Business Planning
AgPlan from University of Minnesota: Free, online business planning tools by production type
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Ag Alternatives (Penn State Extension) provides resources required and financial templates to help you evaluate adding other products, crops, or income streams to your operation.
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Business Planning for Veterans in Ag workshop notes, Dec. 3, 2022; James Cornwell MBA.
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Business structure: the model you choose can help protect your personal assets. Free legal assistance with setting up your business is available from Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic at Penn State Law.
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Farm Credit Business Plan Template, Building a Balance Sheet Guide, Basics of Recordkeeping
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Farm Transition/Succession resources
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Penn State Extension's Ag Alternative fact sheets provide information to help you evaluate all aspects of a given enterprise before you commit your time and money
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Setting Prices: USDA Ag Marketing Service publishes prices by state of farmers market fruits and vegetables. Penn State Extension article on what to consider when pricing your goods.
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Risk Management is a component of your business plan, and is often tied to insurance. Avoid/Reduce or Mitigate/Transfer/Accept More...
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Simple SBA business plan sample
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Small Business Development Centers can review and help you refine your plan prior to approaching financers.
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SBA Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) can provide access to LivePlan, a collaborative business planning platform.
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USDA Risk Management Checklist
PA's Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program funds professional services for planning for the future of a farm.
The maximum grant amount is $7,500 and is limited to 75% of project costs.
Guidelines & Uses
Grants may be used for creating or obtaining:
Business plans to:
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enhance the long-term economic viability of a farm.
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diversify an existing agricultural operation to new or different forms of agricultural production.
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for a farm expansion or to seek financing for farm growth.
Succession planning:
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plans for the transition of ownership and operation of a farm to new owners and operators.
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plans for transfer of ownership and operation of a farm within the farmer's family.
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“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” ― Dwight D. Eisenhower
