Launch My Agri-Business Summer 2020 Application

Thank you for your interest in the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business & Leadership at YWCA O'ahu and Launch My Business (LMB).

Launch My Agri-Business is a 7-week (45-hour) course created to help current and future farmers understand key principles of business growth and expansion. The Program’s goal is to improve economic outcomes for socially and economically disadvantaged farmers operating micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Hawai′i. Learn how to think clearly and objectively about problems and develop solutions that work best for your business with a focus on full-cycle production and commercialization of agriculture and value-added products. Participate in highly effective, hands-on exercises and labs that will equip you with the knowledge, tools and resources to manage daily operations effectively. Cost is $400 per person with scolarships available.

Class will take place online via Zoom and will meet every Monday and Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the 7-week period beginning on Monday, July 20 through Thursday, September 3. Graduation will be on Tuesday, September 8.

Please submit this application and contact Brittany at (808)695-2635 or bmontilliano@ywcaoahu.org prior to the start of class for a mandatory Orientation session.

The application process is competitive, so please answer each question fully. Provide enough detail for our selection committee to evaluate your commitment and passion to succeed in your business endeavor. Please take the time to complete this application thoroughly and provide as much detail as possible.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Email*

example@example.com

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

What stage of business are you in?*

IdeaJust launchedNewer business (1st year)In business (1+ years)

DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT AG BUSINESS OR IDEA: Describe in detail the produce and/or service(s) that you are growing/selling. Explain how your produce or service fills a need or want in the market. This should be something that consumers need or desire enough to pay money for.*

If you have a website, please provide the URL.

COMPETITION: Who else is already selling the same or similar produce and/or service(s)? Describe what makes your produce and/or service(s) unique and what you will do to make your offering more attractive to customers.*

HEADQUARTERS/MAIN LOCATION: Where is your farm located? Do you lease or own your farm? Are you interested in acquiring farm land?*

ADVERTISING: Describe your advertising/promotional approach. (e.g. online, print, TV, radio).*

CAPACITY: Describe your time frame for starting/growing your farm. What barriers or obstacles do you need to overcome in order to accomplish your launch/growth within this time period?*

CURRENT BUDGET: Create a detailed list below.*

Describe what you would most like to gain by participating in Launch My Agri-Business. For example, what specific areas of the farming business or agricultural start-up are you most interested in learning about? Include any value-added product interests. *

If you have a background in farming and/or business, please describe/explain.

I understand that Launch My Business requires me to make a significant time commitment and that my attendance at all classes is required:

Launch My Business Start - 1-day class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Launch My Agri-Business - Every Monday and Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. for the 7-week period plus graduation are required.

By applying to LMB, I agree to clear my schedule in order to be present and fully participate for the duration of the course. If I'm not able to attend a class, to the best of my ability, I will notify the appropriate MCBL staff/instructor at least 24 hours in advance. I understand that due to capacity limitations, MCBL is not able to accept all applicants into the cohort. Should I be accepted, I understand that this may mean another applicant was declined and I will be mindful of this and participate fully.

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