Details and Expectations

The FFFA is not suited for every business. Accepted applicants are expected to make a dedicated investment of time, resources, and energy to meet program requirements and responsibilities. Participants should be prepared to allocate a minimum of 10-15 hours per month to complete the curriculum and related events. 
 
The Accelerator program follows a 6-month rigorous curriculum that is made up of the following components:

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• Readiness Assessment 

• Mentoring 

• Technical Assistance 

• Peer-to-peer Networking 

• Completion of specialized tasks tailored to your business 

• Market Opportunities Networking events 

• Financing Pitch

• Post FFFA Program commitment

 
 
Readiness Assessment: Participants will work one-on-one with industry professionals to conduct an in-depth assessment of their sales, marketing, operations, financials and suitability for funding.
 
Mentoring:  FFFA Advisors will assist participants in developing or updating a business plan and developing a marketing strategy. 

Technical Assistance: Provided by HVADC’s network of industry experts, ongoing technical assistance will available to address the production, logistical and financial challenges that may need to be overcome as participants prepared their businesses to grow.  

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Peer-to-peer Networking: Facilitated meetings with industry peers and past FFFA participants designed to offer guidance and seasoned advice throughout the duration of the curriculum.
 
Completion of specialized tasks tailored to your business: Participants will be expected to commit additional time outside of classes and counseling to work on their business strategies and complete relevant tasks. Independent work is critical to the successful completion of this program.
 
Marketing Opportunities Networking Events: Over the course of six months, applicants will be expected to attend approximately two networking events designed to connect them with access to sales opportunities and financing by meeting industry leaders, service providers, potential partners, and investors. These events will be facilitated by HVADC or their collaborative partners.
 
Financing Pitch: Participants will work to develop a funding pitch aimed at securing financing for their business. Through counseling sessions, they will receive help developing a funding pitch and financial projections, as well as identifying what types of potential funding sources might be appropriate for their business model. The program will culminate in a facilitated pitch to industry leaders and potential funders in spring 2019.
 
Post-Accelerator Commitment: Upon completion of the FFFA program, participants are expected to commit additional time to subsequent programs through peer-to-peer networking and mentoring to assist future Accelerator participants, and to further develop a community of food and agriculture entrepreneurs.