Entrepreneurship and Business Planning for Small Farms, Ranches, and Specialty Food Businesses
Tuesdays, January 27 - March 10, 2026, 9-11 am PT / 10 am -12 pm MT with in-person intensives* on February 10 and 24.
*In person intensives will be 9 am - 1 pm PT / 10 am - 2 pm MT
Early Bird Registration: $50 per farm/ranch
After January 16th: $100 per farm/ranch
Becoming a successful agricultural entrepreneur takes planning and preparation. Set yourself up for success from the start!
This course focuses on business planning with special attention to the financial and legal considerations unique to farm and food-based enterprises. You’ll develop the core elements of a business plan to guide your small business forward.
Over seven weekly sessions, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a plan for an existing business or a brand-new venture. Join a statewide cohort of other farm and food businesses, hear from expert speakers, and connect with regional groups for networking and community support.
In-person intensive locations:
- University of Idaho Sandpoint Organic Ag Center
- University of Idaho Moscow campus
- University of Idaho Extension Canyon County, Caldwell
- University of Idaho Idaho Falls campus
- Online via Zoom
Course Topics
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Intro to Business planning and structure
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Agriculture for Community Panel
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Value proposition: Product and Industry description
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How & where to sell: Market Channel Analysis
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Customer relations: Marketing and Branding
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Business analysis: Key activities, resources
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Record Keeping Basics
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Financial Management
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Enterprise Budgets and Operational Budgeting
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Operational risk management
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Labor Management & Paid employees
The University of Idaho has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran or military status.