Slow Money Maine’s Ag Technical Assistance Project
One of the core activities of Slow Money Maine is to work creatively and collectively to connect promising businesses with the necessary financing, technical, marketing and distribution assistance to be successful. SMM has a particular interest in working with infrastructure businesses, such as food processing plants, mills, and distributors, whose success will positively impact the wider network of farms and fisheries that supply their businesses or to whom they sell product.
Slow Money Maine is starting an Ag Technical Assistance Project (TAP) that will focus on infrastructure businesses and food hubs. TAP will enhance the many existing programs that are already available through other agencies and organizations. It will identify needs that are not being met and develop timely and focused responses for businesses so they can move to the next level, strengthening their own performance, and that of other related or connected businesses. In some cases where a so-called ag or food hub develops, this support program can focus on a group of businesses. Over time this type of assistance can be further enhanced by peer learning which will greatly expand the capacity and responsiveness of this type of support.
TAP will draw on a network of retired/semiretired/active business executives and specialists who have interest in the sector and/or building Maine’s food economy. We envision offering assistance in the following areas: business and financial planning, sales and marketing support, production assistance, business mentoring and networking, and accessing financing
The initial leadership will be provided by Warren Cook, Chris Hallweaver, and Linzee Weld, who will organize the support for selected businesses and recruit the TAP support team. FMI, please contact Warren Cook, tel. 266-3533 or warren@mainenetworkpartners.org
