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Agricultural operations face many of the same challenges that other types of business do—and they encounter some unique obstacles and opportunities, as well. In August of 2017, USDA and SCORE joined forces to help new farming and ranching operations navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses. We’re excited about sharing in the mission to help entrepreneurs in the agriculture industry thrive. By providing mentoring and sharing information like what’s to follow in this article, we hope to provide you with a firm foundation upon which to build your business.
Because knowing where to begin is often one of the biggest stumbling blocks for aspiring agricultural operation owners, let’s step through the three mission-critical to-dos you’ll need to tackle to move your business forward.
First things First: Learn About What’s Ahead of You.
Critical to launching a successful farming business is to learn what will be involved. From accessing land and funding to fulfilling tax obligations to environmental and safety regulations and other requirements, you must gain an understanding of all the responsibilities that come with running an agricultural business. The USDA website offers some helpful insight and educational resources to help you understand what you need to consider. Also, try to connect with others who have started a similar type of business and are willing to share some of the perks and pitfalls they experienced in their entrepreneurial journey.
Get Your Ducks in a Row.
By writing a business plan for your business, you will have a roadmap to follow as you tackle the many startup tasks ahead of you. Your business plan should address all the essential aspects of starting and running your company. It might include the following sections and others:
- Executive summary (1-2-page summary of your entire business plan)
- Business description (including goals, objectives, and key success factors)
- Products (description of what your business will sell and how it’s different from those of your competitors)
- Sales and marketing analysis (overview of the market you’ll be competing in, sales and marketing strategies you’ll use to promote your products, how you’ll differentiate yourself in the market, etc.)
- Operations (describing how you’ll run your company including the equipment you’ll need, staffing requirements, vendors and suppliers you’ll use, etc.)
- Management team (sharing the hierarchy of authority within your company and identifying people who will serve as advisors and their roles in guiding your company’s efforts)
- Financial forecast and sales projections
Leverage Available Resources.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone when starting your business because a number of organizations and resources exist to help you along your way.
First and foremost, visit the USDA’s website to sign up for free business mentoring from a SCORE mentor. SCORE mentors possess knowledge about all aspects of starting and running a business. They can advise you as you develop your business plan and tackle the other essential steps in the startup process.
Next, use USDA’s online Discovery Tool, which suggests resources based on the information you input about yourself, where you want to locate your business, what you want to farm, your business model, and what you need assistance with.
Also, be sure to check out the information and assistance offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. On the agency’s website, you can glean helpful tips from its business guide and learn about the funding programs that might help you secure a loan or find investors for your business.
Other organizations that can offer assistance and information are:
- Internal Revenue Service (including its tax tips section for agricultural businesses)
- America’s Small Business Development Centers (including their e-learning courses
And don’t forget that SCORE’s website has a library of articles, webinars, and guides with insight about starting and running a business. You will also find templates that you can download and use as you develop your business plan, product pricing, sales projections, financial statements, and more.
Contact SCORE or the USDA today about getting the expert startup guidance you need to succeed.
Since 1964, SCORE “Mentors to America’s Small Business” has helped more than 10 million aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through mentoring and business workshops. More than 11,000 volunteer business mentors in over 320 chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education dedicated to the formation, growth, and success of small businesses. For more information about starting or operating a small business, call 1-800-634-0245 for the SCORE chapter nearest you. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.
