Business Planning

Thinking about starting or expanding an agricultural or food-related business but not sure where to start? Book an entrepreneurial coaching session with The University of Maryland’s Entrepreneurial Coaching Team for farm and food entrepreneurs.

Being a good neighbor is important no matter where you live or what you do. It is even more important when you are a commercial poultry grower as your actions can affect how people view the whole industry. Visiting with neighbors and addressing their issues should be a standard part of your business plan.

Imagine visiting New York City for the first time and trying to find your way around without a map. You might find some of the places you want to visit, but not without a lot of detours and lost time. The time you could have spent visiting sites and enjoying the city. This is exactly what you're doing with your business if you don't have a marketing plan.

Regulations and Insurance Requirements is part of the Maryland Retail Products Producer Program. This section will provide information about food processing regulations, food safety, and regulatory requirements, pest control, food venture insurance coverage.

In the opening session of a recent Annie’s Project Class I coordinated, we addressed the topic “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Farm Women.” It was a take-off modeled on Steven Covey’s (1992) book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” In his book, Covey highlights the seven habits of great managers. I think this is a valuable read for any business person. Another great resource for Ag business entrepreneurs is “The E-Myth” a book by Michael Gerber. His book talks about how most of us believe we can succeed as entrepreneurs, when in reality most small businesses fail.

The Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center, is a virtual rural business development center of the University of Maryland Extension presenting the latest and most successful business development innovations and support for Maryland's agriculture and food systems enterprises. The mission of the University of Maryland Extension’s Maryland Rural Enterprise Development Center (MREDC) is to improve rural prosperity in Maryland.

Summertime and the season is busy. Planting, harvesting, marketing, coordinating employees, and dealing with customers leave little time in the day to prepare for the busy fall agritourism and direct marketing season. But, now is just the right time to plan ahead for the Fall “crunch” time.

While the holiday season may seem a ways off, the line between when customers shop and when they take offense to holiday décor in stores is becoming a blurry one. The National Retail Federation reports that every year, about 40 percent of customers begin their holiday shopping before Halloween.

Annie’s Project is a nationally recognized and accomplished farm management program for women. It provides education, tools and resources for women in agriculture to gain more knowledge of farm business operations. Annie’s project empowers participants with the knowledge to make educated decisions for their family and future.

Let's take a closer look at technology for growing your business. Businesses everywhere are beginning to incorporate smartphone, iPad, social media and digital technology into their business and marketing plans. Agriculture and rural businesses are no different.