DECEMBER 2016 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC
Workshops offer business planning for farmers
by EMILY BULMER PRINCE GEORGE –
Producers gathered to share ideas and learn new business strategies at the Agri-Food Business Planning Workshop held in Prince George in mid- October. The two day workshop, facilitated by Rita Kim of Partners for Growth and Sylvia Chong of Foundtree Product Design, introduced participants to the wide range of skills and information needed to launch a successful food-based business.
“It was a really great collaborative session,” says Christine Kinnie, program co-ordinator of partnering agency Beyond the Market. “There was one participant who was opening up a micro- brewery in Prince George and another participant who grows hops ... I think part of the value of our workshops is the networking and the connection that people make with other participants.” The course, developed by the BC Ministry of Agriculture (BCMA), consists of eight modules taught over two days and was designed specifically to address the business development requirements for food-based businesses. Targeted at farmers and food industry entrepreneurs interested in value-added products, food processor start-ups and established food-related businesses
looking to become more efficient, the material was created to include a wide variety of food-based operations in various stages of their business development. The materials and manuals are supplied by BCMA and several accredited instructors across the province deliver the materials, bringing their own experience and backgrounds to the table.
“The instructors are certified by the ministry to deliver the workshop and the two of them (Kim and Chong) are a really good team.” By using instructors that are in the industry, the curriculum is delivered by people who have experience, making the important connection between the material and the real world.
On the first day, the elements of business
planning, market research and assessment, product development and financial planning were discussed. A detailed set of workshop materials with templates, worksheets and tips was provided so participants could fill in the worksheets for their own business as the material was presented. Day two focused how to implement operational standards, review of the practical and regulatory requirements for product packaging, showed ways to calculate the costs of production and finally, the logistics of procurement,
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Sylvia Chong and Rita Kim (third and fourth from left) stand with participants of the Agri-Food Business Planning Workshop held in Prince George in October. COMMUNITY FUTURES, FRASER FORT GEORGE PHOTO
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While the workshop material is established,
instructors and participants have the opportunity to take the conversation where it needs to go. In addition, many
workshop participants have a lot of insight and experience
See BUSINESS page 42 o
Season’s Greetings from
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