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The study described in this paper focused on success factors in identifying, facilitating and validating new learning environments for entrepreneurs and employees in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the context of the agri-food sector. The authors note that the majority of learning in SMEs occurs outside the formal educational systems. Earlier studies have indicated that nonformal and informal learning are very powerful ways of learning, which should be exploited more in this context. For vocational education and training (VET) an important question is how different learning opportunities can be identified and localised. First of all, it is difficult to differentiate between formal, nonformal and informal learning. Many definitions around these concepts evolve, with often little agreement. The authors argue that discerning formal, nonformal and informal learning is only useful when it is drawn into a particular context and that it is more useful to map dimensions of formality and informality. The project involved questionnaires for learners and interviews for vocational teachers. The survey revealed that participants (the learners) enjoy learning in nonformal learning environments. It also revealed that decision making with regard to training and human resource development (HRD) activities is in the hands of the owner/manager (regardless of size of SME, sector or ownership). A salient feature is that the study highlights the difference in training needs between family and non-family owned business.