The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC) hosts the 4th Annual Farm Fresh Pitchfest on March 26th 6-8pm ONLINE with Zoom Webinar. This online live community-based, crowdsourced financing event unlocks capital for beginning farmers and entrepreneurs by connecting them with independent lenders through the Kiva microfinancing platform.
This year, three businesses will pitch their business plans and visions for success for 2020. Tune in to hear their pitches and find out how to participate in crowdfunding their projects from the comfort of your home! We promise its easy and we have a 100% payback rate.
This webinar does not require a registration and you can access the live feed on March 26 at 6PM through the following link: https://zoom.us/j/934493946. More information about how to call in with your phone or other accessibility options are at the end of this post.
While this event is normally in-person, utilizing an online platform allows us to still hear and see the contestants as they walk us through their business plans. Participants/lenders will then have an opportunity at the end of the webinar to break out into smaller groups to discuss the presentations while getting assistance from CFAC in navigating the Kiva website to make a loan.
Considering the average age of Montana’s farmers is 59 and 70 percent of all farmland is expected to transition ownership over the next 20 years, we need to find new ways for young farmers to access land, equipment, and markets. Of course, without adequate financing, none of this is possible. To that end, Pitchfest allows beginning farmers and ranchers an opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in 0% interest loans with no fees. Lenders can contribute as little as $25 each, making this event possible for everyone to join.
CFAC Program Director, Dave Renn, says that “Since 2017, CFAC has helped 16 farms raise $116,000, and our borrowers have a 100% repayment rate. Farms have used these funds to purchase critical startup equipment and infrastructure like high tunnels and tractors. Farms have even used Kiva funds to launch new enterprises, like Flare Pops local popsicles, or expand current operations like at County Rail Farm.”
2018 Pitchmaker, Wiliam Gregg of Mother Fungi, explains that “My experience during the round of Pitchfest that I participated in was characterized by unwavering support from CFAC and the Kiva support team. Both parties had a vested interest in helping in any way they could. The support they lended gave me the confidence and tools needed to write a great pitch and navigate all the steps leading up to the event.”
Regarding his successful loan, Gregg commented that “ The piece of equipment I was able to purchase through Kiva allowed my farm to quickly scale its production and meet the demand for our products. It has allowed us to also increase the variety of products we offer, and that has created more job opportunities,
This year Pitchfest hosts three exciting projects, including:
- Tangled Carrot Farm, seeking $10,000 in start-up equipment and fencing for their 1 acre farm, providing healthful fresh fruits and veggies for the Stevensville community.
- Back to the Mother Microbrewed Kombucha, seeking $8,500 in equipment to increase bottling efficiency, labeling, and marketing for direct and wholesale accounts.
- Aspen Grove Farm, seeking $10,000 in irrigation infrastructure to expand their farm’s fruit production with a special focus on honeyberries.
Pitchfest 2020 Zoom Webinar Information:
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Mar 26, 2020 06:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Fourth Annual Farm Fresh Pitchfest Webinar!
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +13462487799,,934493946# or +14086380968,,934493946#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 346 248 7799 or +1 408 638 0968 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 876 9923 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592
Webinar ID: 934 493 946
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/adqB9gp630
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