Making a Living from Local Food 2018

This programme is now in its third year and builds on our really successful experience of running a mentor and peer support scheme for new and recently established local and sustainable food entrepreneurs. We are hoping to build a peer group of 15-20 participants from across Scotland. The application deadline is Monday January 29 2018, so it would be ideal if you could also include this news in your early January Newsletter.

Making a Living from Local Food 2018

We're pleased to announce that applications for Nourish Scotland's Making a Living from Local Food programme 2018 are now open.

For the third year running, we'll be offering mentoring and peer-to-peer-support to 15-20 aspiring and recently established local food entrepreneurs from across Scotland. The programme runs for 10 months from February – November 2018. The application deadline is Monday the 29th of January.

Is it for me?
• Are you a grower, crofter, dairy producer, baker, butcher, juice-maker, retailer, caterer…?
• Are you passionate about making tasty, nutritious and sustainably produced food available locally through short supply chains?
• Are you in the process of setting up a local food enterprise (within the next 6 months) or have just started one (<3 years)?
• Would you like to get support from an experienced mentor and meet and learn from other local food entrepreneurs from across Scotland?
• Do you have the time and energy to focus in and give your enterprise a real boost in 2018?
You can find more information and how to apply at http://www.nourishscotland.org/projects/making-a-living-from-local-food/

If you have any questions about the programme, don't hesitate to e-mail us at [email protected].

How does it work?

The programme is designed to offer you tailored support, wherever you're at with your local food enterprise:
• You'll be part of a peer group of 5-7 participants in roughly the same area, and matched with one mentor. This year's mentors are Rob Davidson from The Cyrenians Farm near Edinburgh, Howard Wilkinson from the Ayrshire Food Network in Ayrshire and Jo Hunt from Knockfarrel Produce in the Inverness area.
• Over the course of the 10 months, you'll meet 5 times with your peer group for a session facilitated by your mentor. Together you can explore particular themes and challenges in developing and running your businesses. Where possible, these sessions will be hosted in turns by you and other participants at your own farms/businesses, to maximise learning.
• You'll spend 5 one-to-one hours with your personal mentor over the course of the programme (phone/skype/in person) and you can decide when.
• You'll be invited to attend 3 whole-group events hosted in locations across Scotland. These events full days, themed, and offer a busy programme including a workshop, guest speaker, a potluck lunch sharing local produce, and at least one site visit.
• You'll have access to various resources and materials online and to the Facebook group to connect with other local food producers.

How much?
Participants are asked to contribute £120 towards the programme costs. If you are or become a Nourish member, you'll receive a discount of £20. It's possible to pay in installments. Note that you will also have to cover your own travel to group events and peer group sessions. If the costs pose a barrier for you to take part, please get in touch with us.

If you're running your business with a partner, you're welcome to take part in the programme together and put in a joint application for a single fee: You'll be part of the same peer group with the same mentor.

How to apply?
Please complete the 2018 Application Form and send it to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 29 January 2018. We'll phone you by way of a follow-up and let you know by the end of the following week (Feb 9) whether we can offer you a place on the programme.

Making a Living from Local Food is kindly funded by the Prince's Countryside Fund.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Programme Coordinator for Making a Living from Local Food
Nourish Scotland

SC 417014
Summerhall – 1 Summerhall Place
Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
0131 226 1497
www.nourishscotland.org
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