Hanover’s Perspective
AG-X Workshop Scholarships Available to Ag-Businesses/Entrepreneurs in Hanover County
Hanover County Economic Development is offering scholarships to Hanover-based ag-businesses interested in attending a Dominion Energy Innovation Center exclusive five-session series in February 2024 (with an optional Pitch Competition in March) targeted at helping Central Virginia agri-enterprises grow their food, forestry, or agriculture products and services. The Ag-X Workshop Series is designed to empower existing farmers or agriculturalists with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to analyze, strategize, and succeed in your agricultural endeavors.
The primary goal is to provide participants with a comprehensive analytical framework to assess the viability and opportunities of new projects within your existing agricultural business. Each session in this five-part series is carefully curated to equip you with the essential components that will help you better understand your business and develop the key resources for use in your day-to-day operations.
The AG-X Business Planning Workshop Series is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, aiming to accelerate growth in the current economic climate. Tailored for entrepreneurs introducing value-added agricultural products, services, or brands, this program empowers ventures like controlled environment agriculture, artisanal cheese, or field monitoring drones. Space is limited and likely to fill up quickly, so reserve a spot by registering on DEIC’s website.
The cost to participate in the Ag-X Workshop Series is $125 per company for up to three team members and is held as in-person events at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center located in the Town of Ashland. Every Thursday in February, participants will take a deep dive into their business operations with Glen Sink, former agri-business executive turned SCORE mentor, and Jett Odle, a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, best known as the co-founder of Rivers Edge Coffee Company.
The workshops are held from 6:00 pm. – 8:00 p.m. on the following Thursday evenings:
Session #1 (February 1, 2024): Introduction and Strategic Thinking
Session #2 (February 8, 2024): Operations and Human Resources
Session #3 (February 15, 2024): Marketing
Session #4 (February 22, 2024): Business Finance Operations and Project Financing
Session #5 (February 29, 2024): Bringing It All Together
Session #6 (March 28, 2024): Center Street Pitch Competition (OPTIONAL)
Hanover County Economic Development is offering scholarships to a maximum of five businesses in Hanover County interested in attending the workshop series. Scholarships will reimburse the $125 registration fee upon completion of series. In order to receive reimbursement of the $125 registration fee, enrollee must attend a minimum of four of the five workshops. Interested participants must be registered as a business in Hanover County or a Hanover resident operating an Ag-based business in Hanover County. Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualified applicants.
Hanover-based businesses/entrepreneurs interested in a workshop scholarship must be approved by Economic Development before registering for the series. To be considered, registrants must complete and submit the online form using the link below. Upon approval, the registrant will be notified and provided an email detailing the terms of fee reimbursement. Questions should be directed to Ann Glave, Existing Business & Project Manager at (804) 365-6464 or agglave@hanovervirginia.com.
To apply for a Hanover-based Business Scholarship, please complete the online Workshop Scholarship Application. Please wait for approval BEFORE registering for the workshop series.
For more information and to register for the workshop series, use the following links:
IN PERSON (Dominion Energy Innovation Center, Ashland, VA) workshop series registration
This workshop is hosted by the Dominion Energy Innovation Center and SCORE Richmond with support from partners including the Hanover County Virginia Cooperative Extension, Hanover County Economic Development, Downtown Ashland Association and the Town of Ashland Economic Development.