Develop a Business Plan

Need help developing a Business Plan? There are lots of resources, both agriculture and Nova Scotia specific to help you.

Business Plans

A business plan is a document that defines in detail a business’s objectives and how it plans to achieve its goals. The plan is a written roadmap that touches both financial and operational matters and is intended for both internal and external audiences. 
This important document not only guides the decisions of your farming operation, a good business plan is essential for securing funds from financial institutions as well as many grants and government programs. 

Although they’re especially useful for new businesses, every company should have a business plan. Ideally, the plan is reviewed and updated periodically to reflect goals that have been met or have changed. Sometimes, a new business plan is created for an established business that has decided to move in a new direction.

Resources to help you get started

ThinkFARM
ThinkFARM provides information and resources for new farmers in Nova Scotia. Learn how to define your goals, write a business plan, and more with the help of this tool.

New Farm Launch Plan
The five modules in the website from Farm Management Canada will help you develop a plan to launch your new farm business or successfully navigate a farm business transfer. You can work through the modules by creating a login, or continue without login (values will not be recorded).

FCC Strategy & Planning Resources
Check out resources from Farm Credit Canada to set you up for success in every stage of business planning.

Legal Structure in Nova Scotia 
Most businesses or non-profits operating in Nova Scotia must register with Registry of Joint Stock Companies. You need to choose a legal structure for your business or non-profit before you can register your business.

Nova Scotia Business Planning Tool
Nova Scotia Business Planning Tool is an online service to help you start or grow a business.