Syngenta Business Institute | GreenCast | Syngenta
#SBI24

A premium business development program for superintendents, now in its 16th year.

Golf course superintendents have increasing requirements to not only deliver outstanding turf conditions, but to also possess excellent business and managerial skills. For this reason, Syngenta partners with the Wake Forest University Executive Education program to offer an innovative business development program tailored to superintendents, the Syngenta Business InstituteSM (SBI). This unique four-day program provides a business and leadership management curriculum that includes negotiations, tools for managing employees, decision making and more.


Syngenta Business Institute 2024 will be held in person from December 3-6, 2024.

Applicants must now be a current GreenTrust® 365 participant AND employed in the U.S. as a golf course superintendent, director of agronomy, or similar position to be considered.

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Applications are due by midnight PDT on Monday, August 19, 2024.

Check out reviews from past Syngenta Business Institute participants:

Ian Gallagher

The faculty at Wake Forest and the team at Syngenta are committed to continuously improving the experience for attendees - and it shows through the thought provoking and challenging education coupled with networking with other superintendents. I am really glad I had the opportunity to be a part of SBI and encourage anyone thinking about it to take the time to apply, you won't regret it.

Ian Gallagher, SBI Class of 2023

Andrew Dooley

SBI was a fantastic educational opportunity for me to grow as a person, leader and professional. I have already implemented some of what I learned at SBI in our golf course maintenance operation at my club.

Andrew Dooley, SBI Class of 2022

Ian Daniels

The Syngenta Business Institute was by far the best continuing education conference I have ever attended. I had heard so many great things about the program, but it far exceeded my expectations, and I wish I had applied sooner. The professors from Wake Forest University were engaging, and all the attendees actively participated, which made the experience that much more valuable. I would highly recommend SBI to anyone who is seeking to take their people and business management skills to the next level.

Ian Daniels, CGCS, SBI Class of 2023

Jill Seymour

Interested in applying for SBI? Go for it. It’s a lot of work…but work that will come back to you tenfold! They chose the most relevant coursework from their MBA program and tailored it specifically to fit not only into our week but also to have it correlate directly with the needs of our profession.

Jill Seymour, CGCS, SBI Class of 2022

Michael Campbell

To go along with the first-rate instructors, the subjects taught were so refreshing and applicable to what I do on a daily basis.

Michael Campbell, CGCS, SBI Class of 2022

Tyler Johanson

I knew that it would be a great opportunity to learn, and had high expectations, but was still blown away at how impactful the education was. The Syngenta Business Institute opened my mind to seeing a lot of things in a new light. It was a fast paced, high intensity few days that filled me with excitement and energy to put into practice what I had been taught.

Tyler Johanson, CGCS, SBI Class of 2022

Nicolas Garibay

It definitely exceeded my expectations. I would encourage anybody to attend the Syngenta Business Institute, as it will polish you into becoming a better leader and or professional.

Nicolas Garibay, SBI Class of 2022

It was beyond my expectations. I questioned the Zoom format and surprisingly being my first time using the technology in this format was more than above my expectations. I learned aspects in each of the sessions that I have already brought back to our operation and the network of fellow supers only puts more assets in one’s arsenal to move their career forward. If you are serious about your career, you should look seriously at SBI to advance your knowledge, network and resume.

Amos Stephens, SBI Class of 2020

I must say that my experience exceeded my expectations. I was not sure how everything was going to work out since we had to be on Zoom, however, it was a great time and I enjoyed the comradery. Being the first class to go virtual, it was a unique and fun way to get to know fellow superintendents. Everyone was engaged which made the learning process fun and entertaining. SBI is a fantastic way to work on your skills with fellow superintendents and gain valuable feedback with some of the best professors in the business.

Michael Sartori, SBI Class of 2020

Zoom was easy to navigate and all the professors did a great job navigating the different options during class. I really enjoyed the breakout sessions and I feel it really gave us an opportunity to discuss topics in greater detail. I feel some of the best lessons I’ll take away from this experience came from those smaller group settings.

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

My experience at the Syngenta Business Institute was unlike any event I have attended in the past. The unique curriculum has provided me with the tools to navigate the managerial challenges I face as a Golf Course Superintendent. The Syngenta Business Institute far exceeded my expectations. I now have a better understanding of what it takes to become a great leader and manager. I'm grateful for this opportunity offered by Syngenta. If you are looking for an opportunity to better yourself and your maintenance operations, then SBI is for you. The people at Syngenta and Wake Forest University have paired up to create a unique curriculum that will benefit you for years to come.

Brett K. Klahr, SBI Class of 2020

I took the majority of my Turf degree online, and this actually felt like I got more out of it with being able to ask professors questions while in the Zoom and not have to wait for an email response that sometimes took a day.

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

Obviously, I wish I could have made the trip to North Carolina for an in-person event. However, I am grateful that this event was still able to happen. They provided wonderful information and education, which I have already begun to implement. I don't think you could've done a better job putting together a virtual event!

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

This was a great way, even virtually, to gain new friends!

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

I felt so fortunate to be selected to go on this group journey, getting to know so many talented people and create new friendships while adding to our business acumen. Virtual SBI is a can't miss event. I enjoyed every minute of it!

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

Never knew so much can be done with Zoom.

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus

This quality of education far exceeded anything I have seen to date.

SBI Class of 2020 alumnus