Addressing Access to Capital
The Team PA Advanced Ag Collaborative has identified “Addressing Access to Capital” as a priority. Through this priority, the Collaborative seeks to improve access to capital for “next-generation” agriculturalists and agriculture businesses looking to leverage technology in their operations and/or other ‘advanced agriculture’ methods, so as to contribute to the overall growth, development, and output of Pennsylvania’s economy.
The Collaborative is hosting a Deep Dive Series in order to learn more about best practices and innovative models, across risk, debt, and alternative financing, and how these models may be replicated for Pennsylvania in order to strengthen opportunities for agriculture to grow in the commonwealth.
Participation in the deep dive series is open to all interested parties. To keep engaged with the work of the Advanced Ag Collaborative, contact agriculture@teampa.com.
Deep Dive Series Schedule and Registration Information
Deep Dive 1: Rural and/or Ag-Focused Venture Funds
– REGISTER HERE
December 11, 2023 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Facilitated by: John Sider, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA
Featuring speakers:
- Matt Rhodes, Managing Director, 1855 Capital
- Patrick G. Morand, Partner at Open Prairie Ventures, Inc.
- Elsa Swanson Sareen, Vice President, Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP) Fund, Big Idea Ventures
Expanding VC capacity in Pennsylvania beyond our major metros has been identified by the Advanced Ag Collaborative as an opportunity that could support the growth of innovation in technology fit to support Pennsylvania’s annual $135.7B agriculture industry. In this session, we will hear about how venture capital (VC) fits “rural” contexts and applications. Our speakers will discuss different stage focuses of VC financing (seed and growth) as well as how two funds address rural business growth in the Food, Ag, and other sectors. We will also learn about USDA’s Rural Business Investment Company license and how it has helped support the mission of these two funds.
Deep Dive 2: Early Stage/Tech Transfer Organizations
– REGISTER HERE
January 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Facilitated by: John Sider, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA
Featuring Speakers:
Deep Dive 3: Other State-Level Debt Financing Programs
– Registration available soon
February – Date TBD
Deep Dive 4: Insights from Pennsylvania Ag Lenders
– Registration available soon
February – Date TBD