PORT ORCHARD — WSU Kitsap County Extension offers its Ag Entrepreneurship Course on starting and sustaining a profitable small farm or agricultural enterprise beginning Jan. 19.

The course features a line-up of local guest speakers: accountants, bankers, lawyers and successful farm owners.

Participants will gain skills in business planning, direct marketing and record-keeping. They’ll also receive information on federal and state programs targeted to the needs of small producers, including resources to improve risk management and conservation practices.

The course is designed for beginning farmers as well as current growers who are looking to take their farm in a new direction. Guest lecturers for the courses are regional growers who are models of sustainable agriculture in their farming and marketing practices. Participants will complete the course having developed a business plan they can take to the bank to finance their new enterprise or use as a roadmap for their farm business.

The Ag Entrepreneurship course costs $250, including materials. The cost has been reduced due to a USDA grant; partial scholarships and Continuing Education Units are available. The course will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m. in Room 406 of the Norm Dicks Government Center, 345 6th St., Bremerton.

To register, contact Arno Bergstrom, (360) 337-7225, ABergstr@co.kitsap.wa.us; Diane Fish, (360) 337-7026, dfish@wsu.edu. Or visit http://county.wsu.edu/kitsap/.