Farm Business Accelerator

 

Farm Business Accelerator Program

The Foodshed Project Farm Business Accelerator program supports beginning farmers by building a bridge between initial on-farm training and business viability. We provide low-cost access to everything needed to establish and manage a successful farm business: land, water, infrastructure, business education through a partnership with Colorado State University (CSU) Extension’s Building Farmers Program, technical support, mentorship, and marketing assistance. 

The Accelerator is a 3-year program designed to support beginning farmers with farming experience and an interest in establishing their own farm business. Accelerator farmers will have access to plots starting at 1⁄4 acre, as well as shared access to infrastructure such as irrigation equipment, farming tools and equipment, electricity, and storage space. Though the program is designed for vegetable and crop producers, we are open to all types of producers – if you are interested and are not a vegetable/crop producer, please email us! We would be happy to work with you.

The program, in addition to others, is located on Flores del Sol, a City of Fort Collins-owned property leased by Poudre Valley Community Farms. By working in a collaborative environment with established and beginning farmers, surrounded by activities such as public education programs and community gardens, and with access to a strong network of potential investors, participants in the Accelerator will be members of a unique and growing community-based project aimed at supporting a vibrant local food economy.

2024 Program Details

We will be accepting 2-3 new accelerator farmers for the 2024 season. Applications are due Dec 8th. An expert review panel will select participants by examining their farming experience, training needs, business vision, and overall fit with the program. Decision notifications will be sent out in mid-December.

There will be a group orientation in early January, 2023 (format TBD). Classes with CSU Extension’s Building Farmers will take place in person in Fort Collins mid-January through early March. Participants will be required to participate in mandatory onsite trainings and workdays in March and April and will have access to the field beginning March 1 through October 31st.

For more details including requirements, fees, and application process please review the 2024 Accelerator Program Overview.

Know a producer that might be interested? Help us spread the word by sharing our program flyer!

We are excited to have been selected for a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant to support this program through 2024! Click here to learn more.