By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD) is bringing back its Growing Your Farm and Food Business Workshop Series this fall, offering three in-person sessions to help agricultural entrepreneurs improve business planning, understand financial management and explore funding opportunities.
The workshops will take place in Adair, Bath and Daviess counties. Participants may attend any session, regardless of where their farm or agricultural business is located.
The upcoming workshops are scheduled for October 22, 2026, at the Adair County Cooperative Extension Office, October 27, 2026, at the Bath County Cooperative Extension Office and November 12, 2026, at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Office. The Daviess County session has been assigned a new date.
Each workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time. Registration costs $20 per person and includes lunch and educational materials.
The full-day program is designed for beginning farmers, established agricultural operations, food businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking practical guidance to develop or strengthen their businesses. Attendees will learn about business planning, financial management, grant applications and resources available to support agricultural enterprises.
The morning sessions will introduce the essential elements of a business plan and explain how financial information can guide business decisions. Participants will explore ways to organize their plans, assess their operations, and use financial records to support future growth.
Roundtable discussions will provide opportunities for farmers, business owners, service providers, and funding program representatives to exchange ideas and discuss common challenges.
A networking lunch will offer additional time for participants to establish professional connections and ask questions about resources relevant to their operations.
Afternoon sessions will focus on grant writing and funding applications. Topics will include defining project goals, preparing budgets, and presenting proposals clearly to potential funders.
Participants will also be able to seek guidance on identifying suitable funding programs and determining the next steps for their businesses.
By the end of the workshop, attendees should have a clearer understanding of business planning, financial basics, grant preparation, project budgeting, and available agricultural resources.
The program is intended to accommodate people at different stages, from those exploring a new business idea to experienced operators preparing for future investments.
Participants do not need a completed business plan or an existing grant application to attend. The workshops are designed to help them build foundational knowledge, ask questions, and connect with organizations that can assist with business development.
Registration is available online for each location:
Adair County, October 22:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999704893166
Bath County, October 27:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000259590280
Daviess County, November 12:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999704807911
For additional information, contact KCARD at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info.
Photo Credit: getty-images-eric-ferguson
Categories: Kentucky, Business