Project Overview
75 socially-disadvantaged
and beginning organic specialty crop producers were served in Skagit and King
Counties of Washington State through trainings in business planning and structures,
accounting concepts, financial recordkeeping, enterprise budgets,
cash flow management, farm taxes, insurance, capital access, sales/marketing strategies, employment legalities, crop-planning, and mechanical
cultivation for a total of 622 participant hours of risk management education.
Culturally and linguistically responsive
instructional practices were used to ensure participation equity and maximize
social learning. A combination of bilingual (Spanish-English) simultaneous
interpretation utilizing a wireless two-way audio system or single language
presentation was used to facilitate engagement as needed. A hybrid of in-person
and virtual group training with interactive exercises, experiential learning
and peer-to-peer discussion accompanied by 1:1 individualized technical
assistance was provided at the time, location and/or medium that was most
appropriate for the participant.
100% of participants demonstrated understanding of
the importance of financial recordkeeping, cash flow projections and enterprise
budgets as a risk management strategy. 24 business plans were created including
marketing and efficiency strategies. 10 participants started a farm business; all established proper business entities, business accounts and
licenses. One participant secured a
$25K operating loan to grow their business based on their Capital Access
learning and technical assistance.
Number of Participants: 75
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.