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CSU does not endorse any of the business support service providers specifically, this list is used for informational purposes. Before choosing a service provider, make sure to do your homework.
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Organization NameName of Point of Contact:Email AddressCityStateZip CodeTell us about yourself! Include things like years of experience, skills, and why you are passionate about food and farm businesses.What type of business services do you offer?What type of support are you offering?Which sectors of the food system do you have expertise with?Business Website
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SOIL Sangre de CristoPJ Bergin
chair@soilsangredecristo.org
SalidaCO81201Regional Food Producers are integral part of the health of the South Central Region of Colorado. SOIL Sangre de Cristo provides 0% Interest Loans to farmers and ranchers to keep this heritage alive providing fresh food to the communities. Members of the SOIL Sangre de Cristo Review Committee work with applicants to assist in developing the loan application to confirm success with the funding. The awards are considered and approved by the Investor Members of SOIL Sangre de Cristo who contribute to the revolving loan fund. Finance, 0% Interest Loans to Regional Food Producers0% Interest Loansfinancial supporthttps://www.soilsangredecristo.org/
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Purgatory Cellars LLP dba Purgatory Cellars Winery
Marko Copic
markocopic@purgatorycellars.net
ParkerCO80134My wine-making experience connects Old World's tradition with high quality Colorado grapes from Grand Valley, Colorado. Wine we make is natural, awarded at local and international wine competitions. As an only winery in the state, we make amber/orange wine in original Georgian clay pots (qvevry), i.e. we are reviving the oldest wine-making technique in the world, also we are the only winery in the USA to make a sparkling wine from a wine aged in a clay pot. Come and check us out, our tasting room is very cozy!Coaching, Engineering, Wine-makingQuick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Wine-makingBeverages, Wine - from vines to tablewww.purgatorycellarscolorado.com
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Flower Hill InstituteDave Carter
dcarter@flowerhill.institute
WestminsteCO80031I have 46 years of experience in agricultural advocacy, policy, regulatory affairs and marketing. I served as President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union from 1993-2001, and as Executive Director of the National Bison Association from 2001-2022. I also served as chair of the USDA National Organic Standards Board from 2001-2003, and as a member of the USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Animals and Animal Products from 2015-2022. I now serve as a regional director for Flower Hill Institute, which has a cooperative agreement with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to coordinate a network of organizations AMS enlisted to provide technical assistance for new and expanding smaller meat and poultry processing enterprises. Business Development, Coaching, Technical Assistance for Meat and Poultry ProcessorsFull-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)Ranching/livestock systems, Food service, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods)
https://flowerhill.institute/usda-mppta
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BigHorn Branding LLCKathryn Bedell
kathy@bighornbranding
Grand JunctionCO81505I am a veterinarian who switched careers to cattle ranching 30 years ago. I have managed ranches from small to large acreage moving them towards a more regenerative operating plan. I started a direct to consumer beef business, attended farmers markets and eventually opened a retail store. 6 years ago I sold the store and started working in policy and meat processing capacity building. I am a member of the Colorado State Agriculture Commission, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union policy committee, and continue to run a small herd of cattle. I currently am the managing partner of BigHorn Branding where we write business plans, conduct feasibility studies and write grants. We also are acting as the Executive Director of Southwest Livestock Grazing Alliance, assisting with a Climate Smart Commodity Grant and and NRCS grant. Grant writing, Branding, Business Development, Communications, Digital advertising, Research, Finance, Business plans and feasibility studiesFull-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods)none
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Pueblo Food Project Entrepreneur Development Program
entp@pueblofoodproject.org
PuebloCO81003Created to educate, cultivate, and advocate for aspiring food, beverage, and farm businesses,
Pueblo Food Project’s Entrepreneur Development Program is the first of its kind in Southern Colorado.

The third annual course will be held weekly, in-person beginning February 20, 2024. This is a semester-style course created specifically for food, beverage and farm entrepreneurs. Over the duration of the course, you will create a business plan and prepare for a pitch competition on June 4. Tuition is waived for this course and all students who complete the semester will receive a variety of financial incentives to help propel their businesses - over $3,000 in value!
Business Development, CoachingConsumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food service, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods), Beverageshttps://pueblofoodproject.org/
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Stepwell Strategies, LLC
Benjamin Shorofsky
ben@stepwellstrategies.com
Cleveland Heights
OH44118Stepwell Strategies is a grant writing, project development, and project management firm focused on supporting food and farm organizations, With Stepwell Strategies, you gain a partner with over 3 decades of combined experience in the nonprofit and for-profit food and agricultural sectors. We are a network of collaborators who spend our days on farms, at universities, growing food businesses, and supporting high-impact nonprofits. Existing clients trust our ability to strategically grow their funding pipeline and create a measurable impact on the ground. Our team has successfully raised over $90M for 40+ clients over the last 5 years. Grant writing, Business Development, Coaching, Research, Project Management and Grant ComplianceQuick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods), Retailersstepwellstrategies.com
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Rubi OrozcoRubi Orozco
tradicionessanas@gmail.com
Santa TeresaNM88008I bring nearly 20 years of experience in program planning and development in community based food systems. I center the experience, knowledge, and vision of BIPOC land stewards and heritage food growers and producers, listen with cultural humility, and offer tools, frameworks, and approaches to support their work. I offer thought partnership to community leaders to conceptualize and carry out community foodways organizing, storytelling, cultural, and educational projects, translating their vision into actionable plans and communicating their approach with diverse funders.Grant writing
Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Community organizing for food systems transformation
https://www.rubiorozcosantos.com/
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Colorado Grain ChainAudrey Paugh
audrey@coloradograinchain.com
LongmontColorado80501The Colorado Grain Chain is a non-profit organization whose mission is to grow and connect a vibrant community-centered grain economy in the state of Colorado. Our vision is for every household, food and beverage supplier, and maker in Colorado to use and value locally grown grains. We want Colorado grown grains used in craft beers, artisan spirits, in kitchens, and on menus everywhere people live and gather. Resources that we offer include our Grain Exchange Marketplace (GEM) & Forum, Colorado Grown Grains Co-Branding, Organic Grain Microgrant programs, and business connections. The GEM is an online platform for stakeholders to connect with grain growers and buyers, while the Forum can be used to inquire about specific grain growing or purchasing questions. The Co-Brand is a marketing initiative that includes co-brand logo access, educational resources for your consumers, and promotional support for farm and food businesses that grow or sell grain products that are Colorado grown. We welcome new farm and food business members to the Colorado Grain Chain and will support you in building your network. Branding, Market Connections
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm)
Value-added grain growing and marketing, Education
www.coloradograinchain.com
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Amber Middleton Grant Writing
Amber Middleton
ambermmiddleton@gmail.com
MadisonWI53705I have been writing grants and working with food and farm businesses since 2016, when I moved to Colorado as an AmeriCorps VISTA for the Rio Grande Farm Park, a program of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition. Since then, I have been passionate about local food and small farms. When I completed my AmeriCorps service, I stayed connected to this sector by volunteering and later serving on the Board of Directors of FairShare CSA Coalition. I returned to Colorado in 2019 to help the Rio Grande Farm Park through a time of transition, and stepped into the Development Director role until 2022. After that, I remained connected to the organization and began grant writing on a contract basis. I now also contract with another organization, Tu Casa, Inc., to help them with grant proposals and prospective funder research. I am highly selective about the organizations I choose to work with as I slowly build my grant writing business, focusing on the San Luis Valley region and types of organizations I care deeply about. During the summers, I run a small farmers market in Madison, Wisconsin. Grant writing
Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Food hub/aggregation/distribution
N/A
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Colorado State University Office of Engagement & Extension
Nicole Didero
nicole.didero@colostate.edu
Grand JunctionCO81503I have been working between agriculture, natural resource mgmt., community outreach & education, and food systems for 12 years. My work currently is serving as a food systems Regional Specialist for Extension on the Western Slope of Colorado. I speak Spanish as a second language, greatly enjoy connecting with people the resources they need (community partners, useful research, creative solutions to hard problems, funding opportunities), and love partaking in strategic planning and project action that is community-driven and well-done.
Grant writing, Business Development, Research, Facilitation or meeting organizing for community projects
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), Retailers
https://engagement.colostate.edu/who-we-are/csu-extension/
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Kolibri Comprehensive Business Services
Lisa Schlottehausen
KolibriCBS@gmail.com
WileyCO81092
I am a certified grant professional and have been providing grant writing, grant management and consulting services to the ag industry in SE Colorado since 2021. I also have 3 years experience in economic development. I have a PhD in Anthropology. Prior to that, I have 20 years experience in higher education ranging from strategic planning, research and evaluation, teaching, advising and adminstration.
Grant writing, Research, Planning
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Ranching/livestock systems, High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods)
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Eisenia LLCBrian De Corte
brian.decorte@gmail.com
LafayetteCO80026
Brian De Corte offers freelance grant writing and development strategy for nonprofits and farms in Colorado. Brian has a Masters in Sustainable Food Systems from the University of Colorado and has worked extensively on food system research and planning projects across the US as a consultant for Karen Karp & Partners and on a freelance basis. Brian is proud to share a 58% grant success rate as of April 2024 and has raised a total of $1.8 Million for his clients from 2019 - 2024.
Grant writing, Research, Feasibility plans, fundraising and development strategy
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Food system nonprofits: food security, beginning farmer training, food distribution, food recovery & gleaning, ag education
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Imsland Consulting LLCChris Imsland
chrisimsland@yahoo.com
Fort CollinsCO80525
I have over 20 years of nonprofit management, fundraising, and special event planning experience. Since 2015 I have been principal owner of Imsland Consulting LLC; providing nonprofit organizations with professional services including fundraising strategy, grant writing, board and leadership development, project management, and organizational assessment services. Before launching my business, I served as Executive Director for Partners, was a Senior Management Consultant for the National MS Society-Home Office and Development Manager for the National MS Society-Colorado Chapter. Before my nonprofit career I worked in event planning and marketing. I have a passion for food, am a working member of Native Hill and come from a long line of farmers from Iowa and Norway.


Grant writing, Nonprofit Consulting
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Grant wtiting for nonprofits focused in the food system
https://chrisimsland.weebly.com/
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The Climate SourceBenjamin Filippo
benjamin@climatesource.ag
OrlandME04472
Benjamin Filippo co-founded The Climate Source, working to build and evaluate strategic, cross-sector value chains. With a background across the agricultural supply chain, working as a technical service provider to organic producers, consultant to industry and non-profit stakeholders, and grant researcher, he works to create value along the supply chain for stakeholders and clients.

Mr. Filippo has expertise in fruit and vegetable, grains, and tobacco production, supply chain development, and strategic sourcing. His experience in retail, wholesale, institutional, and non-profit procurement settings lends his perspective to complex multi-stakeholder projects spanning industries and geographic regions. His graduate training in Cold-Chain Management and Aggregation Centers from the University of Vermont, and Ecosystems of Independent Businesses at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill informs his research methods and stakeholder coordination in developing sustainable processes in agricultural supply chains.
Grant writing, Business Development, Coaching, Research
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food service, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), Retailers
www.climatesource.ag
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A.Moxley ConsultingAli Moxley
a.moxley.consulting@gmail.com
BozemanMontana59715
Ali is passionate about helping increase access to sustainably produced food for all. Her previous professional experience has involved working with food systems in nearly every facet. She has worked on farms, in restaurants, at food co-ops and farmers’ markets, in food labs, and as a food system researcher. She has her Master’s in Sustainable Food Systems and her BSBA in Business Management. She is the co-founder of a specialty mushroom farm in Montana that has been growing and thriving since 2019. She now runs a consulting business where she helps food-related businesses, find, write, and apply for funding.
Grant writing, Business Development
1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks), Backend grant mangement support
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods), Beverages, Retailers
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Scott Miller Loan Services
Scott Miller
smiller0926@gmail.com
ThorntonCO80241-3714
I'm a retired farm loan officer for the Farm Service Agency, USDA. I have over 35 years of experience working with Colorado farmers and ranchers helping them secure farm loans, both direct and guarantee loans. I can assist a loan applicant with their first loan or with refinancing their current loan. I have worked with many of the Colorado farm lenders and understand their requirements. I have extensive knowledge on working with borrowers that find themselves in financial difficulty. I understand Colorado agriculture and know where to obtain agricultural financing.
Business Development, Finance
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems
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Project Brand: Grant Writing and Development Services
Sandy Visnack
svisnack@icloud.com
SalidaCO81201
I am an experienced grant writer, strategic planner, and fundraiser with over twenty-five years experience. Over the years, I have developed expertise in aligning resources, researching relevant data, and writing compelling grant applications. Knowledgeable and skilled in helping small and large organizations grow or move to the next step in their business. I thoroughly enjoy working with people at all stages of development.
Grant writing, Branding, Business Development, Communications
Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods), Have written grant applications specifically for ranchers and meat processors.
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Brandwerks GroupJohn Recca
john@brandwerksgroup.com
GoldenCO80401
I am the owner of the Brandwerks Group, a full-service business and brand development company that focuses entirely on food, beverages and agriculture. Our clients include local and national consumer products companies, commodity producers, grower associations, food hubs, export associations and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. We are experts at providing strategic direction and business planning, creating and designing unique, well-positioned brands and developing sales and distribution systems. To learn more and view our client work, please visit https://www.brandwerksgroup.com/portfolio/ .

I’m naturally passionate about agriculture and food systems – probably because I grew up helping my family farm wine grapes and walnuts in California's Central Valley! I have a degree in economics from U.C. Berkeley and have served on agriculture-related boards and committees, including Colorado Proud. I often conduct seminars and webinars on brand and business development.
Grant writing, Website design, Branding, Business Development, Coaching, Communications, Graphic design, Research, Web development, Strategic planning, Business plans, Sales and distribution planning
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food service, Beverages, Retailers, Alcohol beverages (beer, wine, distilled spirits)
https://www.brandwerksgroup.com
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Bravo Group LLCJacob Williams
jwilliams@bravogroupllc.com
LaporteColorado80535
Hello, I'm Jacob Williams. I believe local food can help feed the soul of a community. Although I'm not a farmer, I'm happy to support local farms and business in any way possible. I'm a CSU alum and have 15 years experience in all sectors of the construction industry. My local construction company was founded in 2019 and we've been serving northern Colorado ever since. When not working, I enjoy time with my family, traveling, and summer days up at Horsetooth.
Construction - Construction Management
Consultation and or Building services.
Buildings, Infrastructure and Construction Services
bravo-builders.net
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Stewards UnlimitedStephen Ussery
stephen@stewardsunlimited.com
Mc DonaldTN37353
Stewards Unlimited is a business development consultancy which specializes in USDA grant writing. SU works with individuals and organizations across the US and internationally to research opportunities, develop strategic project plans, and secure funding through proposal development. SU works with a wide range of non- and for-profit businesses to secure funding and contracts from both public and private sources, specializing in working with agriculture, environmental technology, business/workforce development, and youth education/empowerment.

With over 15 years of collective experience in aiding farm and food businesses to grow sales and customer bases, the Stewards Unlimited team focuses on developing a long-term growth strategy which is then implemented in simple-to-understand steps. Stewards Unlimited has leveraged experience with over 150 clients to advise on business development and secure several million dollars worth of funding.

Our biggest passion is working with farmers to increase their profitability and ability to access new markets. We want to be stewards, taking what they have built and leveraging it to create new growth. A steward takes on ownership of work and treats each resource as if it were their own to be invested wisely. As stewards, we seek to be helpful, trustworthy, and competent in every interaction with clients.
Grant writing, Business Development, Research
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Consumer packaged goods or value-added manufacturing, Food service, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Low risk food products (high in acid or sugar, as well as salted foods, dry foods or canned and vacuum-packed foods), High risk food products (meat, dairy, cooked foods), Beverages, Retailers
https://www.stewardsunlimited.com/
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Moonbeam Consulting LLC
Dana Wood
dana.wood06@gmail.com
SiltCO81652
I have 12 years experience in writing and managing grants in the food access sector and have primarily written grants for public health and nonprofit employers. I started my own grant writing/consulting bunsiness in 2023 and continue to write for organizations that are serving underresourced areas and populations across Colorado and who are working to advance food justice, health equity, and food sovereinty in their communities.
Grant writing, Business Development, Coaching, Research
Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Food hub/aggregation/distribution, Food access and food pantry/food bank grant administration
n/a
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San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition
Jae Sanders
jae.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com
AlamosaCO81101
After four years of coalition building, the SLV Local Foods Coalition was formed in 2009 with the mission to foster an equitable local food system that restores the health of the people, community, economy, and ecosystem. Our current projects are: the Rio Grande Farm Park, a 38-acre farm with a focus on education and land stewardship; the Valley Roots Food Hub which aggregates and distributes Colorado grown produce around the state; a Cooking Matters program; the SLV Community Food & Agricultural Assessment / Action Plan which will determine policy and projects that will support the environment and producers into the future.
Grant writing, Branding, Business Development, Coaching, Communications, Research, Finance, Resources for farmers, ranchers and food businesses
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Ranching/livestock systems, Food hub/aggregation/distribution, nonprofits
https://slvlocalfoods.org
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Fort Lewis CollegeElicia Whittlesey
ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu
HesperusCO81328
I have over 10 years of vegetable growing experience, both at high and low elevations, and over 10 years of training and mentoring beginning farmers. I'm passionate about growing equitable and interesting local food systems that will be resilient through social and ecological change. I have worked at the Fort Lewis College's Farmer Training Program since 2015, supporting both first-year farmers and farmers starting their own businesses.
Grant writing, Business Development, Communications
Quick advise (30 minute phone call, answer questions or give advice in written format), 1 hour phone calls (answer pressing questions, solve organizational challenges, brainstorm), Full-length projects (grant writing support, pre-scoped projects ranging from branding messaging to marketing campaigns, and more that can take 1-6 weeks)
Crop systems, Food hub/aggregation/distribution
https://www.fortlewis.edu/the-old-fort/
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