10 steps to a solid business plan
A business plan is a key tool that can set you up for business success. It helps you focus on your goals and provides the answers you need to make your financing and loan process easier. Here are 10 things you should include as well as some resources to get started.
Need a farm business plan? Our business plan bundle can make writing one easier.
1. One-page executive summary
Briefly explain your business vision. Include: who you are, what your business does, future business plans and how you will be successful. Also, summarize your current financial state and future needs.
Read: How to develop a successful farm vision
2. Goals and objectives
What’s the purpose of your business? Outline your key strategies and main goals for the next one to three years.
Learn: Setting achievable goals
Farmers with a written business plan average a return on assets five times higher than those without.*
3. Company background or history
Summarize your company’s achievements and plans for growth. Describe any company strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and any significant changes that could impact the operation.
Research: Industry, markets and trade (AAFC)
4. Ownership, management and human resources
Describe the ownership structure. Include each owner’s qualifications, history and your management reporting structure. You’ll also need to identify key employees, benefits, labour policy and a succession plan (if applicable).
Use: Agri HR Toolkit (Canadian Agricultural Resource Centre)
Read: Managing People
5. Financial position and projections
For existing businesses: include financial statements from the past five years and a monthly cash-flow forecast covering at least 12 months.
For start-ups: include projected financial statements for the first three years of operation and a monthly cash-flow forecast covering at least 24 months.
Get: Ag Expert Accounting
Use: FCC Money & Finance Basics guide and FCC Cash flow planning guide
6. Products and services
Describe your product or service and what makes it marketable. Is there an aspect that’s not available in the marketplace?
Listen: Cutting edge cattle: Balance and the business of ranching
Read: Know your cost of production for better decision making and Do you know your cost of production?
7. Industry analysis
Identify your industry and describe its overall size, growth stage and patterns.
Read: FCC Economics sector and production reports
8. Target market
Describe the potential size of your market. It helps to include popular market trends and customer profiles.
Compare: Statistics and market information (AAFC)
Find: Market Prices and information
9. Competition
Identify primary competitors within your target market. List their strengths and weaknesses compared to yours.
Find: Canadian food supplier directories (AAFC)
10. Marketing and sales plan
Describe your marketing plan and distribution channels. Include the steps for attracting and retaining customers (if applicable).
Read: Marketing Plan Template (BDC)
*Source: Rob Hannam, Synthesis Agri-network
Scott Beaton didn’t come from the farm. But with help from friends and knack for diversification, he grew his small operation into a full-time farming career.
From cash flow planning to net worth statements, get the basics you need to prepare for a loan application.
We have a business plan bundle to set you up for success.