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Resource Guide for Vermont's
New and Aspiring Farmers
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The Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN)
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The Women's Agricultural Network If you are interested in starting or expanding a farm or ag-related business, the Women’s Agricultural Network (WAgN) is here to help you. While WAgN specifically targets women farmers our program services are open and available to all participants. WAgN is a collaborative effort of University of Vermont Extension, the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture. In addition to these collaborators, WAgN works with many partner organizations and agencies to ensure timely and accurate information gets to the clients. This program is designed to increase the number of women owning and operating profitable farms and ag-related businesses. This vision is met through providing education and technical assistance to those individuals interested in starting or expanding their agricultural endeavors. Starting Your Business From hatching an idea through the final implementation phases, WAgN offers a wide range of educational opportunities that address the needs of individuals at all stages of their business development. Classes and workshops are held at various locations around the state at times convenient for busy adults. Sample some of our on-going educational opportunities... Growing Places helps you evaluate the possibilities and realities of starting an agriculture-based enterprise. In this 6-part seminar, you’ll learn about goal setting, resource evaluation and marketing. You’ll have an opportunity to hear how others like you have made their dream a reality and you’ll meet the experts who are there to help and support you. WAgN strongly supports the belief that the core of a strong business is advance planning. Business Planning programs are offered by many partner organizations at many different locations—there’s a class to suit both your interests and your budget. WAgN can advise you on the opportunities to learn the skills of running a business while you research and write your own business plan. Strengthening Your Skills Once your business idea is in place, WAgN provides several opportunities for you to fine-tune your enterprise, build relationships and further develop your business savvy. Discussion Groups occur on a regular basis throughout the state and are facilitated by a WAgN staff member. These gatherings give participants an opportunity to etwork, support and offer feedback to one another, and share their stories. Contact a WAgN office for future Discussion Group locations and dates. Workshops will address a wide range of specific topics in detail. From bookkeeping to cheesemaking, you’ll find these workshops to be informative and great networking opportunities. One-on-one Technical Assistance will give you an opportunity to talk to someone about the unique aspects of your business. Talking through a problem with someone who really understands you and your business can be a great help in the beginning phase of any business. Expanding Your Network Our strength is in our networking! Through our affiliation with numerous partners and collaborators on a local, regional and national level, your access to information is virtually unlimited. The following resources are in place to keep you updated on current issues and events, as well as encourage your connection to the agricultural community. -A quarterly newsletter -An e-mail listserve forum for discussion -Our interactive website at www.uvm.edu/~wagn -Resource library |