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.
Perfecting Your Market Product
From Idea to Evolution: Craft Products Customers Love
Take your product from concept to customer favorite. Learn how to differentiate your offerings, test it at the market, refine your flagship and surrounding products, and adjust for seasonal shifts—All while shaping your product line to reflect your style, values, and story.
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 September 16, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
SIDE HUSTLE VS FULL-TIME
Rightsize Your Business for Your Life
Explore how to balance risk, reward, and timing when deciding whether to go all-in or keep vending as a side venture. Learn strategies for transitioning from part-time to full-time entrepreneurship—or maximizing your market business while keeping your day job.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop October 21, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Your Market Business Toolkit
Tools, Compliance, and Systems that Support You
Build a business that runs smoothly. From digital tools like Square and Squarespace to financial systems, licenses, permits, insurance, and compliance, and food benefit programs, get guidance on everything you need to support your revenue streams, increase sales, and break down barriers.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop November 18, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.
Building a Business Plan
Your Roadmap to Plan, Track, and Grow with Confidence
Reduce decision fatigue, save time, and open doors to funding with a business plan that reflects your values and goals. Learn to set clear milestones, monitor your finances, and use your business systems (learned about in our previous session) to understand what sells best—so you can work strategically and grow sustainably.
This workshop will be led as a panel discussion led by successful market vendors and moderated by Common Ground’s staff.
Virtual workshop December 16, 2025 7 pm to 8:30 pm.