Ag-Biz Program
Mission
Ag-Biz provides farmers and other agricultural ventures with training
and coaching in farm business planning and record-keeping, as well as
specialized programs that build your business networking opportunities.
Our long-term goal is to help create more profitable farm
enterprises, living wage jobs, diversified opportunities such as
value-added products, and a stronger agricultural economy in Western
North Carolina.
At Mountain BizWorks, we understand the importance of supporting our local/regional food system, and are committed to meeting the region’s ever-changing needs.
Who We Serve
We serve farmers and value-added producers in the 12 western-most counties of North Carolina through three office locations: Asheville, Hendersonville, and Sylva.
What We Do
Ag-Biz provides practical business knowledge, connects participants
with other farmers and agricultural businesses/vendors, and builds
networks of farmers for future growth. We tailor services and workshops
to coincide with the rhythms of the agricultural seasons.
Training & Coaching: We provide agricultural clients with formulas and resources for building sustainable business operations and enhancing your decision-making process. Once you have the tools to market your venture, analyze cash flow, and forecast profit and loss, you’re better prepared to make choices associated with owning and running an agricultural business.
Community Agricultural Business Alliance: Connect with other farmers, agricultural businesses, and vendors to build your network for future growth.
Flexible Financing: We offer lending tailored to meet your agricultural needs, to start or grow your enterprise.
Our Partners
Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP), Mountain BizWorks, and Organic Growers School work in partnership to serve Western NC’s agricultural community. The collaborative partnership, known as the Appalachian Farm Alliance, provides a regional approach to serving the agricultural community. Together, we provide a variety of services that helps farmers and value-added vendors attain the resources they need to succeed; and we make the path to farming success clearer, easier to find, and more well-worn.
Our Ag Biz Program is 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 about the Ag-Biz Program, contact:
- Jo Ann Miksa-Blackwell, Ag-Biz Program Manager: 828-919-1000, joann@mountainbizworks.org
- Asheville: Erika Rodriquez, 828-253-2834, ext 27, erika@mountainbizworks.org
- Hendersonville: Adriana Chavela, 828-692-5826, adriana@mountainbizworks.org
- Sylva: Sheryl Rudd, 828-631-0292, sheryl@mountainbizworks.org
For information about lending, contact:
- MBW Lending Department, 828-253-2834, ext 16, or loans@mountainbizworks.org
Equal Opportunity Lender / Agency
