Growing Forward Business Development Programs

The following is a summary of the Growing Forward Business development Programs.  More information can be found on the OMAFRA website or the OSCIA website.   Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses incorporates self-assessment and goal setting with a range of cost-share advisory services and skills development opportunities to help reach your farm business goals.  Applicants must meet the program eligibility criteria and adhere to all program terms and conditions and project claim submission deadlines to qualify for cost share. All cost-share funds are available on a first come, first served basis up to the available annual funds of each year of the program  Individual Ontario producers, beginning farmers, and members of a group enterprise such as a corporation or partnership are eligible to apply for cost share if they satisfy the following criteria: Have attended a GYFP workshop, and have had their Action Plan(s) Reviewed and Signed-off by OSCIA representative.; Be a Legal Farm Entity and possess a valid Farm Business Registration Number (FBRN) or equivalent;  The Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses is delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).  For information concerning workshop schedule or eligibility criteria please contact your local OSCIA Representative or Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association at 1-800-265-9751  or the OSCIA website

Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop The Growing Your Farm Profits workshops are available free of charge for all Ontario producers, including farm families and farm management teams.  The workshop provides a planning process and resources to maximize your farm business long-term goals.  Participants are not asked to share personal or financial details with the facilitator or other participants. The two-day workshop will give you the tools needed to assess your business: Review current farm management practices, systems, knowledge and skills Understand how planning provides the framework for effective decision making Prioritize goals for the farm business’ future Identify resources that can help meet these goals Build on the farm business’ strengths and Write an Action Plan to improve farm management skills and knowledge.

Action Plan Review and  Sign-off After the Growing Your Farm Profits workshop, you and your management team will be able to develop an Action Plan for your farm business, start the planning process and begin to access the resources needed to achieve your goals.  Based on the needs identified in your signed-off Action Plan, the farm business may be able to access cost-share funding opportunities.  As an eligible farm business you may choose to participate in one or several areas.

Farm Financial Assessment Based on your Action Plan, you may require access to a professional Farm Financial Advisor who will review past financial performance, analyze your current business situation, discuss objectives, and help you identify options to meet your farm business profitability goals.  Note: If your business is experiencing financial difficulty you may be able to access the Farm Financial Assessment without completing the Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop.  The program covers up to $2400 of eligible costs to hire an advisor to complete an Assessment. The participant pays $100.   A Farm Financial Assessment includes: A review of past financial performance An analysis of the current farm business situation, A ratio analysis and assessment of liquidity, profitability, solvency and repayment capacity The identification of options to meet the farm business profitability goals

Agriculture Skills Development Farm business owners that identify the need in their Action Plan will be able to access cost-share funding to take farm related training and skills development intended to support greater farm business viability. A list of farm-related skills and training opportunities is available on the OSCIA website.  Eligible participants will receive cost share funding for up to 50 per cent to a maximum of $3000. Eligible costs include:  Tuition Textbooks Travel expenses

Advanced Business Planning Advanced Business Planning services are available on a cost-share basis to help meet the business planning needs specified in your Action Plan.  You may work with an advanced planning consultant to focus on business management goals such as succession, marketing, diversification, expansion and/or feasibility plans.  Eligible farm businesses may receive cost-share funding for up to 50 per cent to a maximum of $8000. Eligible costs are items that support the advanced business planning needs specified in the Action Plan.  A list of advanced planning consultants can be found on the OSCIA website.

Business Plan Implementation To help you implement elements of your Advanced Business Plan, you may receive cost-share funding assistance for one-time non-capital costs.  Eligible participants will receive cost share funding for up to 50 per cent to a maximum of $3000. Eligible costs may include soft (non-capital) costs of implementing: Specialized contracts Business agreements Legal documentation Licensing agreements Trademarks and/or patent registration Certification.       Growing Forward – Best Practices Suite is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, that supports the development and implementation of best practices in four key areas: Environment and Climate Change; Food Safety and Traceability; Business Development; and Biosecurity.  Participants are encouraged to develop strategies across all areas to meet their business goals through information sessions, workshops, training and technical assistance.

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