Unlocking the Potential: Mississippi State's Food Business Training ProgramMississippians with a quality food product looking to scale up their business are invited to take advantage of a series of one-hour webinars and a one-day, in-person workshop offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. The program, titled "Food as Business: Scaling up from the Market – Take Your Food Business to the Next Level," is designed to help agricultural and food entrepreneurs, farmers, and cottage food operators navigate different markets and take their businesses to new heights.

Empowering Entrepreneurs: Navigating the Path to Growth

Webinars: Unlocking the Secrets to Scaling Up

The webinar series, scheduled for 11 a.m. each Thursday in September and October, is tailored to provide valuable resources and address key issues facing agriculture and food entrepreneurs. These interactive sessions cover a wide range of topics, from unlocking farm financing and navigating regulatory requirements to leveraging innovative digital marketing tools. Participants can choose to attend one or more of the webinars, all of which are offered free of charge with pre-registration required.The webinar lineup includes:- "Unlocking Farm Financing: Navigating loans, credit readiness and U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency loan programs"- "Scaling Up Production: Deciphering regulatory, labeling and food safety requirements to sell in new markets"- "Growing Together: Collaborating with local organizations and government for farm and food business expansion"- "Leveraging Canva-Graphic design software for effective digital marketing"- "Harnessing innovative AI tools for effective social media marketing"- "From Farm to Market: Navigating market outlets, opportunities and considerations"

In-Person Workshops: Hands-on Guidance for Success

In addition to the webinar series, the Mississippi State University Extension Service is offering two in-person workshops. These one-day events provide a comprehensive learning experience, covering topics such as financial planning, credit readiness, marketing strategies, social media advertising, digital marketing, market access, pricing, and compliance with food safety regulations, certification, and production licenses.The workshops are scheduled for October 11 at the MSU Bost Conference Center in Starkville and November 6 at the MSU North Mississippi Research and Extension Center in Verona. The registration fee includes lunch, refreshments, and all course materials, making it an affordable and valuable investment for aspiring and established food entrepreneurs.

Collaborative Approach: Leveraging Partnerships for Growth

The "Food as Business" program is a collaborative effort between the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. This partnership ensures that participants have access to a wide range of resources and expertise, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the food business landscape.The program is also supported by funding from the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture, further demonstrating the commitment to fostering the growth and success of Mississippi's food entrepreneurs.

Inclusive and Accessible: Empowering All Mississippians

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is dedicated to ensuring that the "Food as Business" program is accessible to all Mississippians. The webinars and workshops are open to anyone interested in operating an agriculture-based food business, regardless of their current level of experience or the stage of their venture.The Extension Service also provides disability accommodations and other information to ensure that all participants can fully engage with the program and benefit from the valuable resources and guidance it offers.

Unlocking the Future: Empowering Mississippi's Food Entrepreneurs

The "Food as Business" program offered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service is a transformative initiative that empowers Mississippians to take their food businesses to new heights. Through a comprehensive suite of webinars and in-person workshops, participants gain the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate the complexities of the food industry, scale their operations, and thrive in an ever-evolving market.By fostering collaboration, leveraging innovative technologies, and providing inclusive access, the program is poised to unlock the immense potential of Mississippi's food entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and strengthening the state's vibrant culinary landscape.