Did you know that Cultivate KC offers many different kinds of technical assistance (TA) for farmers? We also help all kinds of farmers, whether you’ve been at it for years or are considered a beginning farmer. We even offer TA if your farm is still a dream and you need ideas or someone to brainstorm with as a starting point!
The most popular advice we offer is assistance with funding – topics like federal loans and grants, local mini grants, and regional cost-sharing programs. We make you aware of available opportunities, help determine which you might be eligible for, and assist in navigating the application process. No matter your vision and its needs, we gather resources from both local, KC-based organizations and federal programs.
We also offer TA focusing on land access. We will work to help you find land to farm on that meets your unique needs, whether that’s owning or renting. We assess how much land you’re wanting to farm, where you’d like the land to be, what amenities to prioritize, etc. Then we will do our best to search for and hopefully match you with land in KC that works for you. This can be a long process though, so a realistic timeline and patience are required!
How does one get technical assistance through Cultivate KC?
Step 1: Fill out our TA Intake Form.
Fill out the form on the top of this page and let us know what we can help you with! This form is a starting point; we will get into more details during a conversation, so feel free to be as detailed or general as you’d like. Just keep in mind that the more you are able to tell us ahead of time, the more prepared we can be.
Step 2: Schedule a time to chat with one of us.
Once your intake form is submitted, it will land in our mailbox. We will reach out to you, likely within a few business days, to schedule a time to talk. This chat can take place over the phone, via Zoom, or even in-person on your farm – it’s up to you and whatever best fits your schedule and needs.
Step 3: Come prepared with your project ideas and specific needs, and we’ll do the rest.
When it is time for our scheduled meeting, come ready to answer questions on your vision, goals, and needs. We will likely start talking about some applicable resources during this conversation, but not to worry, we will always send a post-meeting email with the organizations and programs that we discuss. Think of this follow up email as your tailored resource guide that will include actionable items and opportunities for you to further your research.
Step 4: Continue to stay in contact and ask us questions as they arise!
Once we’ve completed the TA session, we will send you an evaluation. This helps us know how we did and how can improve. It’s important to remember that this first TA conversation is just the beginning of your relationship with Cultivate KC. We are here to answer questions, provide guidance and make connections, and we genuinely want to see your farm or food project thrive.
So, what are you waiting for? Fill out the TA Intake Form now!
