BISSCHOP, Lindsay:

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Business Development Team is comprised of professional and technical staff that provide

o Frontline business management technical expertise, programs and resources to ensure new entrants, indigenous, producers, processors, regional and industry organizations utilize the best business management practices.

o Build relationships and empower indigenous communities to increase and develop their agriculture capacity, skills and agri-business ventures.

o Provide programs and services for new entrants to access technical and business knowledge and skills training as well as facilitating access to land, and pathfinding to other sources of funding and support.

The Ministry provides extensive business development services, programs and resources. Highlights include:

o Resources on starting a new farm, running an agrifood or farm business, and transferring a farm, and business self-assessment tools

o B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program provides specialized business planning support to enable existing B.C. producers and processors to make more informed decisions or complete disaster recovery planning. Eligible applicants can access up to $5,000 for individuals and $30,000 for groups for business planning services from a Qualified Business Consultant. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agri-business-planning-program

o B.C. Indigenous Agricultural Development Program provides funding for Indigenous communities to assess the feasibility of their agriculture opportunities, engage the community and receive coaching and specialized business planning services from a Qualified Business Consultant. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/indigenous-agriculture-development-program