Rural Grocery Transition Specialist

The Rural Grocery Transition Specialist program trains resource providers to better support rural grocers through business transition. This course is designed for extension professionals, economic developers, and other resource providers who support rural communities. Participants will gain strategies for building relationships with grocery store owners and managers, understanding of transition planning and business valuation concepts, and tools to support grocery store transitions. In addition, participants will join a national network of professionals dedicated to supporting rural communities. The course is taught by a teaching team comprised of 18 subject matter experts from across the country with a wide range of expertise related to business transition planning and rural grocery. This course contains seven online modules that include homework assessments and interactive discussion boards paired with guided learning through four synchronous 2-hour virtual sessions. By participating in this course, you will be prepared to walk alongside rural grocers in their business transition journey to help them exit their businesses in a way that maintains healthy food access for their communities.

The Rural Grocery Transition Specialist microcredential introduces you to content through modules. Content requires approximately 25 to 30 hours to complete. Learning assessment will be conducted through learning activities. To successfully complete the microcredential and earn a digital badge, you must achieve a minimum passing score of 75%.

Course Dates: January 18 - April 18, 2027
Course access available from: January 11 - May 18, 2027
Required Synchronous Zoom Dates: January 26, February 9, March 2 and 23, 2026
and Optional RGTS Alumni Connect April 27, 2027

Course Cost: $685.00