Starting Gate

Starting Gate Overview

The Starting Gate program is a complimentary initiative sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America designed to empower and develop the future of agriculture by providing young and beginning farmers with personalized coaching in agricultural finance.

Throughout the program, producers work alongside a dedicated FCSAmerica team member to develop expertise in budgeting, financial planning, and risk management, building a strong foundation of business and financial skills to achieve their goals.

Starting Gate Program Details

As a participant in the Starting Gate program, you’ll have access to:

1:1 coaching sessions with your dedicated team, helping you build a solid financial foundation and equipping you with the skills to succeed.
Customized financial planning based on your specific needs, opportunities and risks. The result is a tailored, viable and sustainable plan for achieving your goals. 
Annual financial review meetings. This is your opportunity to take stock of your progress, identify areas of improvement for the coming year and work with your Starting Gate team on the next steps to meeting your long-term goals.  
Opportunities to attend education-focused workshops and events to deepen your knowledge and forge meaningful relationships with peers and industry experts.
Access to economic, sustainability and agricultural news from our team of analysts and outside experts dedicated to keeping you informed and ahead of the curve. 
Continued support upon completion of Starting Gate. Your Starting Gate team is part of your local office, where everyone is working for your success. We will be here to meet your financial and risk management needs long after you have transitioned out of the Starting Gate program.

Business and Financial Skills Development

Our classes and workshops equip producers with essential business and financial skills, enhancing their knowledge and building the confidence needed to succeed as business owners.

Balance Sheet

Create, update, and interpret balance sheets and cash flow projections to assess and understand the financial health of your business.

Cash Flow

Break down and analyze the components of your cash flow statement to understand its impact on your business’s financial health and decision-making.

Family Living

Analyze your spending patterns to manage and optimize your family’s living expenses for better financial control.

Transition Planning

Prepare for a successful transition of an operation through succession planning or changes in ownership.

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Business Planning

Develop comprehensive business plans that guide your growth and success.

Program Eligibility and Duration

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Starting Gate program, you must fit one of the following criteria:

35 years of age or younger
10 years or less of farming experience

Program Duration

Customers can participate in the Starting Gate program for up to 4 years.

After completing the program, participants will transition to a Farm Credit Services of America officer who will provide ongoing support and guidance that's tailored to each producer's objectives.