Business Services

Let NABC help you grow your business

NABC provides business development resources to farmers and agriculture-related business in northwest Washington. We work collaboratively to evaluate innovative agricultural products or services in order to ensure successful implementation into the market place. NABC’s fee-based technical assistance provides farm clients with “hand’s-on” business plan review and development, preparation of capital and financing strategies and plans, value-added product development and marketing, project evaluations, and professional referrals. Please review the Client Application Process for further details.

Usted habla Español? Por favor visita nuestra página en español para enlaces a recursos y más información, o contacte a Alex Perez para obtener asistencia en Español con esta aplicación: 360-336-3727; alex@agbizcenter.org. 

Business Planning

NABC provides support to individual producers or producer groups to prepare strategic, marketing, and business plans including financial projections. These plans can be used to help guide new business start-ups or business expansions, as well as providing support to secure business financing.

Value Added Product Development

Through its industry network, NABC can evaluate market demands and direct suppliers in the production of value-added products that have the best probability of success. NABC’s experienced staff will guide clients through the process of agricultural and business planning; obtaining access to production facilities; establishing quality standards; obtaining working capital; and developing the product format needed to Bring Farm to Market.

Marketing/Sales Assistance

NABC’s close ties to the market gives its clients ready access and assistance in entering the market place by the best channel of distribution and with a solid promotional plan. Clients will receive one-on-one counseling on the development of marketing strategies, building a strong brand, distribution options, buyer presentation, pricing strategies, new product introduction and the development of an annual or longer term marketing plans. When market opportunities arise from NABC’s retail and foodservice networks, clients will be notified on a first priority basis.

Rural Cooperative and Organizational Development

NABC is a USDA-designated Cooperative Development Center and provides technical assistance for the formation of cooperatives including cooperative education, articles and bylaw development, incorporating and business formation, and preparation of strategic and business plans. NABC also provides executive management services to support local and regional collaborative efforts, serving the Northwest Cider Association and its over 130 members and the Whidbey Island Grown brand with nearly 100 growers, restaurants and producers on the island.

Learn more about how NABC assists in the formation of producer-owned cooperatives at the Rural Cooperative Development page.

Infrastructure Development

NABC works with individual producers, producer groups, communities, and supporting agencies to assess needs and seek opportunities to create infrastructure that will enhance the regional agricultural economy and food system. NABC has had measurable success working in all sectors of the ag-economy including the value-added processing of meat and poultry, vegetables, tree fruit and berries, dairy products, and floral-nursery products.

Access to Capital

NABC works with our clients to prepare or review all necessary documentation for loan or grant application processes. NABC’s staff will also attend or provide “hands-on” support for loan negotiations with lenders.

Office Resources

Advance reservations are required. Please contact info@agbizcenter.org to reserve office resources.

  • Meeting Rooms: A conference room is available for business use only by agricultural producers during office hours. This meeting room includes a large table with seating capacity for up to 8 people. Each room is equipped with high-speed internet. An LCD projector may also be reserved upon request.
  • Computer Workstation (Windows): Agriculture producers may reserve an unused computer workstation at NABC offices for business purposes only. This workstation has high-speed internet access, Microsoft Office Pro 2003, Microsoft Publisher, Microsoft Project, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Professional Adobe, InDesign, Dreamweaver 8 and Quick Books.
  • High-speed printing and photcopying: Color $0.25 each B&W $0.05 each (pay at time of use)
  • Periodicals
  • Industry Reports and Publications
  • Technical Documents