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Business Advice, Business Concept and Planning, Business Planning

The 20-Minute Business Plan – Free Business Plan Model

As you start a business in Nunavut, one of the more challenging steps is creating a business plan.  What to write, how to write it, what to include and what not to include – it becomes more challenging the more you think about it.

We’ve created a 20 Minute Business Plan template for you. More so, a business plan canvas that you can get done in literally 20 minutes – in order to kick start your business, apply for funding and more.

Download the Free Template Now

The 20-Minute Business Plan

If this hits home for you, take comfort in knowing you are not alone and that there is still time. Time to layout your ideas for your business, to create a plan, to figure out how you will find the money to do it, and to start applying for those funds. It is not too late to accomplish your business goals for 2018.

But you do have to start now!

Need help getting in the ‘mood’…the entrepreneurial mood, that is! We’ve got you covered.

The Business Model Canvas is just the tool you need to get your small business gears a-grinding. We call it the 20-Minute Business Plan as it will get you thinking and considering all of the most important aspects of your business, its goals and how you intend to achieve them….without getting into all of the nitty-gritty details of a traditional Business Plan.

You can complete your entire canvas on a single page, in just 9 small sections that cover all the key aspects of any business: what the business offers, its team members, its customer-base, its partnerships and revenue streams.

The Business Model Canvas you create will provide focus on what’s driving the business; flexibility to modify and try different things; as well as transparency.

Download the Free Template Here

Download your very own Business Model Canvas and dedicate 20-minutes of your time to achieving your 2024 business goals. Follow the included instructions to properly complete each section of the canvas and reveal the next steps for your small business.

Already have a Business Model Canvas? Get one of our other helpful downloads below:
Small Business Funding Course
Fishing For Funds: A Startup Funding Checklist
Funding Program Fact-Sheet: The Nunavut Small Business Financing Program
Business Plan Essentials

Ready to start your Business Model Canvas? If you have any questions at any point, feel free to contact us to help you get through it. Good luck!

Business Advice, Funding

4 Easy Steps for a Small Business Grant in Canada

A significant lifeline for small business proprietors in Canada is the availability of grants. Such financial aid can equip entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to initiate and expand their ventures.

This article offers a step-by-step guide, streamlined into four manageable stages, to aid you in navigating the process of procuring a small business grant in Canada in just 4 easy topics.

Topic 1: Research available grants

When applying for a small business grant in Canada, it is essential to understand the various options available. Start by exploring government websites, such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). These organizations often offer grants to support innovative businesses. Additionally, some provinces and territories may have local grant programs specifically tailored to small businesses.

Topic 2: Determine eligibility requirements

Once you have identified potential grant opportunities, evaluate their eligibility criteria. Each grant program will have its own set of requirements, so it is crucial to assess whether your business meets these criteria before investing time in the application process. Consider factors such as industry, location, company size, revenue, and the purpose of the grant. By understanding the eligibility requirements, you can focus on grants that align closely with your business goals and increase your chances of success.

Topic 3: Prepare a compelling grant proposal

Crafting a well-written and persuasive grant proposal is vital to secure funding for your small business. Take the time to research and understand the format and guidelines of the grant application. Clearly articulate your business’s mission, goals, and how the grant will benefit your company. Provide detailed financial plans, market analysis, and any relevant past performance data to demonstrate your business’s viability and potential. Remember to showcase your passion and commitment to your entrepreneurial journey, as this can significantly impact the decision-making process.

Topic 4: Seek professional assistance if needed

Applying for grants can be a complex and time-consuming process. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking professional assistance. Small business development centers, grant consultants, or experts in your industry can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the application process. They can help you understand the specific requirements of each grant, offer feedback on your proposal, and increase your chances of success.

Securing a small business grant in Canada can significantly impact your entrepreneurial journey by providing the necessary financial support. To maximize your chances of success, dedicate time to research available grants, understand eligibility requirements, prepare a compelling grant proposal, seek assistance if needed, and follow up on your application. By carefully following these four easy steps, you can navigate the grant application process and increase your chances of receiving funding for your small business in Nunavut, Canada. Best of luck as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey!

Take the hassle out of business planning with our user-friendly Business Plan Builder tool. Build a comprehensive plan with financial statements, and position yourself for government funding opportunities.

Funding

Why You Need a Business Plan to Gain Government Funding

Securing the necessary funding to get your business off the ground can be a challenging task. Developing a comprehensive business plan is one effective way to secure financial support. In this article, we will explore the 6 main reasons why having a business plan is crucial when seeking government funding. By understanding the importance of a well-crafted business plan, you can increase your chances of securing the financial resources you need to start and grow your business.

I. State your business goals and objectives clearly

– Outline your long-term vision for your business

– Clearly define your short-term goals and objectives

– Showcase how your business will benefit Nunavut, both economically and socially

To gain government funding, it is essential to clearly articulate your business goals and objectives. A well-defined business plan will allow government agencies to understand how your business aligns with their priorities and how it will contribute to the development of Nunavut. By showcasing the social and economic benefits of your venture, you can make a compelling case for government funding.

II. Demonstrate market demand and feasibility

– Conduct market research to identify potential customers and competitors

– Showcase how your business fills an existing market gap or addresses a specific need

– Provide evidence of market demand for your products or services

Government agencies want to invest in businesses that have a high likelihood of success. By conducting thorough market research and including this information in your business plan, you can demonstrate the feasibility of your business concept. Highlight the potential customer base, identify your competitors, and explain how your business will differentiate itself. This will assure government funders that your business has a viable market and is likely to generate revenue.

III. Develop a detailed financial plan

– Estimate start-up costs and the initial investment needed

– Project revenue and expenses for the first few years of operation

– Highlight your business’s potential profitability and return on investment

A well-structured financial plan is crucial when seeking government funding. It demonstrates that you have carefully considered the financial aspects of your business and have a clear understanding of the financial resources required. Include a detailed breakdown of your start-up costs, such as equipment, inventory, marketing, and personnel. Moreover, provide revenue and expense projections for the first few years of operation to showcase the sustainability and profitability of your business.

IV. Outline your marketing and sales strategies

– Identify your target market and how you plan to reach them

– Develop a marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals

– Showcase your sales projections based on market research

Government funders will want to understand how you plan to market and sell your products or services. Clearly outline your target market and detail how you will reach them through various marketing channels, such as online advertising, social media, or local events. Additionally, demonstrate your understanding of your customer’s needs and buying behaviors to convince government agencies that your business has a solid marketing and sales strategy in place.

V. Explain your operational plan

– Detail the logistical and operational aspects of your business

– Outline your staffing needs and explain the skills and experiences required

– Showcase any partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your operations

Government funders want to ensure that your business is well-prepared to handle logistical and operational challenges. Include a detailed operational plan that outlines how your business will function daily. Explain your staffing needs and highlight any relevant skills and experience required. If you have partnerships or collaborations that can enhance your operations, clearly outline these as well. This will assure government agencies that your business is well-organized and capable of delivering on its promises.

VI. Highlight your commitment to Nunavut’s economic growth and development

– Showcase your dedication to creating job opportunities within the community

– Explain how your business will contribute to the local economy

– Detail any plans for community involvement, such as supporting local suppliers

Government funding often comes with the expectation that the recipient will contribute to the economic growth and development of the region. Highlight how your business plans to create job opportunities within the community and provide training and development for residents. Additionally, explain how your business will contribute to the local economy, whether through local procurement or other initiatives. Demonstrating a strong commitment to Nunavut’s economic well-being will significantly increase your chances of securing government funding.

In the competitive landscape of starting a business in Nunavut, having a well-crafted business plan is essential to gain government funding. By clearly articulating your business goals, demonstrating market demand, providing a detailed financial plan, outlining marketing and sales strategies, explaining the operational plan, and highlighting your commitment to Nunavut’s economic growth and development, you can make a compelling case for financial support. Remember, a comprehensive business plan not only helps secure government funding but also serves as a roadmap for your business’s success.

Funding

How to Apply for Government Grants in Nunavut

It can be difficult to apply for government grants if you’ve never done it before.

However, there is no cause for alarm!

Here, you’ll find a step-by-step approach to securing the capital your company need for success.

To begin, you must determine which federal funding initiatives you qualify for.

If you own a business in Nunavut, you may qualify for one of the many grants and programs offered by the provincial government.

Spend some time researching the many business grants and programs offered by the provincial government of Nunavut to determine which ones are the greatest fit for your company’s needs.

Examples of popular sources of financing are:

Government Grants:

Money from the government is given to private companies, nonprofits, and individuals to assist them meet a specific need.

Research and development, extending into new markets, and product creation are all examples of such aims.

Applicants for government grants are usually evaluated on the basis of their demonstrated merit, or ability to benefit from the grant money.

The various grant categories are as follows:

Non repayable government grants are one of the most common types of grants available.

These grants are given to businesses or individuals without the expectation of repayment, meaning that you don’t have to pay the money back once you receive it.

There are a few different types of non repayable government grants, including:

Grants for small businesses:

Government grants are available to help new and existing small enterprises get off the ground.
These funds can be put toward a number of different endeavours, including the acquisition of new tools or the hire of additional staff.

Grants for research and development: Grants for research and development are offered to businesses that are looking to conduct innovative research and develop new products or services.

This type of grant can be used to cover the costs of conducting research, such as hiring consultants or purchasing lab equipment.

Grants for women entrepreneurs: Women business owners can apply for grants to help them get started or expand their businesses. These grants can be put toward a wide range of activities, including but not limited to the following: establishing a new company, increasing production capacity, or traveling to and participating in professional development seminars for business owners.

Grants for Indigenous entrepreneurs: Natives, Inuit, and Métis business owners who are just getting started or looking to expand their operations can apply for one of many available grants for Indigenous entrepreneurs. These grants can be put toward a wide range of activities, including but not limited to the following: establishing a new company, increasing production capacity, or traveling to and participating in professional development seminars for business owners.

In addition to these, there are startup grants, business expansion grants and skills training grants.

One time and renewable government grants are another type of grant that is available.

One time grants are typically awarded for a specific project or purpose, and are not renewable once they have been used up.

On the other hand, renewable grants are ongoing and can be used for a variety of purposes over an extended period of time.

The most common type of renewable grant is a operating grant, which is given to businesses on an annual basis to help cover the costs of running their business.

Partial contribution grants are another type of grant that is available.

Partial contribution grants are typically given to businesses or individuals who are unable to fully cover the costs of a project on their own.

The Nunavut government will partially fund the project, and the business or individual will be responsible for covering the rest of the costs.

Matching grants are another type of grant that is available.

Matching grants are typically given to businesses or individuals who are able to raise a certain amount of money on their own.

The Nunavut government will then match the funds that have been raised, and the business or individual will be responsible for covering the rest of the costs.

Government Loans

Loans from the government are essentially loans from the government to private companies or people.

These loans are preferred by businesses because their interest rates are cheaper than those offered by banks.

Several distinct varieties of federal loans exist, including:

Loans for small businesses: these financing options exist to help established enterprises with limited resources grow. New machinery or personnel are only two examples of how these loans might be put to good use.

Startup loans: Lending assistance is available for new firms in the form of startup loans.
Loans of this type might be put for things like business permits and first advertising costs.

Business expansion loans: Loans for business expansion are available for companies who want to grow their operations. These loans can be used to pay for everything from the lease on a larger office to the salaries of new employees.

Skills training loans: Skills training loans are offered to businesses that are looking to provide training for their employees. These loans can be used to cover the costs of training, such as hiring instructors or purchasing educational materials.

In addition to these, there are also loans for specific business sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Remember that government loans can often come in the form of no interest, or low-interest options, as well as government-guaranteed loans.

Government loan programs typically have more flexible eligibility requirements than traditional bank loans, making them a more accessible option for businesses.

The next step

After determining which government funding options are right for, be it a government grant or a government loan it’s time to start preparing your application.

The most important part of your application will be your business plan.

This is your opportunity to sell the government on why your business is worth investing in. Make sure to include detailed information on your business model, target market, and financial projections. If you have any existing customers or clients, be sure to mention them as well!

A good tool to use to develop your business plan is the business plan builder tool. It is created to guide you step by step based on what Nunavut government funding agencies want to see.

Once you’ve assembled all of the required documentation, it’s time to submit your application.

The best way to do this is online, through the government’s official website. You’ll need to create an account and fill out all of the necessary information before you can submit your application.

As each funding program/applicaton may have a different application method – be sure to work with an expert to get help with the process.

Applying for government grants can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! By following this simple guide, you’ll be well on your way to getting the funding your business needs to grow and succeed. good luck!

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