Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy
Calling all current and future market vendors!
We’re excited to announce the 2026 Hudson Valley Farmers’ Market Academy series, professional development workshops 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.
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.
staffing your market booth
People, Presence, and the Right Fit for Your Business
Who should be behind your table? This session explores different staffing models, from owner-led booths to trained team members, and everything in between. We’ll look at the distinct strengths of each. Learn how to align your people and your presence with your values, strengths, and stage of growth—and how to support that with simple, usable systems. We’ll cover daily routines, clearly defined roles, and practical SOPs that help your booth run smoothly and consistently—so that no matter who is behind the table, your business shows up as it should.
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 16, 2026 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
UNLOCKING FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
From Market Stall to Sustainable Growth
Ready to take your market business to the next level? This workshop breaks down the essentials of grants, loans, and financial support programs. Meet local experts and vendors who’ve been through the process, and leave with clear strategies to access funding and strengthen your business.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop July 21, 2026 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
vendor success lab
Ask Us Anything
What’s actually on vendors’ minds right now? We asked—and you answered.
This session dives into the Top 10 most-requested topics from farmers market vendors, from sales strategies and booth design to pricing, customer flow, and what’s really working at market right now.
Then we open it up. A true Ask-Me-Anything with Beacon and Newburgh Market Managers alongside standout vendors—bringing real talk, practical advice, and shared strategies you can put to work right away.
Come with questions. Leave with clarity—and a few ideas you didn’t know you needed.
Virtual workshop August 18, 2026 7 pm to 8:30 pm.