Learning to use tools and developing healthy habits for budget management and financial planning will contribute towards the long-term viability of your business. These tools will help you enhance cash flow, profitability, and overall financial performance. Some of the types of ʻtoolsʻ that we'll be learning in our Farm Viability Training and that youʻll want to consider adding to your toolbox include:

• Recordkeeping analysis of financial statements and ratio analysis,  
• Cost of production and and crop costing tool;
• Building budgets for profit and cash flow;
• Methods for production cost management and budgeting;
• Budgeting and planning to absorb short-term financial shocks;
• Assessing capital cost and availability; 
• Developing farm financial benchmarking;
• Best practices for lender readiness;
• Planning to maintain and grow equity; 
• Opportunity assessment tools for investing in equipment to increase efficiency or scale-up; 
• Strategic business planning around a farm viability strategy.

Another great next step to creating or maintaining a viable farm business is to reach out and learn from other female farm business owners at the Skill Share! Virtual Resource Fair on 7/19, visit our Hawaii Women Farmers Network (WFN) online directory, and join the WFN Facebook group. You can also take a few minutes to hear the stories from other women, who like yourself, have started and are actively managing and growing their ag businesses. We hope this video allows you to identify with other women farmers, ranchers and entrepreneurs who share similar passions. After watching the video, another helpful next step is to sign up for our  Drawing on the support of women in this network is a simple strategy when you are feeling stuck or just need a few tips or inspiration with your business. 

This video will help you learn about the experiences and tips from:

• Ashley Centeio, Beach to Farm LLC, a 5 acre diversified produce and livestock farm on Oahu’s North Shore.
• Christen Oliveira, Kokua Kalihi Valley Food Hub, The Roots Project is a social enterprise in urban Honolulu, providing for the health and nourishment of the local community and ‘aina, using a food hub to provide cultural starches from local farmers.
• Jasmine Joy, Beelieve Hawaii, an agribusiness and farm in Waimanalo, focused on raising awareness on the significance of pollinators through educational outreach, professional consultation, habitat conservation, bee farm tours, and a humane honeybee rescue service on the island of Oahu.