AGRICULTURECONSULTING SERVICES
The Pennsylvania SBDC network offers no-cost, confidential business assistance to PA farmers, food processors, farmers’ markets, restaurants, retail and wholesale food entities, food trucks, and ag-related support services. SBDC consultants with expertise in agribusiness can provide guidance on:
- Market and competitive research
- Business planning for growth and diversification
- Business and generational transition planning
- Assistance in financial projections and assumptions
- Demographic reports
- Grant research and review
- Ag tourism and entertainment
- Industry professional networking and referrals
- Business valuation guidance and succession planning assistance
UPCOMING AGRICULTURE WEBINARS/SEMINARS
The Pennsylvania SBDC offers a wide variety of no-cost or low-cost agricultural-related webinars.
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UPCOMING AGRICULTURE WEBINARS/SEMINARS
The Pennsylvania SBDC offers a wide variety of no-cost or low-cost ag related webinars and on-demand recordings to further your agribusiness knowledge.
HOW AG CONSULTING DIFFERS FROM GENERAL BUSINESS CONSULTING
Agriculture and related businesses differ from conventional businesses due to dependence on weather, seasonality, market pricing, accounting practices, product knowledge, consumer demands, and cultural and family practices. Our Ag Center of Excellence business specialists work with statewide partners to assist clients in all aspects of starting, managing, and growing an agriculture-based business.

FEATURED AGRICULTURE CLIENTS

Client Success StoryKutztown University SBDC & Penn State SBDC
Coexist Build
Coexist Build is a licensed architect-led company that is revolutionizing building products and housing structures using hemp as a healthful and sustainable material. This innovative and creative company has the first hempcrete house on wheel (2019) which has been exhibited at numerous trade shows; the first hemp block factory (2020) and the first small hemp house (2021) made almost entirely of non-toxic materials. Architectural Magazine named the structure “the Best Tiny House on the Market.” Coexist has been a client of the SBDCs for over 3 years, assisting in financing, research, grant and business planning and strategies. Owners Drew and Ana stated, the SBDC has been (and continues to be) an integral part of our journey as entrepreneurs, providing best in class mentorship and invaluable connector to regional opportunities and services to help our business grow.

Client Success StoryThe University of Scranton SBDC
Arise Cafe
Melissa Owlett is no stranger to entrepreneurship. She grew up in the food industry alongside her parents and also started New Creations Events, LLC, a Christian music promotion business. After that business was impacted by COVID-19, she began considering additional entrepreneurial ideas that supported her faith and love of community and she came to The University of Scranton SBDC for help. Gretchen Kukuchka, Business Consultant, and Winifred McGee, Ag Center of Excellence Business Consultant, teamed up to offer research, assistance with financial analysis, and helped Owlett explore the vision through work on a business plan and value proposition canvas. The SBDC also provided information and resources on food regulations and human resources and referred Owlett to the Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic. Arise Café opened in June 2021. Owlett welcomes the community with joy and is providing local 9 jobs. The café offers healthy, fresh menu items such as oatmeal bowls and a long list of café beverages, including espresso and smoothies made from local ingredients.
Profiles of Agriculture Team
CONTACT US
Kara Riccioni
Director of Agricultural Business Development
Email: riccioni@kutztown.edu
Phone: 908-642-4305
Martin Brill
Coordinator – Agriculture Center of Excellence
Email: mrb6698@psu.edu
Phone: 717-443-5927
Centers of Excellence
Centers of Excellence (COE) are recognized for creative programming and collaboration to provide industry sector specialized programs and services to industries and core areas most severely impacted by the pandemic in the Commonwealth.

Agriculture Center of Excellence
The PA Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) at PennWest University Clarion, Penn State University, and The University of Scranton established the Agriculture Center of Excellence (Ag COE) to assist Pennsylvania farmers, food producers, farmers markets, retail food establishments, restaurants, and all ag-related businesses.