New Mexico Tribal Farming Toolkit
Tribal businesses are unique in that they may interact with tribal, state, and federal stakeholders in order to be successful in their efforts. These additional challenges can often become barriers for tribal farmers, which leads to frustration and lack of success. There are numerous business resources and organizations available for those wishing to start their own business or for gaining insight to accomplished businesses. It can be helpful to learn from noteworthy businesses and take advantage of the knowledge gained from these entities.
Business Plan Assistance
A Business Plan is the heart of a successful business. Knowing what to include and the numerous details involved is important to getting your business on the correct path to success. Items to incorporate in your business plan include the following:
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Executive Summary (This tells whomever is reading your plan what it is your want to achieve)
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Business Description (This section describes the industry you operate in from current trends to future opportunities)
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Market Strategies (This section should include a market analysis to allow you to effectively target the market you want to operate in)
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Competitive Analysis (This analysis will allow you to determine the strengths and weaknesses of industry competitors)
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Operations Plan (This section allows for a full description of how the business will function)
The items listed above represent a basic overview of what might be included in a business plan. You can also visit the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center for resources on business development, starting a business, creating business plans, and more. You can view their business development page here: http://www.agmrc.org/business-development/
Steps to Starting a Business
Starting a business takes the form of as series of sequential and organized steps to ensure that everything is prepared and planned properly. The U.S. Small Business Administration[1] offers a straightforward ten-step plan to starting a business that includes:
Use these tools and resources to create a business plan. This written guide will help you map out how you will start and run your business successfully.
Step 2: Get Business Assistance and Training
Take advantage of free training and counseling services, from preparing a business plan and securing financing, to expanding or relocating a business.
Step 3: Choose a Business Location
Get advice on how to select a customer-friendly location and comply with zoning laws.
Find government backed loans, venture capital and research grants to help you get started.
Step 5: Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
Decide which form of ownership is best for you: sole proprietorship, partnership, Limited Liability Company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit or cooperative.
Step 6: Register a Business Name ("Doing Business As")
Register your business name with your state government. Learn which tax identification number you'll need to obtain from the IRS and your state revenue agency.
Step 7: Register for State and Local Taxes
Register with your state to obtain a tax identification number, workers' compensation, unemployment and disability insurance.
Step 8: Obtain Business Licenses and Permits
Get a list of federal, state and local licenses and permits required for your business.
Step 9: Understand Employer Responsibilities
Learn the legal steps you need to take to hire employees.
Step 10: Find Local Assistance
Contact your local SBA office to learn more about how SBA can help.
More Information from the SBA can be found at this website: https://www.sba.gov/starting-business
First Nations Development Institute offers The Business of Indian Agriculture, a curriculum designed to help farmers and ranchers succeed in managing their businesses. It covers useful topics like how to develop a business plan, how to set up bookkeeping systems, and marketing. It also covers important topics like risk management, and using credit wisely. This in-depth tool is offered in both a participant workbook and as an instructor’s guide. View the curriculum here: http://firstnations.org/knowledge-center/foods-health/biz-of-indian-ag
Native Food Systems Resource Center offers tribal-specific guidance for producers starting an agricultural business. Specific categories NAFSI covers include: start small, seeds, traditional plants & medicines, marketing, food handling, collaboration with federal government, and financial. View their producer resources here: http://www.nativefoodsystems.org/producers
Licensing
Business licensing is an integral aspect to starting a business. This is especially true in farming where food products often require specific standards to be sold to certain vendors. Business licensing varies according to the county or municipality in which you are operating your business. Additional factors to consider are if you are operating on Tribal Trust Land if the Tribal Entity (Tribe, Nation, or Pueblo) requires additional business licensure beyond what is required of the county in which the business is operating.
The State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department offers the appropriate information for licensing within the State of New Mexico. Please visit the Department’s website: http://www.rld.state.nm.us/Apply_for_a_License_or_Permit.aspx
Education and Career Selection
Below is a list of New Mexico universities for those interested in pursuing agriculture in higher education. Certificate and degree programs can help prepare the student with higher success in finding a higher level job position in the field (e.g. USDA).
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
Bachelor’s Degree: agriculture and extension education, agriculture and community development, agricultural economics, agricultural business, animal science, rangeland resources, and more!
Master’s Degree: agriculture and extension education, agricultural economics, agriculture with specialization in agribusiness, water science and management, animal science, range science
Doctorate programs: animal science, range science, economic development, water science and management
Eastern New Mexico University, Portales
Associate’s Degree: general agriculture
Bachelor’s Degree: agricultural sciences, agricultural education with secondary education licensure, animal and diary science production and managements
Mesalands Community College, Tucumcari
Certificates: Equine Services (artistic silversmithing, farrier science, equine gnathology for the horse owner)
Associate’s Degree: agri-business, animal science (beef science, equine science)
Associate Degree: Horticulture
New Mexico Junior College, Hobbs
Associate Degree: General agriculture
Mentorship Opportunities
Whether it be from general guidance and industry specific insight, or more casually as a sounding board for ideas, mentors provide some of the greatest wealth of knowledge to entrepreneurs and start-ups. Entities like the City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development offer many resources like counseling from business specialists. Additionally, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico offers numerous services for American Indians to achieve business success in New Mexico. The websites for each of these entities can be found below:
Resources
City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development: http://www.santafenm.gov/business_specialists
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of New Mexico: http://www.aiccnm.com/default.aspx
Farming Specific Resources
Mentorship opportunities specific to farming can be found in this table. The table includes both resources and efforts within tribal communities, as well as broader state-wide resources. Resources are in the realm of farming internships for youth and adults, as well as educational programs related to farming business assistance.