I’m Stevie Schafenacker, a business coach and educator dedicated to helping farm and food businesses build financially sustainable and resilient operations. My career began in the fields—working on farms, running CSAs and farmers’ markets, and working directly with restaurants to bring local food to the table.

 

That hands-on experience shapes my approach to business advising today. ​I'm currently based in Northampton, MA and provide hands-on support to farms and small businesses across New England. I help navigate record-keeping, grant writing, budgeting, and enterprise diversification. My approach is rooted in holistic management and practical, farm-tested strategies that help businesses grow while staying true to their values.​Previously, I worked in agriculture and food service in urban and rural settings, and developed food and farming programs that supported beginning farmers and food entrepreneurs.

 

I later served as a Business Assistance Provider and Program Coordinator at Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA), where I led financial literacy workshops, developed business training programs, and helped farms build long-term strategies for success.Beyond consulting, I’ve worked on urban agriculture projects, farm-based education, and nonprofit food initiatives. ​At the heart of my work is a commitment to helping farmers thrive—not just in production, but in business. Whether through one-on-one coaching, workshops, or long-term planning, I help farmers and food producers turn their hard work into a financially viable and resilient future.​