The Nebraska Regional Food Systems Initiative and Nebraska Extension are kicking off the Rural Nebraska Makers Workshop webinar series. Designed for rural entrepreneurs looking to grow at a pace that fits their goals and lifestyle, this series provides affordable, practical business education for turning a hobby or side hustle into a sustainable business.
The session schedule is as follows:
Oct. 12, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Pricing for Profit and Enterprise Budgeting
Glennis McClure, Nebraska Extension Educator, Farm and Ranch Management Analyst
Pricing your products can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be. This webinar will walk through the true costs of producing your products, including ingredients, packaging, labor and vendor fees. You’ll learn pricing strategies that help you cover your costs, earn a profit and avoid the common mistake of underpricing your products. Whether you’re just starting or reevaluating your prices, this session will help you price with confidence.
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Planning Your Next Step: Scaling Production
Edel Summers, Senior Manager Product Development, Food Processing Center
Growth looks different for every business. Whether you want to sell more at farmers markets, expand into wholesale or explore commercial production, this webinar will help you understand your options. We’ll discuss when a cottage food business may outgrow its current model, shared-use and commercial kitchens, equipment planning, wholesale opportunities and resources available to Nebraska food entrepreneurs.
Dec. 14, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. CT
Tax Basics for Cottage Food Businesses
Speaker: Shannon Sand, Agricultural Economics Extension Educator
Taxes don’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will cover the tax basics every cottage food business owner should know, including income reporting, record keeping and tax season preparations. You’ll leave with a better understanding of your responsibilities and practical tips to keep your business organized throughout the year.
Cost is $15 per person per session. You can register on the Nebraska Extension Events website.
For additional information, contact Hailey Meis (hwalmsley2@unl.edu), Ben Jewell (bmcshane-jewell2@unl.edu), or Caitlin Roes (croes2@unl.edu).
Dining and Cooking