Business Launchpad for Farmers, Ranchers, & Food Vendors (Fall 2026)

Are you a small- to mid-size food or farm business?

Do you need help with your business finances or operations?

Join UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), SW Regional Food Business Center (SW RFBC) and F3 Local for the Business Launchpad, Growing Resilient Roots For Food, Farm and Ranch Businesses. We are recruiting up to 40 participants across the state to be part of a 9 week virtual cohort designed to improve the financial stability and operational resilience of small to mid-sized agricultural enterprises in California.

Applications open July, 15, 2026 - September 1, 2026.

The Fall 2026 cohort runs from October through December 2026. Participants attend one virtual session each week, with each session lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Weekly educational sessions and coaching is delivered virtually, while regional networking and resource fair events are held in person.

Business Launchpad Application

The course will cover:

• Business Planning

• Financial Literacy

• Regulatory Compliance

• Marketing and Branding

Participation will be hybrid with:

• Virtual Courses

• 1:1 Coaching

• Regional Networking Events for Professional Growth

Growing exceptional food is only part of what it takes to build a successful food business. Today's producers are expected to be marketers, financial managers, regulatory experts, and sales professionals, all while continuing to farm, ranch, fish, or manufacture food products. While they excel at their craft, many would benefit from developing the business skills needed to grow and sustain their operations. Training in business planning, marketing, social media, access to capital, and buyer engagement helps bridge that gap.

F3 Local is partnering to deliver Business Launchpad, a cohort-based business development program designed to help California farmers, ranchers, fishers, food producers, and food business owners build stronger, more resilient businesses. Participants will receive practical instruction from experts on key business topics, including recordkeeping, business planning, access to capital, marketing, branding, and food safety. In addition to weekly virtual sessions, participants will receive individualized technical assistance and have opportunities to connect with peers and buyers through regional in-person networking events.

While Business Launchpad is open to eligible businesses throughout California, F3 Local's role is to recruit producers and food business owners from the Central Valley and connect them with business education, technical assistance, and resources that strengthen the region's local and regional food economy. F3 Local will also partner in hosting a regional resource fair, providing opportunities for participants to network, meet technical assistance providers, connect with business support organizations, and build relationships with potential buyers.

Learn more and complete the application at: https://forms.monday.com/forms/95c0566f5df2b9a646163780ea05188d?r=use1