Business Development Program

About the program

The Business Development Program (BDP) was part of the Wakool Agri-Innovation Program (WAIP) which was a major project funded by the Australian Government under the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program. The aim of the BDP was to support producers in the Wakool region to explore value add opportunities and income diversification options, which would help support producers through adverse times.

The program took place over two rounds and was facilitate by consultants Regionality. It brought together 21 local producers and business owners and their ideas to provide an alternative or additional income stream for their business.

The sessions helped producers understand alternate pathways to market, to embrace opportunities, and build resilience through diversification and value adding beyond the farm gate.

BDP participant Hayley of Pattison Pastoral on the cover of The Bridge Newspaper on 21 January, 2021.

Program Overview

It was intended that each of the two rounds of the BSP would consist of six full-day workshops that supported producers through a comprehensive pre-feasibility process to;

Understand their focus or purpose, core values and a framework for business decision making;
Identify spare capacity (property, product or IP);
Refine and ground truth their business concept;
Explore fundamental innovation related business concepts and processes;
Assist in helping producers to understand the farm to consumer value chain, developing brand framework and marketing strategy;
Guide producers through the key considerations in assessing the financial viability of your proposed venture;
Help producers to understand the relevant compliance and regulatory requirements and;
Connect producers with key people in industry, government agencies and programs that can support and assist you in the development of your business.