business Services Manager for SERCAP, Inc., focusing on business training and consulting services in eastern states from Delaware to Florida. His diverse experience includes leadership roles in workforce development, tourism, and agricultural development and managing two community development loan funds.
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Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from an expert and gain the skills necessary to launch and grow your business. Register today and take the first step towards achieving your business goals.
Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.
CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.