Farm and Food Funding Accelerator (FFFA)

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)

Three classes of FFFA Peers completed program since 2018, representing 28 businesses

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