NORTHEAST REGIONAL FOOD BUSINESS CENTER - D.C. AND MD TO ME

STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT FOR USDA REGIONAL FOOD BUSINESS CENTER

FACILITATION & LEADERSHIP, STRATEGIC PLANNING | 2023 - PRESENT

One of the 12 newly created USDA Regional Food Business Centers (RFBC), the Northeast RFBC, led by National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, engaged FWG to facilitate a project kickoff convening of more than 30 project partners in pursuit of developing an equitable, collaborative structure for the Center. FWG facilitated a full-day meeting of both in-person and virtual stakeholders from across the Northeast region to create a framework for outcome- and process-driven work planning. FWG leveraged our bespoke SOFE ™ tool, a platform that allows for collaboration, RACI-like accountability, progress and evaluation tracking, and more. FWG continues to support the NE RFBC in determining the key elements and paths to success for the Center to execute its $30 million award. Funds will be directed into two grant streams - Technical Assistance and Business Builder subawards – to expand production/processing, create new products, encourage food hub development, and/or increase supply chain coordination and access for producers and food businesses.