ValueAg Bootcamp
Looking to increase your farm income through a value-added enterprise?
The Tennessee Value-Ag Bootcamp will take place from March 27 – April 24, offering 5 weeks of virtual programming to help producers learn the essentials of introducing a profitable value-added enterprise to their farm.
Join us to learn what a difference value-added products can make!
The Tennessee Value-Ag Bootcamp will provide mentorship from experts in agriculture and entrepreneurship topics such as:
- Building a business model
- Marketing and branding for value-added products
- Financial planning, funding opportunities, and regulations
- Developing a go-to-market strategy and pricing
- Value-added production and consumer packaged goods
ValueAg Bootcamp 2023
Status: Applications Open – SPACE IS LIMITED!
Location: Virtual
Classes: Monday evenings from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (EST)
~1 hour of instructional lessons focused on the core topics
~0.5 hour of workshop time with Q+A from that week’s lesson & collaborative problem solving
~0.5 hour of subject matter expert guest speakers
Program Fee: $50 (Please inquire about scholarship opportunities if interested.)
Bootcamp Schedule
Week 1: March 27
Week 2: April 3
Week 3: April 10
Week 4: April 17
Week 5: April 24
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To apply, please fill out the application at the bottom of this page.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
• Farmers interested to expand into or improve their current value-added enterprise
• Farmers producing in the East TN Development District, which includes: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, and Union counties.
Please Note: For any producer who intends to submit a VAPG application for greater than $50,000, we have a limited amount of funding (up to a maximum of $500/applicant) to assist with completing the business planning process prior to applying. Please indicate on your ValueAg if you are interested in that funding
BUSINESS PLANNING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Those interested in the ValueAg program, or who intend to apply for a USDA Value Added Producer Grant, may also qualify for up to $500 in assistance to pay for a consultant to help develop a business plan and financial projections prior to applying. Please indicate on your ValueAg application if you are interested in that funding, or inquire at hello@knoxec.net for more details.
ORGANIZERS
This program is hosted by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, USDA, AgLaunch Engine, Center for Profitable Agriculture, PROOF, and Farmer Veterans Coalition of East Tennessee
