Agricultural Small Business Incubator
Ready to start your own farm business?
Shepherd University’s Agricultural Small Business Incubator helps aspiring farmers overcome barriers, empowering them to successfully establish their own sustainable agricultural businesses.
Increased access to land, infrastructure, equipment, and mentorship allows our farmers to grow alongside our local food system. Farmers who graduate from the program should leave with the skills and resources necessary to acquire their own land and formally launch their business. This program is made possible through generous grant funding from the Small Business Administration.
Resources
| 1/4 to 4/5 acres of low-cost, deer-protected growing plots |
| Support and guidance from a designated program coordinator |
| Walk-in cool and cold storage, walk-in freezer space |
| Irrigation system |
| Heated Greenhouse |
| Unheated high tunnel |
| Wash-pack area |
| Variety of specialized tools for small-scale vegetable production |
| Mid-sized tractor with an array of implements |
| Access to university resources such as faculty and other experts in business, marketing, and agriculture |
| Ongoing training opportunities hosted by the Agricultural Innovation Center |
Application
Farmers with some growing experience and a business plan are invited to apply for the 2027 growing season. Apply below and email a brief business plan to Molly Sutter at msutter@shepherd.edu, including what you want to grow, where you hope to sell, how you intend to market, estimated costs and revenue, and a general growing plan. The Farmer’s Handbook outlines benefits, expectations, and costs to Incubator Farmers.
For more information, please reach out.
Molly Sutter, Incubator Farm Coordinator msutter@shepherd.edu
Dr. Brooke Comer, Program Director bcomer@shepherd.edu
2026 Incubator Farmers
Tom Jardeleza, Flying Goose Farm
Jordan & Dan,
Mustafa Aksu, Whitebrook Farm
Lisa Kovatch, Blue Hen Flowers
Jeff Groff, Starlight Studios
Vanesa Harper, Rising Sprout Farm
Jen Willett, Trillium Woodland Apothecary