Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy
Calling all current and future market vendors!
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy, a professional development series designed to help farmers’ market vendors grow and succeed. This initiative is created and supported by Common Ground Farm, the Beacon Farmers’ Market, and the Newburgh Farmers’ Market, with the goal of strengthening our local food community while supporting small businesses.
The academy will be structured in a series of workshops that will cover essential topics like branding, marketing, sales strategies, customer engagement, both design, business development/growth, and more—providing valuable insights from both industry professionals and experienced market vendors.
Thanks to generous funding from Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement and the USDA, we’re able to offer these valuable learning opportunities at no cost to participants. Whether you're a current vendor looking to refine your skills or a potential vendor interested in getting started, this series offers valuable insights to help you succeed.
Learn how to create a consistent, recognizable brand for your booth and business.
This workshop includes: Telling your story, ways to use your logo, and finding your unique identity.
This program will be led as a panel discussion with professional graphic designers and a successful market vendor who will share their story.
Virtual workshop March 18th, 2025 7pm to 8:30pm
Engage your audience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok with targeted strategies.
This workshop includes: Tips for personalizing posts, boosting engagement, and driving sales.
This program will be led as a panel discussion with a professional social media strategist and successful marketing professionals in our local community.
Registration for this workshop closes at 3pm on April 15th, 2025.
Virtual workshop April 15th, 2025 7pm to 8:30pm.
Learn how to team up with other vendors for joint promotions and creative offerings. Find new ways to capture customer info.
This workshop includes a variety of ideas to entice and engage your customers.
This program will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors.
Registration for this workshop closes at 3pm on May 20th, 2025.
Virtual Workshop May 20th, 2025 7pm to 8:30pm.
Booth Design: Baskets of Abundance and Labels of Explanation
Learn how to create an eye-catching, organized booth that attracts and retains customers.
This workshop includes: Ideas on how to use height, color, abundance, and branding for maximum impact.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Amy Bandolik, Beacon Farmers’ Market Manager.
Virtual workshop June 17, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Selling with Heart: Effective Sales and Customer Service Strategies
Build relationships and engage with customers through sampling, demos, storytelling, and professional presentation. Use storytelling to connect with customers and differentiate your product.
This workshop includes: Do’s and don’ts of customer interactions and tips for relationship building.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop July 15, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Savvy Signage: Clear Messaging and Buzzwords That Work
Use signage to communicate who you are, your values, the benefits that you accept, and to stand out at the market.
This workshop includes: Ideas for effective signage, pricing, sold-out product signs, and clear messaging.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop August 19, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.