Are you ready to transform your farm from a passion project into a profitable, sustainable business? Join us for the Business Plan Bootcamp, an eight-week virtual course designed specifically for small-scale organic farmers.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your current operation, this program will guide you step-by-step through writing a comprehensive, actionable business plan—ensuring your farm is built on a foundation that’s both financially sound and environmentally responsible.
Scholarship reimbursement is available through the Foodshed Alliance FSA ILA Program; Click Here to Apply!
Course Overview
Business Plan Bootcamp is structured to provide you with essential business planning skills to enhance your operational success and sustainability. By the end of this course, you’ll have completed a detailed business plan, setting a solid foundation for your agricultural venture. Previously offered in-person in 2016 and 2017, this program garnered positive feedback for its comprehensive coverage and practical application. Now, it’s been adapted for a virtual format—making it more accessible and convenient for farmers everywhere.
What You'll Learn
- Core Business Foundations: Develop clarity around your farm’s mission, market analysis, and growth projections.
- Financial Planning: Create realistic budgets, conduct breakeven analyses, & understand your cash flow to ensure long-term profitability.
- Operational Efficiency: Design efficient day-to-day processes, manage labor effectively, and streamline production.
- Marketing & Sales Strategy: Identify your ideal customers, craft a compelling brand story, and diversify your sales channels.
- Risk Management & Legal Basics: Explore insurance options, review business structures, and stay on top of regulatory requirements.
Hands-On Accountability
What sets this bootcamp apart is the dedicated guided work time built into each session. You’ll spend part of each class researching, drafting, and refining sections of your business plan, all while receiving direct feedback and support. This structure keeps you accountable—no more putting off critical tasks or feeling overwhelmed. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fully fleshed-out business plan that’s ready for real-world application.
Course Structure
- Duration: 8 weekly sessions
- Date/Time: Mondays at 7PM, starting March 3, 2025
- Session Length:
- 30–45 minutes of lecture
- 15-30 minutes of guided student work
- 15–30 minutes of interactive Q&A
- Delivery Mode: Virtual via Zoom
- Guest Speakers: Experts such as lawyers, accountants, and financial lenders
- Maximum Participants: 12 for personalized, one-on-one interaction
Weekly Breakdown
- Orientation & Setting Goals – Clarify your vision and establish SMART objectives.
- Market Analysis – Research your customers, competitors, and trends.
- Financial Fundamentals – Dive into budgeting, forecasting, and break-even analysis.
- Operations & Production Planning – Streamline day-to-day tasks for efficiency and sustainability.
- Marketing & Sales Strategy – Craft a compelling brand and explore diverse sales channels.
- Risk Management & Legal – Understand insurance, business structures, and regulatory compliance.
- Putting It All Together – Combine all elements into a cohesive plan, refine, and get feedback.
- Final Presentations & Next Steps – Present your plan, receive constructive critiques, and chart your path forward.
Ready to Take Your Farm to the Next Level?
By the end of Business Plan Bootcamp, you’ll have:
- A comprehensive, ready-to-implement business plan tailored to your farm’s unique goals.
- A solid grasp of financial planning, operational efficiency, marketing strategies, and risk management.
- Direct feedback and support from an experienced farmer and consultant who’s been in your shoes.
- A network of like-minded peers dedicated to sustainable, profitable farming practices.
Spaces are limited to 12 participants to ensure high-quality interaction and personalized attention. Reserve your spot today to secure the future of your farm and set a course for lasting success. Let’s grow together—organically, sustainably, and profitably!
Instructor Bio
Jessica Isbrecht is a lifelong farmer, consultant, and educator who brings a wealth of hands-on experience and business expertise to her teaching. Growing up on a family-owned Christmas tree farm, she learned the foundational skills of growing, marketing, selling, and bookkeeping from an early age. This early exposure laid the groundwork for a deep appreciation of the hard work and strategic thinking required to succeed in agriculture.
Later, as the founder of Green Duchess Farm, Jessica ran a certified organic vegetable and pasture-raised livestock operation—demonstrating her commitment to environmental stewardship and animal welfare. After closing Green Duchess Farm, she pivoted to consulting, helping beginning farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs build sustainable, profitable ventures.
Jessica has spent years mentoring small-scale farmers, drawing on her biology background, project management expertise, and entrepreneurial skills. She co-founded VeggieTables, a web app that simplifies farm recordkeeping and streamlines the organic certification process, underscoring her passion for empowering fellow growers. She has also facilitated workshops and courses like “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity” for NOFA-NJ in 2016 and 2017, earning praise for her ability to simplify complex topics and deliver actionable insights. Today, through Green Duchess Consulting, she provides personalized guidance that equips small-scale farmers with the tools and strategies needed to thrive.
