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.

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

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 101 (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and Want a profit boost? Make sure you have a good marketing plan

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