Building a business plan for specialty crop producers

PIERRE, S.D. — Having a plan is a vital part to operating any business.

For those interested in starting their own specialty crop business, there will be a free workshop hosted by the

South Dakota Specialty Producers Association

where people interested can speak with experts about creating a business plan.

“It’s an opportunity for people with business ideas, or businesses that they already have, or hobbies that they would like to turn into a business to come and learn about what goes in to running a business and create a business plan,” said Morgan Hughes, project and events manager for South Dakota Specialty Producers Association.

Contributed

There will be informational sessions hosted by Cheri Rath from the

Value-Added Agriculture Development Center

and Bob Weyrich from the

Small Business Development Center

throughout the day, as well as chances for people to begin working on an outline of their business plans.

“At the end, people who attend will be able to leave with a draft of a business plan, with all the components that are needed to go to lenders and kind of pitch your business idea,” Hughes said.

This is the first time the South Dakota Specialty Producers have hosted a business planning workshop like this.

“I am hoping that people who attend can kind of better grasp what they need to still do to get their business up and running and just better understand the components of going into a business,” Hughes said.

While this program is aimed towards people looking to grow in the specialty crops market, it is open to anyone who would like to attend.

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Some of the topics will include analyzing your business idea, business management, finances, the competitive market and how to better market your business to consumers. It’s geared towards individuals with any level of business developed.

By hosting this workshop, Hughes thinks there’s an opportunity to see the special crops industry grow within South Dakota.

“I am hoping that having this type of resource to better understand business management and creating a business will encourage people and provide them with the resources to just kind of jump into the idea or the expansion,” Hughes said.

The event is happening from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the South Dakota State University Extension Pierre Regional Center. There will be a mid-day break, however, lunch is not provided. The event is free, but they do ask that you reserve a spot ahead of time at

sdspecialtyproducers.org

or by calling 605-681-6793.