ValueAg Bootcamp

Looking to increase your farm income through a value-added enterprise?

The Tennessee Value-Ag Bootcamp will take place from January 30 – March 2, offering 5 weeks of virtual programming to help producers learn the essentials of introducing a profitable value-added enterprise to their farm. 

Participants will receive mentorship from experts in entrepreneurship, value-added production and consumer packaged goods and will learn about topics such as:

  • Building a business model
  • Marketing and branding for value-added products
  • Financial planning and funding opportunities
  • Regulation surrounding value-added production
  • 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 + Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM – 7 PM (EST)

Mondays – 5:30-7p ET – this session will be more instructional, and focus on the content listed above.

Thursdays – 5:30-7p ET – this session is optional, but highly recommended.  It will be structured as a workshop, with time to discuss issues and challenges presented by the content.  We may also bring in guest speakers with specific subject matter expertise.

Program Fee: $50 (Please inquire about scholarship opportunities if interested.)

Bootcamp Schedule

Week 1: January 30th + February 2nd

Week 2: February 6th + 9th

Week 3: February 13th + 16th

Week 4: February 20th + 23rd

Week 5: February 27th + March 2nd

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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

ORGANIZERS

This program is hosted by the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, AgLaunch Engine, Center for Profitable Agriculture, and Farmer Veterans Coalition of East Tennessee

APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW

 Please email us at hello@knoxec.net if you have any questions!

ValueAg Application

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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.