Organic Path microsite

This project was funded through the New Opportunities and Business Development Investment Initiative (NOBDI) under the Renewal Chapter of the Canada-Nova Scotia Agricultural Policy Framework Agreement.

Canada

Nova Scotia

Business Planning Resources

There are a wealth of resources, sites and programs to assist you in the business planning process:

Websites

Building a Sustainable Business:

Program Assistance

Under the Agriculture Policy Framework, the following programs are available to provide financial assistance towards business plan development. Programs may change after April 1, 2009 with the introduction of the new Growing Forward policy.

Canadian Farm Business Advisory Service
The CFBAS programs involve having business planning professionals provide farmers with a confidential, independent, one-on-one financial review. Valued at $2,500, farmers may be required to pay $100 (this fee is waived for producers who qualify under the Canadian Farm Families Options Program).

Planning and Assessment for Value-Added Enterprises
The PAVE program helps farmers cover the cost of hiring a business planning professional who will help develop a feasibility assessment and/or business plan related to the value-added business opportunity.

Specialized Business Planning Services
SBPS provides farmers with financial support to help with comprehensive business or succession planning by providing funds to help pay for the services of a consultant to develop detailed business plans. Note that organic farming is considered to be a ‘specialized business.’

Community Business Development Corporations
CBDCs assist small businesses by providing financial assistance, business counselling, entrepreneurship development and training and technical assistance. Offices are located across Atlantic Canada.