As part of a special project made possible through a grant from USDA, ASAP and partner organizations have the unique opportunity to offer farmers in Western North Carolina one-on-one consultations for managing marketing, financial, and production risk. Below is a brief overview of what consultation can include, but please contact ASAP or partner organizations for details.
Market Planning and Support
ASAP offers one-on-one support for farmers in market planning and assessment, as well as marketing for Appalachian Grown farms. This can include discussion of new or existing enterprises, potential market opportunities and requirements, connections with area buyers, and direct or wholesale marketing resources. For more information contact molly@asapconnections.org or call (828) 236-1282.
Financial and Business Consultation
Mountain Bizworks is a community development financial institution (CDFI) offering highly customized business coaching and lending support to people who are starting and expanding businesses within western North Carolina. Subsidies are available for low to moderate income clients. Consultations often include identifying business and financial goals, setting up record keeping systems, outlining enterprise budgets, QuickBooks training, and industry specific guidance. For more information contact
jill@mountainbizworks.org or call (828) 253-2834.
Production Planning & Assistance
County and regional Cooperative Extension professionals are an important community resource for farmers looking for training and technical assistance. Cooperative Extension will be the primary production expertise for this project, please contact your local county agent for production related questions or assistance. For additional support contact Craig Mauney (828-989-7900 or rcmauney@ncsu.edu), Area Production Specialized Agent, who can assistant you or can direct you to state and regional experts with in the field and give you research based knowledge and resources.