Through a self-guided online mentorship program using Google Classroom, participants will work through a series of video lessons featuring experts on a variety of topics, from financing and marketing to the loan application process. The program is available to anyone who would benefit from the lessons presented, whether you are a new and beginning farmer or an established farmer looking for financial assistance.

Program Features:
• Expert Presenters: Learn from CSIF, Beginning Farmer Loan and Tax Credit Program staff, State Revolving Loan staff, Farm Credit Services of America, industry reps, ag lenders, and farm and commodity group staff.
• Flexible Learning: Participants can work at their own pace and can take a week or months to complete the curriculum. All participants will be in the same class, but each will have a unique code for their lessons.
• Interactive Resources: Google Classroom will utilize guest presenters, end-of-lesson quizzes, online resources (webinars, videos, articles of interest, etc.), and a chat room to ask questions and network with other participants.
Curriculum:
• 25 Lessons: Complete 25 lessons in the program before submitting the final project, which will roughly take 5 hours to complete.
• Quizzes: At the end of each lesson, there will be 3-5 multiple-choice questions to answer correctly before moving on to the next lesson.
• Final Project: Develop a business plan, financial statement, and resume. All modules will need to be completed by October 1.

Topics Covered:
• CSIF services, cost-share and low-interest loan programs
• Financing, marketing, succession planning
• Lease agreements, tax implications, legal aspects of contracts
• Communications, lender perspectives, and more