IIRA to Host Local Food Business Workshop Series in Macomb

November 21, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - Project ReFED (Regional Food Economic Development), an initiative of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University, will host a four-part workshop series for local food producers and small food production farmers over four Tuesdays in November and December.

The series, titled "Local Food Business Workshop Series," aims to empower attendees with foundational business skills, and the workshops will cover a range of topics essential for those looking to start or expand their local food farming operation. The workshops will be held at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center located at 2500 E Jackson, Macomb, IL 61455.

The upcoming workshops include:


  • Nov. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. - Starting a Business In Illinois
    • Speaker: IIRA Small Business Development Center Business Advisor, Carrie Kessler.

  • Dec. 5, 6-7:30 p.m. - Building Your Business Plan
    • Speakers: IIRA Value-Added Sustainable Development Center Program Director, Sean Park; IIRA Value-Added Sustainable Development Center Local Food Program Coordinator, Whitney Miller.

  • Dec. 12, 6-7:30 p.m. - Financial Management for Small Farms
    • Speaker: IIRA Value-Added Sustainable Development Center Local Food Program Coordinator, Whitney Miller.

  • Dec. 19, 6-7:30 p.m. - Marketing Strategies and Collaborating with Local Government
    • Speakers: IIRA Value-Added Sustainable Development Center Cooperative Program Coordinator, Kristin Terry; Community Development Coordinator, City of Macomb, IL, John Bannon.



All workshops are open and free to local food producers and those interested in starting a small food production enterprise. To register for the workshops, visit tinyurl.com/iiralocalfood.

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) builds the capacity of community leaders and policymakers by providing technical support, applied research, policy evaluation, and training across the state. IIRA is a clearinghouse for information on rural issues, coordinates rural research, and works with state agencies on issues of importance to rural communities.

For more information and updates on the workshop series, visit iira.org/vasdc/refed.

Posted By: Chiamaka Ezeobi (cc-ezeobi@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing