As an urban farmer, you have a long list of responsibilities and tasks. You have plenty of plans and exciting ideas to support and grow your business – but do you have a formal, written business plan? It is understandable if you don’t, since your full schedule includes learning to grow food, planning and planting, managing volunteers, harvesting crops, and arranging produce sales or donation.
However, as your backyard or community garden plot has grown and perhaps expanded into a full city lot, you may have started to think about formalizing your efforts. Production growth may have already led you to apply for and receive 501c3 status or register as a commercial business. No matter what stage your urban farm is in, take the next steps to success by using this resource to start developing your business plan.
Why write a business plan?
A business plan is a guide or road map to help you get where you want to go. It can also be thought of as a resume for your business.
A business plan will...
- Help clarify your thinking.
- Force you to ask and answer hard questions.
- Define the scope, values, and goals of your farm.
- Formalize your business structure.
- Facilitate clear communication to others.
- Identify market opportunities.
- Require you to evaluate your finances.
- Provide written material you can use to apply for grants and loans.
Are you ready to own a business or operate a non-profit?
Before you begin writing a plan ask yourself the questions below. Positive answers will indicate readiness. You may also want to consider starting your business as a part-time side hustle while keeping your day job to ensure a steady income.
- Are you a leader/self-starter?
- Do you have significant/sufficient capital?
- Have you worked in a similar business?
- Are you willing to invest your savings?
- Are you willing to commit long hours to make
- your business work?
- Are you prepared to lower your standard of living to establish your business?