Business Development

Resource Providers

There are several agencies in the state that are available to help as you plan your food business.

South Dakota Small Business Development Center

Need help starting, growing and improving your business in South Dakota? The South Dakota Small Business Development Center works as an advisor for South Dakota businesses to start or grow by assisting with business planning, operational improvement, and product or market development.

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South Dakota Value Added Agriculture Development Center

The South Dakota Value Added Agriculture Development Center (VAADC) fosters creation of value added concepts by delivering on-going technical services to help emerging and existing agribusinesses address individual needs. VAADC offers comprehensive expertise in feasibility assessment, business planning, siting, funding and start-up, expansion, operational strategy that equip

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SDSU Extension Farmers Markets

Thinking of starting a business in the local foods industry? Wanting to expand or enhance an existing business? SDSU Extension provides several resources to help support food entrepreneurs. Explore SDSU Extension Farmers Markets for information on handling & processing, marketing & sales venues & regulations & certifications.

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Latest Resources

Explore this collection of resources for producers who sell direct to consumers or to other local food markets. This collection focuses on business development.

Video: Non Cash Payment: Square POS System

Presenter: Michelle Grosek, Bear Butte Gardens Description: Hear how Bear Butte Gardens uses Square point of sale system as a non-cash payment tool. Recorded: Nov. 30, 2023 This segment was supported by the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture through grant AM22SCBGSD1128.

Video: SDSPA Producer Work Experience

Presenter: Kyle Cox (Cox’s Farm Stand), Kjersten Oudman (Blue Sky Vegetable Co.), Laura Patzer (Cherry Rock Farm), and Martin Jones (Bear Butte Gardens) Description: Four panelists share how they used work experience in specialty crops to prepare them for their current work, benefits of their previous work,

Podcast: Profitability with Budding Moon Farm

Presenter: Jared Lukens-Black of Budding Moon Farm Description: Hear from Jared of Budding Moon Farm about considerations and methods he uses to increase profitability while distributing 100% of his produce through CSA and Rx Programs. Recorded: Aug. 14, 2023 Episode 15: Audio Link This podcast is made

Video: Business Planning Workshop

Presenter: Bob Weyrich, South Dakota Small Business Development Center, Cheri Rath, Value Added Ag Development Center Description: Recording of the producers business planning workshop held in Pierre. Learn about the components of a successful business plan. Link to Class Materials (Available to download) Recorded: Nov. 14, 2023

Podcast: Determining Prices & Profitability of your Specialty Crops & Products

Presenter: Kiara Poytra and Michelle Grosek of Bear Butte Gardens Farmstand, LLC. Description: You’ve carefully selected your seeds, started them in just the right conditions, prepped your beds, weeded, harvested and then perhaps created a value added product with your produce. As you get ready to take

Video: Apprenticeships & Your Farm

  Presenter: Tara Bartekoske, S.D. Department of Labor, Denise Venner, Venner Farm, Michelle Grosek, Bear Butte Gardens, and Laura Patzer, Cherry Rock Gardens Description: Over the past few years, a few of our members have developed mutually beneficial relationships through the development of apprenticeship programs. This webinar

For a complete listing of SDSPA videos, publications, podcasts and recommended resources visit our Resource Library.

Resources

Business Planning Guide, Small Business Development Center
Business Start-up Packet & Resources, S.D. Governor’s Office of Economic Development

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