Market Manager Certification

The Ontario Market Manager Certification Program: a professional development course conceived by Farmers’ Markets Ontario and developed in conjunction with Michelle Wolf, a certified coach, business owner, and former farmers’ market manager.

The course material is covered in a series of 12 webinars that are 60 to 90 minutes in length. There are no deadlines to meet, so you can learn at your own pace.

Proceed to Purchase

Webinars 1, 2, and 3: Market
Management Best Practices

Topics Covered in Webinars 1-3:

Who Does What? – Roles and Responsibilities
Leadership
Setting up a Board and Team that Works
Risk Management
Evaluation and Assessment
Day-To-Day Operations and Market Day Logistics
Policies, Procedures and Rules for Your Market
Record Keeping

Webinars 4 and 5: Vendors and
Vendorship Issues

Topics Covered in Webinars 4-5:

Vendor Issues
Vendor Recruitment and Retention
Product and Vendor Mix
Dealing with Concerns about Competition
Product Verification
Communication and Conflict Resolution

Webinars 6, 7, and 8: Financial Sustainability for Markets

Topics Covered in Webinars 6-8:

Running a Farmers’ Market like a Business
Developing and Using a Budget
Money Mindset and Thinking like an Entrepreneur
Innovative Revenue Streams for your Farmers’ Market
Creating your Financial Plan for the Upcoming Season
Building Successful, Sustainable Partnerships, and Sponsorships

Webinars 9 and 10: Marketing
and Promotions

Topics Covered in Webinars 9-10:

Marketing and Branding of Your Farmers’ Market
Community Engagement
Customer Service
Special Events
Customer Loyalty Programs

Webinars 11 and 12: Skills and Qualities
for Market Leadership

Topics Covered in Webinars 11-12:

Personal Qualities of Great Managers and Leaders
Working with Volunteers
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Working Smart and Being Organized
Workplans and Planning Tools
Time Management
Tips for Working Successfully from a Home Office
Self-Care and Vocational Renewal
Leadership