Programs and projects throughout the region contibute to the health of our local food system.
FairShare CSA Coalition’s Farmer Apprenticeship Program
FairShare CSA Coalition offers the first registered apprenticeship for organic vegetable production in the country. This program has dual benefits for both organic vegetable farmers and prospective organic vegetable farm managers. Apprentices build technical skills and competency in key areas of farm management under the mentorship of an established grower, and farmers invest in reliable leadership on their farms, strengthening the ongoing success of organic farming. Over two years, apprentices receive hands-on training with a farmer educator to learn every aspect of running a successful farm from seeding and transplanting to finances and marketing. On-the-job training is supplemented with off-season coursework through the Wisconsin Technical College System and compensated with an hourly wage. Cultivating a mutually beneficial relationship is a key component of the program: apprentices gain confidence, autonomy and applicable skills while supporting a farmer who is engaged with their ongoing development and potential.
Visit csacoalition.org/apprenticeship for more information.
Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation’s UpStart Program
All you need is a small seed of an idea for the UpStart program to help you plant and cultivate it. This free entrepreneurship program teaches women and people of color all aspects of launching a business from writing a business plan and navigating regulations to managing finances and marketing on social media. With an emphasis on building confidence and creating a professional network, the program also provides the tools for already established small business owners to further strengthen their operation. While cost and resources can often be a considerable barrier for fledgling entrepreneurs, UpStart removes this obstacle. UpStart alumni come away with ongoing program resources and a lasting cohort support network to evolve a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem with more diverse representation. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff and community business leaders provide quality coaching and coursework instruction. Entrepreneurial interests in every field are welcome.
Fall 2022 Cohort 18 applications will open in May 2022. Learn more and apply at warf.org/upstart.
Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen (WINK)
Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen (WINK) helps new and existing food businesses grow by providing a space for new products to evolve and take shape. Their mission is to support small business development and showcase the amazing benefits of local foods and a strong regional food system. WINK is an FDA-approved, organic-certified, state-inspected, and fully licensed food processing and commercial co-packing facility owned and operated by Hodan Community Services, an organization and community rehabilitation center that supports people with disabilities. With strict attention to safety and food guidelines, Wisconsin Innovation Kitchen produces affordable, scalable batches of an assortment of sauces, beverages, preserved produce, spice mixes and other packaged goods for food entrepreneurs, restaurateurs, family farms and other businesses from entry-level to established.
Visit wisconsininnovationkitchen.com for more details.
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