Farm and Food Funding Accelerator (FFFA)

Purpose: Intensive mentoring and training program for Hudson Valley farmers and food entrepreneurs seeking to scale business, gain access to capital, and build sales

Program Duration: 6-8 months

Geographic Scope: Hudson Valley, New York State

What Participants Learn:

• How to build sales in anticipation of speaking with investors
• How to discover new market opportunities
• How to pitch to potential funders
• Expert instruction in fundraising and business development

Program Components:

• Customized curriculum
• Expert instruction
• One-on-one counseling and technical assistance
• Group interaction and industry networking events
• Connection with growing network of funders supporting local food systems
• Opportunity to pitch to potential funders at conclusion

Funding Methods Covered:

• Equity
• Loans
• Grants
• Crowdfunding
• HVADC's Farm and Food Finance Fund

Instructors:

• HVADC staff
• Industry partners and professionals
• Institutional and retail stakeholders in Hudson Valley food system
• Mentors from previous FFFA classes (Peers from 2016 and 2018)

Program History:

• Launched in 2016 as Farm and Food Business Accelerator (FFBA) with 9 peers
• Third FFFA program began fall 2019 (planned for fall 2019, culminating spring 2020)

Current Status: No FFFA class currently in session. Check back for future scheduling.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 518.432.5360
• Fax: 888.317.5556
• Email: info@hvadc.org
• Address: 507 Warren St., 2nd Floor, Hudson, NY 12534