Business Planning Course

Business Planning for Veteran Farmers

Our Business Planning Course is held at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farm. Learn about the processes, techniques and equipment behind market farming.

Veterans to Farmers Business Planning Course is an overview and introduction on how to write a comprehensive business plan for Agriculture related enterprises. In this class the Veterans learn from experts in agriculture and business that can speak to the unique challenges faced as a small business owner in agriculture. The 8-week course is offered to graduates of our Market Farming and Controlled Environment Ag courses consists of 32 hours of training, offered in-person and online and is a collaborative experience where veterans help each other to develop their own plans for making their dreams a reality. 

This year, all the in-person classes are centrally located in Denver at the Denver Botanic Gardens, York Street Campus in the new Freyer-Newman Center. The Freyer-Newman Center is a state-of-the-art facility offering us an environment that will promote a strong business-oriented mentality and give our Veterans a professional environment to grow their businesses. With access to all the resources this facility has to offer we will give our students a great starting point for making a difference in their communities through agriculture. 

During the Business Planning Course, the students will cover many topics including an introduction to business planning and different types of business plans depending on each individuals need, SWOT analysis, developing their markets and revenue streams, record keeping and budgets, forming a business entity, insurance and food safety, and different opportunities for funding. As they learn about all the aspects of planning a business, they have the chance to connect directly with experts in each of these individual areas, helping them to build relationships and find mentors that can help each Veteran reach their goals.

As a Veteran focused organization, we are centered on helping our students overcome many of the obstacles that are unique to the Veteran Community. Many of our students do not have access to internet and basic technologies, we get them tools such as laptops and wireless internet as well as books to help bridge these gaps. We work with each Veteran as an individual and help them to identify what barriers they may face while taking the class. We also offer resources for Veterans to get help outside the classroom and have many connections within the Veteran Community that can help them find what they need for living a healthy and sustainable life. Our curriculum helps them to translate the skills and verbiage used in everyday military life so that it can be understood by civilians. We find that many times our Veterans already have the skills that they need but that it is misunderstood by the civilians that they are connecting with. 

Throughout the course Veterans work through the process of funding their ideas with American AgCredit, a premiere lender in the agriculture world. They receive coaching and feedback from real-world experts in financing and can leave the program with a $10,000 grant from AAC to get them started on implementing their business plans. 

At the end of the 8-week program the Veterans share their plans and ideas with Veterans to Farmers Board of Directors and Alumni, representatives from American AgCredit, Denver Botanic Gardens team, local business leaders and community stakeholders. The feedback that the students receive from this event allows them to hone their proposals and make adjustments towards building a successful business plan.

At Veterans to Farmers, we know that Veterans are well trained and self-motivated individuals who are suited to thriving in agriculture and small business. With this course, we help them tell their story in a way that can propel them towards owning and operating their own small business. 

Veterans to Farmers Business Planning Course Topics

1. Introduction to business planning: Overview of the importance and key components of a comprehensive business plan for agriculture-related enterprises.
2. Types of business plans: Understanding different types of business plans based on individual needs and goals.
3. SWOT analysis: Learning how to conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for assessing the viability and competitiveness of a business.
4. Developing markets and revenue streams: Exploring strategies for identifying target markets, establishing customer relationships, and creating diverse revenue streams.
5. Record keeping and budgets: Understanding the significance of accurate record keeping, financial management, and budgeting in running a successful agricultural business.
6. Forming a business entity: Guidance on choosing and establishing the appropriate legal structure for a small agriculture business.
7. Insurance and food safety: Exploring the importance of insurance coverage and implementing food safety practices to ensure compliance with regulations and protect the business.
8. Funding opportunities: Introduction to different funding options available for agricultural ventures, including grants, loans, and partnerships.
9. Overcoming obstacles unique to veterans: Addressing the specific challenges veterans may face in starting and running an agriculture business and providing resources for support.
10. Presentation and feedback: Preparing veterans to present their business plans to a panel of experts, receiving feedback, and refining proposals for greater success.