Invest in Little Society!

What is the project? 

One of two options, based on level of capital we're able to raise.  Both would have the same Phase 1: Vegetable washing, packing, storage facility; commercial kitchen.

Then either:

(Option 1) Small retail/cafe space, limited seating; two B&B rooms.

or 

(Option 2) Small retail with larger cafe/restaurant experience including a large sunroom and stage for small concerts/events; six B&B rooms.

Where?

We've actually been working toward this idea for several years and have laid out our newest permanent beds the last couple years to frame the location on the DL side of the property. The image on this page is a quick first pass at what phase 1 plus a small cafe/retail might look like with our half-circle of beds shown in the background.

Why?

So many reasons!

1. We think it's important! We want to connect more people to not only good food, but also give them direct engagement with how it's grown and sustainable farming techniques.

2. There is a need in the community! We want to create a commercial kitchen space for us, other farmers, and food-related startups or food businesses to preserve our local harvests and create new value-added goods (currently isn't one in Sauk County).

3. We want to! We are passionate about the whole process of healthy, sustainable eating.

4. And more...*

How?

Well, we've received a large grant that, with the required matching will hopefully cover the phase one portion. 

For the rest, we are hoping to pursue a multi-pronged approach including:

• potential commercial loans (SBA, FSA, others)

• business partners who would purchase equity and actively be employed in the day-to-day of making this whole thing work

• "silent" investors in the real estate

• custom loans from individuals with a fixed % payback

Let us know if you have other ideas!

*More personal, specific, practical reasons: 

5. Economic realities. We choose to go against the economic incentives and expectations of our current food system in order to grow in a way that we think is long-term sustainable and healthier for humans and our shared ecosystems. We won't change that, but, even if we gain in efficiencies here and there we won't ever make enough to hire others on in a way that is sustainable for them long-term (not to mention maybe starting to put aside for our own retirement). 

6. Also...we like people! We not only need a lot more people to do everything we want to, we also enjoy working with others on projects and we want the farm to be able to support them to the point they could realistically see this as a career and long-term opportunity. 

7. It makes it feasible for us to bring in other co-owners who are fully committed and invested in the farm and related enterprises. This means, if, in say 20, 30 or 40 years the two of us want or need to step back, there could be a gentle transition (think slowly selling equity to others committed to the business rather than being put in a position where we'd have to sell the whole thing to the highest bidder in order to retire).