Launching and Growing a Farmers Market Business with Cultivate Bend

For many small businesses, a farmers market booth is more than just a weekend stand — it’s a steppingstone to a thriving brand. But turning a booth into a business takes strategy, and that’s exactly what Cultivate Bend’s upcoming panel event aims to provide.

To help vendors succeed, Cultivate Bend and the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) are teaming up for Ask the Experts: From Booth to Brand, a panel discussion focused on launching and growing a successful farmers market business, which takes place on Thursday, March 13 at The Haven Coworking from 5:30 to 7:30pm.

Cultivate Bend, a nonprofit organization supporting Central Oregon’s consumer-packaged goods (CPG) entrepreneurs, helps foster connection and provide resources, and Ann Pistacchi-Peck, HDFFA program director and manager of the downtown Bend Farmers Market, says, “At HDFFA, we know farmers markets play a crucial role in supporting local food producers by giving them a direct platform to sell products and build community connections.”

The event will offer insights into proven strategies and networking opportunities with fellow vendors, market managers and food industry leaders, as well as discussions with veteran vendors — all to gain valuable knowledge on what it takes to run a thriving business at markets and beyond.

“We want to create an open forum where business owners can discuss how to have a successful farmers market season. This includes topics like logistics, marketing, customer engagement, profitability and staffing,” says Barb Myers, founder of Fixa Foods and a Cultivate Bend board member.

Designed for market vendors, aspiring entrepreneurs, farmers, ranchers and food enthusiasts, the panel will feature industry experts sharing strategies, challenges and firsthand experiences. “Many new CPG entrepreneurs test their concept, launch their products and grow their business at farmers markets. It’s a great way to be immersed in the local food, beverage and natural products ecosystem,” Myers says.

Panelists include Pistacchi-Peck, Lauren Rasmussen (co-owner of Fibonacci Farms), Zoey Oquist (owner of The Crow’s Croft), Jeff Akers (owner of Bohemian Roastery) and Myers. The discussion will include a Q&A, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with experienced vendors and market leaders.

“We hope the event helps people make connections and implement new ideas to launch or grow their businesses at farmers markets. Plus, markets start in May, so it’s a great way to get ready and excited for the season,” Myers says.

Cultivate Bend’s Ask the Experts: From Booth to Brand
Thu., March 13, 5:30-7:30pm
The Haven Coworking
1001 SW Disk Dr., Ste. 250, Bend
cultivatebend.com/event-main/ask-the-experts-031325
Free for Cultivate Bend members; $10 for nonmembers

This article appears in The Source Weekly March 6, 2025.