Nutrition and performance foods and beverages are HOT!

One of the fastest-growing segments in food and beverage right now is the energy drink segment. Don’t take my word for it. Just Google it. You’ll see a history of double-digit growth with no stop to it. Or just take a look at the energy drink section (it’s the three or four full cases where one lone four-pack of Red Bull used to be) at your local Quik Trip, Kwik Shop or any other convenience store.

Now consider this: it takes herbs like guarana, gingko biloba, echinacea and ginseng to give many of those drinks their zip, zing and restorative qualities.

Further, as this trend persists (and it will), people will  begin to want all-natural and locally-made ingredients in their drinks.

Imagine putting up a small greenhouse on your property to grow hothouse herbs for small-batch energy drinks that are environmentally responsible because they don’t require clearing rainforests to grow.

It could be a nice source of winter income, too.

Value-added products part deux: farmer-owned grocery stores

You’ve heard of farmers’ markets? How about farmers’ supermarkets?

Maybe not yet, but given the continued growth in ethical food consumerism and some of the disenchantment with Whole (paycheck) Foods, there could be a gap in the market.

Imagine a co-op of farmers and ranchers owning local franchises or independent stores committed to bringing only the freshest food, locally grown when possible. And of course, proceeds would go back to farmers, another plus for many consumers.

In the old-world economy of the last century, there were all kinds of reasons this type of thing couldn’t work. But the authenticity demanded by today’s consumers makes a farmer-owned supply chain possible.

Great article from Koch CFO on small business innovation

Click here to visit.

Network Kansas offers support to entrepreneurs

We try not to spend a lot of time in this blog wailing about the current state of the economy or the plight of agribusiness, preferring instead to maintain a positive tone, focused on innovation. There are a lot of great stories happening out there.
Some entrepreneurs have inventions, others are simply seeking to fill a need in their community. In any case, these people are passionate about their plans.
Every day, we work with small business owners and budding entrepreneurs who have hopes and dreams for creating a business that will sustain them and offer a high degree of independence. We find that there are a lot of highly-motivated people with great ideas; all they need is a little support and guidance.
There are numerous resources available throughout the state if you’re a farmer or other entrepreneur who wants to start a business.
Starting and managing a business of any size is difficult. We encourage you to visit http://www.networkkansas.com, where you will find resources to help you in your quest.
You can also contact Maverick Creative Group directly at maverick@letmaverick.com.

Resources for financing and guidance for agribusiness start-up

If you’re looking to start an agribusiness and you need resources, be sure to contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture. KSDA has a portal to several programs located here.

Another great resource in your quest is the Kansas Small Business Development Center. The KSBDC is online at http://www.kansas.gov/ksbdc/.

And you can always contact Maverick Creative Group at maverick@letmaverick.com for consultation and referrals.

Great site for help starting a business

You ought to review this Web site: http://www.agmrc.org/business_development/starting_a_business/creating_a_business/legal_organizational_structure.cfm

It’s put together by a consortium of university and extension professionals. There is a great deal of useful information and links.

Stimulus package includes provision for small (ag) businesses

If you’re looking for some help keeping your business going strong in this weak economy, take a look at the stimulus package. It’s a bit of a big document, but the Small Business Administration does a good job of breaking down the benefits.

If you visit www.sba.gov, you’ll find  plenty of information, including a fact sheet and the transcript of a live chat that’s happening today.

There are numerous tax benefits meant to stimulate investment but also to reward past investment. For example, there is a provision that allows losses for previous years to be claimed on this year’s tax documents.

If you need additional help understanding the new law, contact us at maverick@letmaverick.com or call your local Small Business Administration district office.

Hello aggies!

If you’re an agribusiness professional, farmer, rancher or agrepreneur, then you’ve come to the right place.

Starting now, this new blog will help transform the way you think about what you do by lending insight and catalytic ideas to your weekly routine.

Much of what we do each day surrounds getting things done. In this space, we hope to give you a refreshing place to energize your mind and recharge your creative batteries. In the process, we’ll give you practical advice based on real experience to help you manage your business better and market your products and services more effectively.

Keep checking back here regularly. We’ll see you soon.