Advanced Business Planning

Eligible farm businesses that identify a need for advanced business planning in their Action Plan summary may apply for this component. It provides funding to hire a Consultant/Advisor to:

Conduct an assessment of the farm business related to a specific issue
Develop recommendations and a plan to address the issue
Produce a written report for the farm business and OSCIA.

You may choose from seven types of ABP under this component. You may apply for funding to develop up to three different business plans, but each planning area must be identified in your Action Plan summary.

The types of business plans are:

General Business Plan (ABP-01)
Succession Plan (ABP-02)
Commodity Marketing Plan (ABP-03)
Direct Marketing Plan (ABP-04)
Human Resource Plan (ABP-05)
Risk Management Plan (ABP-06)
Diversification Plan (ABP-07)

Refer to page 11 of the Program Guide for complete details.

Business Plan Implementation

Farm businesses that have applied for, or have already completed an Advanced Business Plan may apply for this component. It provides funding to help pay for one-time (non-capital) costs to implement an ABP.

OSCIA must have approved your written business plan before you can receive funding to implement the plan.

Examples of action items that may result from the Advanced Business Plan and be considered for cost-share funding are:

Specialized contracts
Business Agreements
Preparation of documentation (examples: purchase and sale agreements; lease agreement)
Preparation of tax rollovers
Incorporation and filing fees
One-time or set-up fees directly related to business change (examples: initial costs for certifications such as ISO or organic; new product development and testing)
Marketing/communication material design
Trademark and patent registration
Process design and layout (example: blueprints)
Other soft costs for implementation of an Advanced Business Plan

Refer to page 13 of the Program Guide for complete details.

Good News Story

How to apply for cost-share

Program Guide