Business development can be challenging and sometimes you need someone to give you guidance, resources, or to just listen to your ideas or roadblocks. Entrepreneurial coaching can provide you with a trained, impartial coach that can be a sounding board for your ideas, share time-saving resources, and sharpen your focus on reaching business goals.
Coaching provides a deeper, more productive conversation with the clear goal of helping you launch or grow your business idea. The University of Maryland Extension has trained business coaches that know the ins and outs of agricultural and food-related businesses. This program offers two ways to meet with a coach, in-person "one-on-one" or through our virtual conference system if time investment of sitting in a coaching session seems burdensome with so many other things demanding your attention.
An entrepreneurial Coaching session is free of charge and all individuals interested in growing their businesses are invited to participate.
To Schedule an In-Person (one-on-one) Coaching Session
To meet in person (one-on-one), contact Entrepreneurial Coach located close to you.
- Shannon Dill (sdill@umd.edu)
UME-Talbot Co., Easton, MD
(410) 822-1244
- Neith Little (nglittle@umd.edu)
UME-Baltimore City, Baltimore, MD.
(410) 856-1850 x123
- Ginger Myers (gsmyers@umd.edu)
UME-WMREC, Keedysville, MD.
(301) 432-2767 x338
To Schedule a Virtual Coaching Session
The University of Maryland’s Entrepreneurial Coaching Team for farm and food entrepreneurs has lunchtime and evening appointments available online. Each appointment is scheduled for 45 minutes in a virtual meeting room using Zoom. When you register for your appointment, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire so your coach can be better prepared to discuss your unique situation. You will also receive instructions on how to join your scheduled meeting.
Register for a Virtual Coaching Session
Technology Requirements for a Virtual Coaching Session
You will receive a link to join Zoom. There are visual resources to share with you so we prefer you to log in on your computer or phone app. However, if for some reason this isn't working for you, you may use the call-in option below. Zoom does require software, so if you plan to use your phone you will need to download their app. Their app can be obtained by going to Apple App Store or Goggle Play. If you use your computer, click the link to join Zoom, you will be prompted to download their software. A high-speed internet connection, speakers, and microphone (or phone) will be needed to have a successful coaching experience.
- Windows: If you plan to join the meeting using Internet Explorer, we recommend having ActiveX enabled. If you plan to join the meeting using Firefox or Chrome, we recommend having Java installed and enabled in your browser.
- Mac OS X: Make sure that Java is installed and enabled in your browser. If you are using Safari, make sure that plugins are enabled as well. Once connected you will be prompted to connect audio speakers and microphone.
Problems?
If you have a problem logging in, please send an email to entre-coach@umd.edu describing the issue and a phone number where you can be reached.
