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The Evaluating and Supporting Clients course has proven to be a valuable resource for business advisors supporting small farms, ranches, and fishing operations. As it concludes its third year, the course has emerged as a cornerstone in building a robust ecosystem of business technical assistance providers.
With over 60 participants from more than 30 organizations, this course has created a diverse and collaborative network. Asia Hampton, Business Skills Advisor, shares the driving force behind the course: "Farm and fishing businesses are highly specialized, and it can be challenging for them to find professionals with expertise in both their field and business management. Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to the business owners we serve while empowering the professionals they collaborate with to enhance their expertise and strengthen the agricultural and fishing businesses within their communities."
The course curriculum covers essential topics including strategic business formation, farm accounting and taxes, financial management, marketing, labor, and insurance. It also introduces practical tools like the Resilience Self-Assessment, equipping advisors with comprehensive resources to evaluate and enhance their clients' business health.
Many have already integrated course materials into their programs and workshops, amplifying the course's impact throughout the community. "I've already used the Resilience Self-Assessment tool with three of my clients," shared a business consultant from the North Coast. "It's opened up crucial conversations about long-term sustainability that we might not have had otherwise."
The value of this growing ecosystem is evident in the numbers:
- More than 85% of participants reported increased understanding in key areas like business formation and farm taxes.
- 95% enhanced comprehension of financial and credit management.
- 95% felt better equipped to provide financial and credit management support to their clients.
But the real impact is best captured in the words of the participants:
"This course has shown me the power of ecosystem building," one advisor shared. "I now have colleagues across the state I can turn to, creating a support system that benefits not just us advisors, but the entire agricultural community we serve."
"The network we've built here is invaluable. I was able to connect a client with a specialist I met through the course. That kind of cross-pollination of expertise is game-changing for our rural communities."
"This course laid out a lot of important topics that I wasn't aware of to consider when talking to the farmers I work with," a course participant shared. "It gave me more confidence in my role."
As we look to the future, the Evaluating and Supporting Clients course will continue to play a crucial role in strengthening and expanding this ecosystem of business advisors. By equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network they need, we're not just supporting advisors – we're cultivating a resilient ecosystem of support. Secure your spot in the 2025 course today!
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