ACRE curriculum offers agribusiness development training

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The South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship is partnering with Clemson Cooperative Extension to accept applications for the fifth annual curriculum program for agribusiness innovators in South Carolina.

The curriculum is taught by Clemson agribusiness faculty and includes five two-hour virtual courses beginning Sept. 27 and an online Pitch Day scheduled for Nov. 15.

Participants receive an overview of business planning and management, including pre-planning, marketing, pricing, cost of production, profitability and financial statements. They also will have the opportunity to pitch their business plan to a panel of judges for the chance to be awarded one of five $5,000 grants.

“Our ACRE curriculum teaches the basics of how to run a business, is tailored specifically to agribusinesses and taught by people who know food and farming,” said Kyle Player, executive director of ACRE.

The program is free, but space is limited. Applications must be received by Sept. 6 and can be found on the ACRE website under Programs. Qualifying applicants must be South Carolina residents and have an agribusiness idea, product prototype or agribusiness. Priority is given to applications from rural counties or agribusinesses that would positively impact rural counties.

For more information, contact Kyle Player at (803) 734-2324 or [email protected] or Nathan Smith, Clemson Agribusiness program team leader, at (803) 788-5700 or [email protected].