The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech

10/07/2026

Last market of the season!!

Stop by the Schoharie County Farmers Market for our LAST market of the 2026 season!

Sunday, October 11th, 10am-1pm at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds. Visit www.schohariecountyfarmersmarket.com for our list of vendors, and subscribe to the newsletter to get updates on special events and the 2027 market.

We'll see you Sunday at the market!

10/05/2026

💡 Stop thinking and Start Building!

If you've been thinking about starting a business, growing an existing one, or finally turning that idea you've had for years into something real, the FREE Business Development Bootcamp could be your next step.

This program is for you if you…
✔️ Have a business idea but aren't sure where to start
✔️ Are already in business and want to build a stronger foundation
✔️ Need help turning your ideas into an actionable plan
✔️ Want practical tools and guidance to move your business forward

📅 Tuesdays & Thursdays; November 10 – January 26
⏰ 6–8 PM
💻 Virtual

Over 10 weeks, you'll work through the essential pieces of developing a successful business, all from the convenience of a virtual classroom.

👉 Enrollment is now open. Don't wait, space is limited!
https://slate.cobleskill.edu/register/BDBWinter26-27

09/26/2026

Come join us at the Taste of the IRV! 11 am - 1 pm

09/26/2026

Come join us for the Taste of IRV! 11 am - 1 pm
Superbar Mad Mama and more!

09/25/2026

Come try some Gumbo from Gumbo de Ma Mère this Saturday 9/26 from 11am-1pm at Taste of the IRV during SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech's Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Gumbo de Ma Mère brings authentic Louisiana cooking to rural Upstate New York. Their small batch, scratch-made Creole dishes bring together Louisiana tradition and locally sourced ingredients, available hot and frozen to enjoy at home.

At the heart of Gumbo de Ma Mère is something special:
• making people feel at home, no matter where they are
• showing up with heart, humility, curiosity and love
• feeding people when words fall short
• celebrating life - even in hard moments

Meet the people behind the products, and discover some of the food, businesses, and innovation being supported through IRV programs this Saturday in front of Prentice Hall on the SUNY Cobleskill campus.

09/24/2026

Try some tasty treats from Mía's Cocína this Saturday 9/26 from 11am-1pm at Taste of the IRV during SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech's Homecoming & Family Weekend.

Mía’s Cocina is a Latina- and woman-owned culinary business founded by Chef Maria Bido, celebrating Puerto Rican and Latin flavors through food, culture, and love. Founded in 2021, Mía’s Cocina began with catering a hands-on cooking series, La Cocina de Loisaida, and has grown into a multi-faceted culinary business offering catering, cooking experiences, and a growing line of signature products inspired by the recipes, traditions, and flavors passed down through generations.

Come sample and shop products from Mia and other IRV participant businesses and entrepreneurs. Meet the people behind the products, and discover some of the food, businesses, and innovation being supported through IRV programs.

09/21/2026

🎉 The Small Business Workshop Series is BACK!

The Institute for Rural Vitality at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech is bringing back the Small Business Workshop Series (SBWS) this fall with three practical workshops designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners build, grow, and strengthen their businesses.

📦 October 29 — Product Development 101
Learn the basics of taking a product from idea to successful launch.

💰 November 18 — Access to Capital
Hear from bankers, grantors, and funding professionals about options for financing your startup or growing business.

📣 December 2 — Marketing 101
Learn the fundamentals of marketing your business and products, and kick off a new series of marketing-focused programming led by the IRV's new Marketing Expert, Andrea Harley.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, we hope to see you there!

All events start at 6PM and will be held at Prentice Hall, second floor. All workshops are FREE and open to the public.

Register for one event or all three! Request your spot now: https://slate.cobleskill.edu/register/sbws_fall26

09/21/2026

A huge thank you to the business and industry representatives who joined us at the Institute for Rural Vitality last week for our second annual Copacker Panel Discussion!

This year’s conversation brought together retailers and copackers to talk with local food entrepreneurs about what it really takes to scale a food product business. From understanding when a product is ready to move beyond small-batch production to navigating retail, finding the right production partner, meeting volume requirements and preparing for growth, our panelists shared the kind of practical insight that can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their next steps.

We’re grateful to representatives from Whole Foods Market, VitalEats, Taste NY, Pika's Farm Table and Private Label Foods for taking the time to share their experience and answer questions from our local entrepreneurs.

Events like this are an important part of what we do at the IRV; connecting entrepreneurs with the people, knowledge and industry perspectives that can help turn a growing food business into a sustainable one.

Thank you, as well, to everyone who participated and helped make the conversation such a valuable one!