ACRE program accepting applications for 3rd year.

The Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship is accepting applications for its third annual program providing guidance and a chance to win a share of $25,000 to agribusiness innovators.

The six-session ACRE program, in partnership with Clemson Cooperative Extension, offers an overview of business management including pre-planning, marketing, pricing, production, profitability and financial statements. Participants will also have a chance to pitch their business plans to a panel of judges, who will award up to $5,000 per plan (a total of $25,000 in awards).

"Over the past three years, our ACRE program has helped dozens of entrepreneurs take their agribusinesses to the next level, boosting innovation and showing the ingenuity of South Carolina agribusiness," S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said in a news release.

Program applications, due Sept. 28, are available online at acre-sc.com. Applicants must be S.C. residents with an agribusiness idea or prototype.

"The ACRE curriculum program introduces business planning processes and management skills for starting a successful agribusiness," said Nathan Smith, Clemson Extension economist and agribusiness program team leader.

Individuals selected for the curriculum program must attend virtual class sessions on Oct. 6...