Heartland Food Business Coalition

Social Media Analytics
2025-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago)
Struggling to understand your social media data? This course clarifies how to find valuable insights on Meta, Pinterest, and TikTok. We’ll decode key metrics within each platform’s analytics suite, empowering you to pinpoint winning content and refine your targeting strategy.
Date: Thursday, February 20th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online.
You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 2025

Cultivating Community - Missouri Farmer's Market Assoc. 2025 Conference
2025-02-23 13:00 - 2025-02-24 17:00 | Neosho Public Library, 201 W Spring Street, Neosho, MO, 64850, United States
Join the MFMA (Missouri Farmer’s Market Association) on February 23 (Sunday-tour and social) and 24 (Conference) in Neosho, Missouri for their upcoming annual conference!
For information and registration – please visit their website: MISSOURI FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION – Home
Be sure to reach out so you don’t miss the Farm Tour at Lykou Lee Farm! You’ll also want to join them for the meet and greet at Indian Springs Brewing Company. For more information on this and more, follow this link: Conference – MISSOURI FARMERS MARKET ASSOCIATION
The conference will be held in the Community Room of the Neosho Public Library – amazing information, speakers, resources, and more!

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-02-25 09:00 - 12:00
Learn how to use QuickBooks Online software to help manage your company’s finances from anywhere using the cloud. This webinar covers setting up your company account, navigating the user interface, recording common transactions, and running reports to assess your company’s performance. Learn how to set up products and services, customers, vendors, sales tax, and more. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Tuesday, February 25th 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, February 24th, 2025.

Crack the Code on Pricing: Understand your Break-even Costs and Units
2025-02-26 11:30 - 12:30 | Callaway Chamber of Commerce, 510 Market Street, Fulton, MO, 65251, United States
Are you a small-scale farmer or food-based entrepreneur struggling to find the sweet spot between profit and customer satisfaction? Join this workshop where we’ll demystify the art of pricing your value-added food products. Mallory Rahe, from University of Missouri Extension will walk through an interactive session to set prices based on the cost of production and examine how your business profits could change under different sales goals or prices. Whether you’re selling at the farmers’ market, online, or through a CSA, this session will empower you to price your value-added food product with confidence and boost your bottom line!
For questions, please contact Mallory Rahe at Mallory.rahe@missouri.edu or 573-884-7606.
Register for this event at; https://business.callawaychamber.net/events/details/crack-the-code-on-pricing-understand-your-break-even-costs-and-units-11771
In Person Event in Fulton, Missouri

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users
2025-02-27 09:00 - 12:00
Build on the skills learned in the Beginners course and learn how to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to manage your company’s finances more efficiently. This webinar covers more complex concepts including setting up sales tax, creating estimates, recurring transactions, inventory management, journal entries, and payroll. Also learn how to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconcile accounts, and analyze reports. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Thursday, February 27th , 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.

The Power of Pinterest
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00
“Heard of Pinterest? Maybe you have already started pinning, but did you know that Pinterest is actually really helpful for driving traffic to your website? Attend this webinar to learn the benefits of using Pinterest as part of your small business social media strategy. This session aims to cover the “often overlooked” way of using Pinterest in a more “hands on” approach.”
Date: Thursday, February 27th 2025
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

2nd Annual National Farm Stop Conference
2025-03-02 08:00 - 2025-03-04 17:00 | Washtenaw Community College, 1200 Packard Street, 4800 East Huron River Drive, MI, 48105, United States
The 2nd Annual National Farm Stop Conference will be held March 2–4, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, bringing together leaders from across the U.S. local food movement to explore the growth and future of the innovative “Farm Stop” retail model.
Farm Stops provide a year-round, daily platform for farmers to sell their products in an exclusively local, professional grocery setting. These unique stores prioritize small farm revenue, aiming to rebuild local food systems while offering consumers access to fresh, sustainably sourced products.
Over the past year, Farm Stops have experienced remarkable growth, with the model now expanding into over 10 states, from Washington to New York, and Michigan to South Carolina. This expansion reflects a growing demand for local food systems that strengthen communities and provide greater support to small farmers.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, the Farm Stop model allows farmers to retain ownership of their goods and set their own prices. Close communication between Farm Stops and farmers ensures robust year-round sales and exceptionally low food waste. The result is a win-win: farmers earn more, and consumers enjoy convenient access to high-quality, locally grown food.
Dates:
March 2–4, 2025
Location:
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Website:
farmstops.net
Hosted by Argus Farm Stop and presented in partnership with the Fair Food Network, the conference promises to be a catalyst for collaboration and innovation in the local food movement.
No refunds. Please visit the website for additional cost and travel information.

Small Farmers Conference 2025
2025-03-03 08:00 - 2025-03-05 17:00 | Holiday Inn & Suites, 1590 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO, 65109, United States
Join us for the 2025 Small Farmers Conference at Lincoln University of Missouri, where small farmers, agricultural experts, and community leaders will gather for three days of learning, networking, and growth. This event offers an opportunity to explore the latest in sustainable farming practices, business development, and community action, all tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers.

Program Highlights

Our conference will feature a full line-up of concurrent sessions, allowing participants to choose topics that best fit their interests and needs. Session topics include:

Sustainable Farming Practices
Wildlife and Conservation
Business Enterprise Startups
Designing Market Plans
Community Action and Development
Farm Lending and Risk Management
Economic Empowerment for Small Farmers

Take part in guided tours at Lincoln University’s University Farms. These tours will provide hands-on experiences and showcase the innovative practices being implemented at our university.
Additional Information: REGISTER HERE – Small Farmers Conference Registration
Conference Hotel:
Holiday Inn & Suites
1590 Jefferson Street
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 658-9077
If you would like to be a vendor/exhibitor at Small Farmers Conference 2025, please contact:
Eleazar Gonzalez, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor/State Extension Specialist
107 Allen Hall
900 Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
P: 573-681-5547
E: gonzaleze@lincolnu.edu
Questions?

Charlotte Dailey
Land Grant Program Administrator
Lincoln University of Missouri
Frank Hall, Room 307
816 Chestnut Street
Jefferson City, MO 65101
P: 573-681-5582
E: DaileyC@LincolnU.edu

Food Biz Con - Learn, Launch, and Level Up Your Food Business!
2025-03-06 08:30 - 2025-03-07 18:00 | Mid-Continent Public Library – Woodneath Library Center, 8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO, 64157, United States
Whether you are currently growing a food business or have an amazing idea for one, you’ll find something valuable at the 4th annual 2025 Food Business Conference on March 6th – 7th in Kansas City, Missouri.
This free, two-day conference offers topics related to mobile food businesses, manufacturing, restaurants and agriculture. It also will connect food entrepreneurs with support organizations, coaches and information. A variety of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities will equip you with the tools to strengthen your business.
Whether you are currently open for business or still have a food business dream, we have what you need to learn, launch and level up your food business!
Time & Location

Mar 06, 2025, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM and Mar 07, 2025, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Kansas City, 8900 NE Flintlock Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157, USA
Register here for Day 1: Food Biz Con – Day 1 | Food Biz Con
Register here for Day 2: Food Biz Con – Day 2 | Food Biz Con
Registration is made free by a generous grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Farm to Fork Summit & Expo
2025-03-07 09:00 - 17:00 | Nevada Community Center, 200 N Ash Street, Nevada, MO, 64772, United States
Join leaders from across the food supply chain at this Missouri event to promote regional resilient local food sourcing and business growth. This event is ideal for farmers and food industry businesses seeking industry connections, relevant education, and a boost of motivation.
Event Highlights:
Workshops & Speakers
Demonstrations
Locally sourced lunch ‍
Leave energized and equipped with the connections and knowledge to energize the growth of your farm or food business! Stay tuned for more details, including information on vendor booths and sponsorship opportunities.
For more information, visit New Growth Farm to Fork Summit and Expo

Kansas Agritourism Advantage Summit
2025-03-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Prairie Band Casino & Resort, 12305 150 Rd, Mayetta, KS, 66509, United States
Mastering Customer Service & Marketing
View the tentative schedule herePDF File.
We’re excited to have you join us for The Agritourism Advantage: Mastering Customer Service & Marketing Program! The program will take place on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, 12305 150 Rd, Mayetta, Kansas 66509, beginning at 10:00 a.m. We’re looking forward to a day focused on strengthening your agritourism business!
Get ready for insightful discussions, expert-led sessions, and valuable networking opportunities. This workshop will dive into the golden standards of customer service and effective marketing strategies to help enhance your agritourism operation.
Registration is $15 and includes a full day of learning, lunch, and optional general consulting sessions once the program concludes. We look forward to seeing you there!
More info: Kansas Agritourism Advantage Summit

Selling at the Farmer's Market
2025-03-10 12:00 - 13:00
Producers selling local foods at the farmers market can learn about marketing strategies, state regulations, value added products, and business planning, in this five-part online series. This lunch-and-learn webinar is presented by University of Missouri Extension.
Participants will hear from farmers, MU Extension specialists, and representatives from the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and Missouri Small Business Development Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Registration for this event is $10.00. Sessions will be recorded. Attendees will have access to the recordings for 45 days after the workshop
The workshop runs March 10th to March 14th, 2025, from 12 pm to 1 pm.
Partners:

Missouri Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)
Heartland Regional Food Business Center

For more information on registration: Personal Information – Selling at the Farmers Market 2025

Marketing Workshop with AI
2025-03-13 10:00 - 11:00
Learning how to market with AI will not only allow you to iterate faster, but also create real-world photos with stunning results and effects. Explore AI-driven tools that generate copy, design visuals, and automate ad placements to speed up your marketing efforts. Learn how midwestern businesses are using AI to craft social media campaigns and boost online engagement without extra hours. Then we will dive into interactive session where you’ll learn how to use AI content generators.
Date: Thursday, March 13th 2025
Time: 10:00 am- 11:00 am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10, 2025

Price:

$10.00
Supported by Kansas SBDC

Manage Your Own Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:00
Developing a strategy, creating content, and managing your social media can seem like a daunting undertaking. Paying someone to do all of that can ALSO be challenging or out of budget. Join us to learn budget friendly tips and tricks for being your own social media manager.
Date: March 13th, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 1: 00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 10th, 2025
For more information: 03/13/25 – Manage Your Own Social Media

Woman-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 10:00 - 11:00
Join the Small Business Administration for an in-depth discussion about the WOSB certification program. The Federal Government’s goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned businesses each year.
Date: March 20th, 2025
Time: 10: 00 am – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 17th, 2025.
For more information: 03/20/25 – Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program

Build Your Brand on Social Media - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00
You’ve started your business and created social media accounts- fantastic! Now, how do you build an online presence, following, and an overall brand? We will go over the basics and share some valuable tips and tricks to make this process simpler.
Date: Thursday, March 20th, 2025
Time: 12: 00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025.
For more information: 03/20/25 – Build Your Brand on Social Media

Startup and Start Right - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-25 12:00 - 13:00
Ready to turn your business idea into reality? This webinar untangles the startup process and guides you through 10 essential steps.
Together we’ll navigate:
Licenses
Taxes
Business structure
Funding
And more with clear explanations and actions to take!
Date: March 25th 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, March 24th, 2025.
For more information: 03/25/25 – Startup and Start Right

State Sales Tax for Retailers - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-03-27 09:00 - 12:00
This webinar is presented in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Revenue and is devoted to explaining the differences between the Kansas Retailers’ Sales Tax, the Kansas Retailers’ Compensating Use Tax, and the Kansas Consumers Compensating Use Tax. You will gain a basic understanding of the goods and services subject to sales tax. It will also explain the record keeping and filing requirements, form preparation, how to use exemption certificates, and Withholding Tax.
Date: March 27th , 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: In Person. Hughes Metropolitan Complex. 5015 E 29th Street N. Wichita, KS 67220.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday March 24th, 2025.
For more information: 03/27/25 – State Sales Tax for Retailers

Food for Health Summit and Market, Kansas City
2025-03-29 09:00 - 14:00 | Avila University, 11901 Wornall Rd, Kansas, MO, 64145, United States
Coming together to learn about the soil and our health has never been more important. At the Food for Health Summit and Market, you have the unique opportunity to gain understanding about our food, your health, and to practice what you learn by purchasing farm-fresh food.
Where: HJ’s Community Center 6425 Wornall Rd, KCMO
When: March 29, 9am-2pm
Meet the Farmers!
Enjoy the great spring weather while visiting with farmers and learning about their specific offerings and growing methods.
Speakers & Farmer Panel!
Relax indoors while learning about the ways food has been used to influence and impact health.
Farm-Fresh Food
Savor a delightful array of food available for purchase from local farmers
Summit indoors 9:30am -12:30pm
Market outdoors 9am-2pm

This is a collaboration of The Food Circle, Brookside Farmers Market, HJ’s Community Center, and Greater KC Food Policy Coalition

Douglas County Market of Farms - Lawrence, KS
2025-03-29 09:00 - 15:00 | Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS, 66046, United States
Shop Kansas Farms is coming to Douglas County!
Vendors from across the state will be selling beef, pork, poultry, eggs, honey, jams and jellies and more!
Our vendor spaces are sold out for the Shop Kansas Farms Market of Farms on March 29 in Lawrence at the Flory Meeting Hall on the Douglas County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Lawrence, we have a room block at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, 2176 East 23rd Street in Lawrence. You can book your room here.
For more information, please visit the website: https://shopkansasfarms.com/douglas-county-market-of-farms

Empowering Your Business with AI
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00
Want to spend less time with the minutia of busy work, and get back to making your business and own life better. This training will empower you to utilize AI in your daily business activities.
-Unlock Efficiency: Discover AI tools that automate routine tasks freeing up precious hours.
-Real-World Impact: Learn local businesses that have slashed admin time and boosted productivity using smart AI solutions.
-Interactive Demos: Experience hands-on demonstrations of chatbots, automated report generators and more
-Step-by-Step Integration: Get clear, actionable strategies to embed AI into your workflow.
Date: Thursday, April 10th 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Accounting for Non-Accountants
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00
Accounting for non-accountants
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by financial terms like “balance sheet” or “income statement”? This introductory session, designed specifically for those new to accounting, is the perfect starting point. By gaining a grasp of financial cornerstones, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions that contribute to the success and growth of your business.
Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025.
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Decoding Social Media Buzzwords - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-10 13:30 - 14:30
Feeling lost in the world of social media? You’re not alone! From “SEO” to “engagement”, the terminology can be overwhelming. But understanding these terms is crucial for growing your business online. Join our webinar, Decoding Social Media Buzzwords, and we’ll break down the essential social media jargon into easy-to-understand language.
Date: Thursday, April 10th2025.
Time: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Cost: None
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 7th, 2025.
For more information: 04/10/25 – Decoding Social Media Buzzwords

Marketing Workshop with AI
2025-04-17 10:00 - 11:00
Learning how to market with AI will not only allow you to iterate faster, but also create real-world photos with stunning results and effects
Accelerate Your Campaigns: Explore AI-driven tools that speed up your marketing efforts.
Inspiring Case Studies: See how midwestern businesses are using AI to boost online engagement.
Hands-On Experience with AI generators.
Learn Smart Automation to streamline repetitive marketing tasks.
Date: Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 am
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 14th, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Office Hours: Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-23 16:30 - 17:30
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center invites you to join our upcoming Office Hours sessions focused on “Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska.” Whether you’re looking to grow your existing farm stand or exploring value-added opportunities, this session will provide practical guidance and answer your specific questions.

SESSION DETAILS:
– Wednesday: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM CT
– Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
TOPICS INCLUDE:
– Expanding existing farm stands for increased customer traffic
– Implementing value-added strategies to enhance profitability
– Navigating regulations and requirements for farm direct sales
– Marketing tactics to boost visibility and sales
– Potential funding opportunities through the Business Builder Subaward program
HRFBC NEBRASKA TEAM:
– Rulon Taylor – Host
– Benjamin Jewell – TA Provider
– Timothy Thielen – Co-Host
REGISTRATION LINKS:
– Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/RkpAju7ySlmtLvDhfITvoQ
– Thursdays 12-1pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/pCES2bT2TyiFiWV3HUYchw

These sessions provide a great opportunity to get your specific questions answered in a supportive environment. Both new and experienced producers are welcome! Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might benefit from this information. We look forward to seeing you!

QuickBooks Online for Beginners
2025-04-22 09:00 - 12:00
Learn how to use QuickBooks Online software to help manage your company’s finances from anywhere using the cloud. This webinar covers setting up your company account, navigating the user interface, recording common transactions, and running reports to assess your company’s performance. Learn how to set up products and services, customers, vendors, sales tax, and more. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025 (room request 128)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 21st, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

QuickBooks Online for Intermediate Users
2025-04-24 09:00 - 12:00
Build on the skills learned in the Beginners course and learn how to make the most of this cloud-based accounting software to manage your company’s finances more efficiently. This webinar covers more complex concepts including setting up sales tax, creating estimates, recurring transactions, inventory management, journal entries, and payroll. Also learn how to manage accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconcile accounts, and analyze reports. Presenter Charnea Bell is a Master Accountant, Certified QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor, alumna of Wichita State University, and local business owner.
Date: Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 pm
Cost: $199.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 21st, 2025.
Supported by Kansas SBDC.

Office Hours: Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:00
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center invites you to join our upcoming Office Hours sessions focused on “Farm Stand Expansion and Value-Added Strategies in Nebraska.” Whether you’re looking to grow your existing farm stand or exploring value-added opportunities, this session will provide practical guidance and answer your specific questions.

SESSION DETAILS:
– Thursday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
TOPICS INCLUDE:
– Expanding existing farm stands for increased customer traffic
– Implementing value-added strategies to enhance profitability
– Navigating regulations and requirements for farm direct sales
– Marketing tactics to boost visibility and sales
– Potential funding opportunities through the Business Builder Subaward program
HRFBC NEBRASKA TEAM:
– Rulon Taylor – Host
– Benjamin Jewell – TA Provider
– Timothy Thielen – Co-Host
REGISTRATION LINK:
– Thursdays 12-1pm: https://unl.zoom.us/meeting/register/pCES2bT2TyiFiWV3HUYchw

These sessions provide a great opportunity to get your specific questions answered in a supportive environment. Both new and experienced producers are welcome! Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who might benefit from this information. We look forward to seeing you!

Scaling Your Reach: Your Guide to Social Media Advertising - Kansas SBDC at WSU
2025-04-24 13:00 - 14:00
Unlock the full potential of social media advertising and take your business to new heights. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to effectively leverage paid ads and influencer marketing. We will first go over how to determine if you are ready for paid advertising and what steps you should take prior.
Date: Thursday, April 24th 2025.
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online. You will receive information about how to connect.
*Registration closes at Noon on Monday, April 21st, 2025.
For more information: 04/24/25 – Scaling Your Reach: Your Guide to Social Media Advertising
