Supporting grain chain businesses grow, expand, and strengthen long-term viability.
What is the Grain Viability Cohort Program?
The Grain Viability Cohort Program is a free business development program for Midwest grain chain businesses.
Whether you are developing a value-added grain product, preparing to enter retail markets, expanding processing capacity, strengthening your financial management, or planning for business growth, this program provides practical support, expert guidance, and a network of peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.
Participants work with FFI Farm Enterprise Advisor, Leilani Zimmer-Durand, along with a team of food and farm business experts to build the skills, systems, and strategies needed to grow a successful business.
The cohort will consist of two specialized cohorts designed to serve the needs of grain chain businesses.
During the program, participants have regular virtual meetings with their cohort and 1-on-1 with their coach, on all key areas of their business:
- Sales
- Operations
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing & Branding
Program Overview
All participants receive free:
- One-on-one coaching from experienced business advisors.
- Biweekly cohort meetings with fellow grain entrepreneurs.
- Training and support in:
- Sales and customer development
- Marketing and branding
- Operations and supply chain management
- Accounting and finance
- Capital planning and fundraising
- Legal, risk management, and business strategy
- Access to the Food Finance Learning Center and educational resources.
- Industry connections and introductions through FFI, the Artisan Grain Collaborative, and partner networks.
2027 Cohorts
Retail Readiness Cohort
Designed for farmers and grain-based businesses with value-added products that are preparing to sell into retail markets or expand their retail presence. Participants will develop the business foundations needed to successfully enter and grow within retail channels.
Grain Business Viability Cohort
Designed for any business operating within the grain value chain that is looking to strengthen, expand, or scale its business. This cohort focuses on helping businesses build financial and operational systems that support long-term success and growth.
Who Should Apply
This program is intended for:
- Grain chain businesses seeking to improve financial performance and business viability.
- Entrepreneurs seeking support to grow or scale their grain chain business.
This program is not the best fit for:
- Businesses that are pre-revenue and/or still in the business ideation phase.
- Businesses that are not connected to the grain value chain.
Meet Leilani Zimmer-Durand
The Grain Viability Cohort Program will be led by Leilani Zimmer-Durand, FFI’s Farm Enterprise Advisor. Leilani grew up on a small, diversified organic farm outside of Spring Green, WI and has worked in agriculture for the past 20 years. Leilani has experience in a wide variety of agricultural businesses, including working with her family on their artisan cheese business, writing and managing grants for farmers and ag businesses, and as a researcher and soils and fertility consultant. Leilani has worked with small grain and specialty grain producers throughout the Midwest on fertility and production practices as well as on developing business plans and value-added projects. Read more about Leilani here.
Whether you are preparing for your first retail partnership or planning the next stage of business growth, the Grain Viability Cohort Program provides practical tools, expert guidance, and a community of peers committed to building stronger grain businesses.
The Grain Viability Cohort Program is provided in partnership with the Artisan Grain Collaborative.
This program is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Email us or call 608-263-7794.