The agricultural community can take advantage of upcoming business training by attending an information session at the Mill Spring Agricultural Development Center in Mill Spring on Jan. 27 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

In this session, participants will learn about crafting a solid business plan: developing a mission statement, estimating startup and overhead costs, setting profit goals, projecting cash flow, marketing, licensing and record-keeping.

Mountain BizWorks is a non-profit organization that provides training, financing and opportunities through business development and capital. The mission of Mountain BizWorks is to inspire entrepreneurs who have viable business ideas and the discipline to follow through and to build economic opportunities through business training and capital. Through this foundation, clients will be able to access the resources they need to create successful businesses.

Mountain BizWorks has assisted many new business owners, but this session will have a special emphasis on agriculture. Agricultural businesses can vary from on-the-ground farm operations to value added products and agritourism to services for the equestrian operations.

An effort is being made to reconnect residents and local businesses to an agricultural and economic heritage. Agriculture, including the equestrian operations, is the biggest business in Polk County.

Finally, with the current trends to buy local healthy foods and encourage small businesses, agriculture can prove the base for new business development.

The business training is conducted in a peer group environment to promote a variety of business ideas, so the feedback participants receive from one another is more comprehensive.

The eight-week business training class will begin on Feb. 10, 2011. Pre-registration is required.

This project was supported by the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA, Grant # 2010-49400-21817.

For more information or to register call Jo Ann Miksa-Blackwell at 828-894-5096.