-Overview
CDFA's Intro Food Systems Finance Course examines how the development finance toolbox is being used to restore local food systems and how these investments can drive economic development on a broader scale. Topics covered include federal, state, and local sources of capital, stakeholders involved in the financing process, and case studies that showcase a variety of financing programs.
Local food systems use many tools including bonds, tax increment finance, tax credits, loan programs, and grants to foster development. This course covers those tools and explore how reframing food system development as infrastructure and economic development, building effective partnerships, and planning for strategic financing supports local food system restoration.
This course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Join us online, and start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.
Course Objectives
- Discover how to restore America's local food systems through the Reframe, Build, Plan approach
- Learn how local communities are financing farmers, grocers, restaurateurs, food artisans, and other food-related businesses
- Hear about financing strategies that address food deserts, create jobs, and build community wealth
- Understand the variety of sources of capital available to support a food system, including federal, state, and local programs
- Gain a greater understanding of bond, tax credit, loan fund, and grant programs that are available for food systems projects
- Discuss innovative financing approaches being employed by communities across the country
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Topics Covered
- Understanding the local food system
- Identifying partners and stakeholders in the food system
- Sources of capital to support food-related businesses
- Federal, state, and local financing programs
- Foundation, non-profit, and community-based financing programs
- Innovative financing approaches
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Who Should Attend?
- Economic Development Professionals
- Community Development Professionals
- Government and Nonprofit Finance Officers
- Development Finance Agencies and Issuers
- Attorneys
- Accountants
- Financial Advisors
- Elected Officials
- Policy Makers
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-Agenda
Day 1
| 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM |
Welcome & Overview
Welcome to the Intro Food Systems Finance Course. During this time, we will introduce CDFA, explain how to use the online software, and discuss the framework for the course.
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| 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM |
Comprehensive Approach for Restoring Local Food Systems
Establishing reliable, affordable, and traditional financing streams for local food systems requires an understanding of how individual people and projects contribute to the regional food system. This introductory session introduces CDFA's approach to food systems finance, including its three replicable strategies for restoring local and regional food systems: reframing food systems as infrastructure and economic development, building partnerships across the entire food system, and planning for strategic financing. Participants will also explore CDFA's philosophy and vision for the broader food system, a food system's key components, and its connection to economic development and long-term financing opportunities.
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| 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM |
Understanding Development Finance & the Toolbox Approach
This session establishes the role of development finance in building resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems. Participants will learn the core principles of development finance, gain an understanding of the "toolbox" approach to financing, and discover how multiple financing tools can be combined to support food system businesses, infrastructure, and community priorities.
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| 12:40 PM - 12:50 PM |
Break
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| 12:50 PM - 1:40 PM |
Using Bonds to Finance Food System Projects
Bonds are among the most widely used financing tools for public infrastructure and community development. This session introduces participants to the role bonds can play in financing food system infrastructure, such as public markets, food hubs, processing facilities, water systems, and other community assets. Participants will learn about the different types of bonds, the key stakeholders involved, and the process of issuing and financing bond-supported projects.
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| 1:40 PM - 2:30 PM |
Tools for Targeting Specific Geographic Areas
Many food system investments require financing strategies tailored to specific neighborhoods, districts, or rural communities. This session explores place-based financing tools—including tax increment financing (TIF), special assessments, property assessed clean energy (PACE), and tax abatements—and examines how they can support food system infrastructure, revitalize commercial corridors, strengthen local food economies, and encourage investment in underserved areas.
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| 2:30 PM - 3:20 PM |
Catalyzing Investment for Food System Projects
Strategic investment tools can help move food system projects from concept to implementation by attracting private and public capital. This session examines financing mechanisms such as tax credits, Opportunity Zones, and other investment incentives that can support facilities, equipment, technology, and business expansion. Participants will learn how these tools can be leveraged to accelerate food system development and increase community impact.
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| 3:20 PM - 3:30 PM |
Break
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| 3:30 PM - 4:20 PM |
Unlocking Capital for Small Businesses Within the Food System
Access to affordable capital remains one of the greatest challenges facing food and agriculture entrepreneurs. This session explores financing tools designed to support small businesses, farms, cooperatives, and food enterprises, including revolving loan funds, loan guarantees, microloans, and other flexible financing programs. Participants will gain an understanding of how these tools help businesses start, grow, and strengthen local food economies.
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| 4:20 PM - 4:55 PM |
Innovative Approaches for Financing the Food System
The course concludes by examining emerging financing models and innovative approaches that are expanding investment in food systems. Through real-world case studies, participants will explore creative partnerships, blended finance strategies, and other evolving models that can help communities finance resilient food systems while adapting proven approaches to local opportunities and challenges.
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| 4:55 PM - 5:00 PM |
Closing Discussion / Final Questions
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-Location
CDFA Training Institute Courses take place on Zoom from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern. Attendees must have access to a computer and the internet to attend the course. Please note that CDFA Training Courses are not recorded.
The next Intro Food System Finance Course is not currently on the schedule. Please check back for updates, or contact info@cdfa.net for more information about the CDFA Training Institute.
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-Registration
This training course qualifies for the CDFA Training Institute's
Development Finance Certified Professional (DFCP) Program. Start down the road to personal and professional advancement today.
CDFA Foundation Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available for CDFA Members in need to attend CDFA Training Courses. Learn more about the
CDFA Foundation Scholarship Program and submit your application today.
Please note that the application deadline is two weeks prior to the course start date.
Group Discount
Organizations registering five or more attendees qualify for a group discount. Register four attendees at the full price, and each additional registration receives 50% off. To receive the discount, contact
info@cdfa.net before registering.
CDFA permits only one person to log in and participate in the course. If multiple people are accessing the course without paying to attend, we will terminate the connection and access.
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CDFA Member: $625
Non-Member: $950
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