Thank you for your interest in BAV’s Farm Business Accelerator. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the program. If you have further questions, please reach out to Program Lead Rose Cherneff at rose@berkshireagventures.org.

What is BAV’s Farm Business Accelerator?

BAV’s Farm Business Accelerator is a new, two-year program bringing individualized one-on-one technical assistance, expert perspectives, peer learning, farm visits, and implementation funds to a cohort of farmers across Berkshire, Columbia, Dutchess, and Litchfield counties. The program begins in November 2026. 

By combining hands-on workshops with individualized technical assistance, creating opportunities for farmer-to-farmer learning, and providing implementation funds, our goal is to create a rigorous, supportive, and sustained learning opportunity that will unfold over the next two years.

Are there eligibility requirements in order to join the cohort?

Yes. The eligibility requirements for participating in the the cohort are: 

• Your farm has been in production for at least three years

• Your farm is located in one of the four counties BAV serves (Berkshire, Litchfield, Dutchess, Columbia) 

• You have financial records and some understanding of basic bookkeeping or are able to get up to speed with BAV’s assistance prior to November

Is there a fee to participate in this program? Do I get paid to participate in this program? 

Upon acceptance into the Farm Business Accelerator, applicants will be asked to pay a $150 fee to secure their place in the cohort.  

Upon completion of each year’s workshops and farm visits, participants will receive $1,000 in implementation funds. Full implementation funds will be awarded to participants who attend at least five of the six events. Funds will be prorated to $800 for participants who attend four events (the minimum number to receive implementation funds). 

In addition, participants will receive up to $2,000 in one-on-one consulting work with a relevant service provider. This provider will offer personalized technical assistance to assist farmers with organizing their financial records, interpreting financial reports, developing marketing strategies, and other core needs.

How many farms will be participating in this cohort? 

We anticipate accepting 12-20 farmers into this cohort program, with time in smaller subgroups of 4-7 farmers per group. 

What are the dates of the workshops for the Farm Business Accelerator?

The Farm Business Accelerator will meet six times per year in person, consisting of four winter workshops and two summer farm visits.

For the first year, workshops and farm visits will take place on the following days:

Workshop 1: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 10am-3pm (inclement weather date: Tuesday, November 17)

Workshop 2: Thursday, December 10, 2026, midmorning through lunch

Workshop 3: Thursday, January 14, 2027, midmorning through lunch

Workshop 4: Thursday, February 11, 2027, midmorning through lunch

Farm Visit 1: Thursday, July 8, 2027, late afternoon/evening 

Farm Visit 2: Thursday, August 12, 2027, late afternoon/evening

With the exception of the first in-person workshop, gatherings will move onto Zoom in the case of significant inclement weather. Please note that we will be prioritizing applicants who can commit to attending all four in-person workshops and at least one farm visit each year. 

Dates for year two of the program will be similar to the above. 

Where do the workshops and farm visits take place?

The first workshop will take place at Jiminy Peak in Hancock, MA. Subsequent in-person workshops and farm visits will take place at different locations in our four-county service area of Berkshire, Litchfield, Dutchess, and Columbia counties. Our goal is to rotate meeting locations with an eye toward driving distances for participants. 

What will happen during the workshops and what will the curriculum entail? 

The in-person winter workshops will focus on developing concrete business skills such as goal setting, interpreting financial statements, risk assessments, and implementation strategies. Course content will be delivered through presentations, discussion, case studies, small group work, and real-life application. You can expect to get to know the members of your small groups quite well by the end of the first year.

During year one, workshops will include the following: farm and life goal-setting; interpreting financial statements for informed farm decisions; capitalizing on strengths and mitigating risks; and implementing a few concrete, informed business decisions for the upcoming season based on the course content. The one-on-one technical assistance will complement this learning and focus on individual participants’ needs and priorities.

How does the one-on-one technical assistance component work? 

At the beginning of the cohort, participants will identify the type of technical assistance they would like to receive. Examples include recordkeeping and bookkeeping cleanup; financial report generation and interpretation; profitability analysis of different farm enterprises; marketing and sales support; and retirement and other long-term financial planning. BAV staff will match each participant with an appropriate service provider based on participant goals.  

Service providers will meet with the farmer and draw up a work plan covering approximately 10-20 hours during the first year of the cohort. The one-on-one support is intended to tie into and reinforce workshop learning.

What will happen in the second year of the cohort?

The second year will build on the first year’s learning and goal setting. Workshop content will reflect the specific needs of participants. Farmers will again receive one-on-one technical assistance geared to their individual needs, as well as implementation funds for key projects. 

Will there be food at the workshops? Childcare?  

Yes to both. Lunch will be provided at each in-person workshop, and dinner will be provided at each farm tour. For all in-person events, childcare will be provided upon request.  

What about access needs?

If you are concerned about any access issue, please reach out to Rose at rose@berkshireagventures.org or 413-238-1841 to discuss your needs.

What is the capstone at the end of the cohort? 

The capstone is a multi-day gathering that follows the second year of the cohort. The content of this capstone will be developed based on cohort interests, and will serve as an opportunity for reflection and goal-setting. 

How do I apply? What is the application deadline and process? 

Apply online here. We have an info session scheduled for August 25, 7-8pm; you can sign up for that session here.

Applications are due by October 15, 2026, with a priority application deadline of September 15. Once you submit your application, BAV staff will follow up to arrange a conversation to answer any questions and ensure sure this program is a good fit.