Business Planning

Templates and Walk-throughs for building a Plan:

• AgPlan from University of Minnesota: Free, online business planning tools by production type.  Are you capturing the real cost of production? Download the AgPlan Financial template here.

• Building a Balance Sheet guide and fillable balance sheet from Horizon Farm Credit

• Farm Credit Business Plan Template

• How to Write a Business Plan webinar slides from Horizon Farm Credit

• LSU Writing a Farm Business Plan step-by-step

• SBA info and downloadable sample business plans: Traditional and Lean Start-up 

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Ag Alternatives (Penn State Extension): resources required and financial templates to help you evaluate adding products, crops, or income streams to your operation.​

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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 Transition/Succession checklist.

Learn what a Farm Transition Coordinator does and find one in PA.​

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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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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