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For
many years, the Vermont SBDC has served
the Vermont agricultural community through
work with farmers, processors, and ag-related
businesses. We have helped with business
planning, budgeting, marketing, loan applications,
human resources management, risk management,
and other essential activities.
Currently there are
two VtSBDC advisors that have extensive
backgrounds in organic farming, poultry,
beef, and forage production. We have assisted
dairy, organic vegetable, cheese, apple,
and horse farms as well as meat and poultry
producers, processors, and agri-tourism.
The assistance of
the VtSBDC is focused on business planning
and financial management. Through the use
of budgets and projections, farmers are
better able to look at and plan their business
activities.
Farm
Viability Program
In 2004, the Vermont
SBDC became a participant in the Farm Viability
Enhancement Program of the Vermont Housing
and Conservation Board. This program was
created by the VHCB in collaboration with
the Vermont Agency of Agriculture to provide
technical assistance and business planning
services to farmers to help increase their
ability to achieve viability.
The SBDC serves as
a consultant to the program to work directly
with farmers in order to help them achieve
their personal and business goals. In addition
to our direct work within the Farm Viability
Enhancement Program, the SBDC advisors around
the state are available on an ongoing basis
to assist farmers with implementation and
revision of plans.
Training
In 2005, the SBDC
in cooperation with UVM Extension, is presenting
Tilling the Soil of Opportunity value-added
agricultural training in three locations
around the state. Forty-four participants
attend the twelve-week course that covers
a broad range of planning and business topics
for the value-added producer.
For information on how we may assist you,
please contact your Regional Vermont SBDC
office or contact:
Steve Paddock
VtSBDC Agricultural Program Director
Addison County Economic Development Corporation
1590 Route 7 South
Middlebury,
VT 05753
Telephone: (802)388-7953
E-Mail: spaddock@vtsbdc.org
The Small Business Development
Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small
Business Administration. SBA's funding
is not an endorsement of any products, opinions,
or services. Co-sponsorship #01.0150.19.
All SBA funded programs are extended to
the public on a non-discriminatory basis.
Arrangements for persons with disabilities
will be made at all times in accordance
with the Americans With Disabilities Act
of 1990 and associated amendments.
Arrangements for persons with special needs
will be made if requested two weeks in advance.
Contact Delaney Meeting & Event Management,
One Main Street. #36, Winooski, VT 05404.
802-655-7769.
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