Are you an existing farmer or agriculturalist looking to expand your horizons, explore new opportunities, and take your agricultural enterprise to the next level? Join us for the AG-X Workshop Series, presented by the Dominion Energy Innovation Center, SCORE Richmond, and the Virginia Tech Extension Office; this program is designed to empower you with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to analyze, strategize, and succeed in growing your agricultural endeavors. Ag-X 2025 will empower participants to create a distinctive and impactful brand by defining their identity, crafting compelling messaging, and leveraging modern marketing strategies to grow their presence and build lasting customer connections.
In this program, you will learn how to create a powerful brand that stands out. We will cover essential strategies for defining your brand identity, crafting a compelling message, and leveraging modern marketing tools to grow your presence. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your existing brand, you will leave with actionable insights to elevate your image and build lasting connections with your customers.
1. Knowledge: Specific information relevant to the session topic. “What do you need to know about this topic?”
2. Application: Action steps designed to implement the knowledge. “What do you do with the information you’ve learned about this topic?”
3. Connections: Parties outside of the organization that will be involved in the project. “Who do we need to get involved to execute on the information?”
4. Asset: A deliverable or tool that is helpful to the topic. “This helps me utilize/organize/better understand the topic.”
The AG-X Building Your Brand Workshop Series is open to businesses of all sizes and sectors, aiming to accelerate growth in the current economic climate. Tailored for entrepreneurs introducing value-added agricultural products, services, or brands, this program empowers ventures like controlled environment agriculture, artisanal cheese, or field monitoring drones.
The cost to participate in the AG-X Workshop Series is $125 per company for up to three team members.
Time & Date: Thursdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm beginning February 13 until March 6. Optional session on March 13th.
Location: DEIC, 201 Duncan St., Ashland, VA 23005
Cost: $125 (Scholarships available)
Snacks and Drinks will be provided
Hanover County Economic Development is offering scholarships to a maximum of five businesses in Hanover County interested in attending the workshop series. Scholarships will reimburse the $125 registration fee upon completion of the series. In order to receive reimbursement of the $125 registration fee, enrollee must attend a minimum of three of the four workshops. Interested participants must be registered as a business in Hanover County or a Hanover resident operating an Ag-based business in Hanover County. Scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualified applicants.
Hanover-based businesses/entrepreneurs interested in a workshop scholarship must be approved by Economic Development before registering for the series. To apply for a Hanover-based Business Scholarship, please complete the online Workshop Scholarship Application.
February 13, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
In the first session we will cover the basic elements that all brands must understand. From brand color choices to finding your brand’s unique voice, you will gain an understanding of how the choices you make across your marketing platforms impact the way your customers perceive your brand.
February 20, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
In the second session we will look at how a brand can become an identity. Once the building blocks have been properly created your brand can begin to create authentic communications and interactions with your customers.
February 27, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
In the third session we will explain how to use your branding to guide your customers on their journey. Every business has a story to tell, branding is how you tell yours!
March 6, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
In the fourth session we will combine everything we learned from the first three sessions to create a brand application plan. You will create the following tools: Elements of the Brand, Brand Identity, and Brand Story. We will then cover some practical ways that you can utilize those tools to grow your brand presence.
March 13, 2025, 5:30pm – 7:00pm
In the optional Session 6, we will focus on your pitch for presenting your agribusiness in the Center Street Pitch Competition if you choose to apply. Showcase your food, fiber, forestry, or agriculture venture for a chance to win recognition and up to $5,000 in grant funding. Separate application is required and will be provided upon request. Center Street Pitch Competition to be held on April 10th, 2025.
Taught by world class instructor Jett Odle who has the experience and first hand knowledge to help you grow your business to new heights.
Jett Odle
Jett Odle is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, best known as the co-founder of Rivers Edge Coffee Company. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jett has played a pivotal role in transforming a simple idea into a thriving market leader in the highly competitive Richmond, VA coffee industry.
Jett Odle is also a passionate advocate for community development and sustainable agriculture. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to support the growth of the Richmond area’s local food system as he recognizes the importance of promoting local agriculture and ag-entrepreneurs. He has actively engaged with farmers, artisans, and food producers, offering mentorship and guidance as they endeavor to develop new products and access new markets. Jett’s dedication to fostering a resilient and thriving local food ecosystem not only demonstrates his commitment to the community but also showcases his ability to drive positive change beyond the business world.
