Windham Grows, a project of Strolling of the Heifers, is a business accelerator that connects startup and early-stage businesses with critical services, resources and financing. This competitive program is open to New England based food and agriculture entrepreneurs.

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Guiding Principles

The foundation of Windham Grows is giving back to the community and the workplace. This is done through four key components: Connections, Community, Consulting, and Curriculum.

CONNECTIONS: Industry contacts will be provided by Windham Grows to meet the needs of each individual company.
COMMUNITY: The group will work as a team, and become partners in accountability and shared experiences.
CONSULTING: Cohort members receive high level consulting services from experts.
CURRICULUM: Created by our seasoned Entrepreneurs In Residence. The Windham Grows course materials will guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.

The Program

Brattleboro, Vermont

Windham Grows is a six-month program. Cohort members convene in Brattleboro, VT for three weekends coupled with video conference meetings between the weekend sessions.

Based on your needs, Windham Grows provides outside consultants in marketing, finance, production, technology and any other field to meet your goals.

The weekend sessions begin Friday afternoon and conclude Sunday at noon.

Dates for the next Windham Grows cohort weekend sessions:

July 12-14, 2019

September 20-22

November 15-17

Upon completion of the program you will be able to continue participating in the program through live and online alumni events. This ever-growing community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and advisors has a lifelong value and is one of the most critical benefits of the program.

The Curriculum

Section 1 – Your Baseline and Scale-up Vision

BASELINE: Introductory one-on-one conversation with the Entrepreneurs In Residence will establish a baseline into your business current state.
VISION: Review and discuss your business goals for the next three years.
BOTTOM LINE: An analysis of your business financials will be created.
PLAN & PITCH: Map out your business model and prepare a pitch presentation.
CONNECTIONS: Introductions to industry professionals who can help shape your vision and provide mentorship.

Section 2 – Getting Your Financial House in Order

FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS: Introduction to financial management for entrepreneurs in the areas of balance sheet, statement of cash flow, and profit and loss statements.
CONSULTING: Individual consultations with financial experts to help with your company’s financial systems.
PROJECTIONS: Learn to create financial projections.
ADDITIONAL CONSULTING: If necessary, Windham Grows will provide outside consultation or project management to improve your company’s financial systems.

Section 3 – Marketing, Sales and Messaging

THE BASICS: Marketing and sales workshop will enable you to recognize the following: product market fit, customer identification, sales and, marketing systems.
ECONOMICS OF MARKETING: Discover how to determine your cost to acquire new customers.
MARKETING ANALYSIS: Learn how to analyze your competition, positioning, and product differentiation.
YOUR MARKETING and SALES PLAN: Completion of your marketing & sales plan will provide guidance to meet your goals.
ADDITIONAL CONSULTING: If necessary, Windham Grows will provide outside consultation or project management to improve your company’s financial systems.

Section 4 – Operations and Growth Planning

FUTURE NEEDS: Based on sales plans, we’ll help you determine production and operational requirements.
FORECAST: Methodically determine future technology, equipment, facilities, and personnel.
GROWTH MILESTONES: Determine key times to make growth investments.
ADDITIONAL CONSULTING: If necessary, Windham Grows will provide outside consultation or project management to improve your company’s growth plan.

Section 5 – Final Scalability Plan & Pitch

THE PAY-OFF: Your work will be pulled together into a final scalability plan and pitch.
DEMO DAY: Final project will include a pitch with an audience of community mentors, knowledgeable funders, industry experts, and strategic partners.

Learn More

For more information contact:
Jim Verzino
Windham Grows, Entrepreneur in Residence