Research may include, but is not limited to
- chamber of commerce
- libraries
- trade magazines or journals
- Internet
- U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
- other agencies (e.g., SCORE, Virginia Department of Business Assistance and Virginia's regional technology councils).
Mentors and professional advisers may include
- entrepreneurs
- SBA representatives
- bank representatives
- trade association representatives
- small business development centers.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Who might serve as mentors to a new agribusiness?
- What governmental agencies are available to help mentor a new agribusiness?
- Why should an agribusiness have a business plan?
- Why is it important to include the objectives of the business in the business plan?
- How important is the marketing component in a business plan?
- How does the business determine the profit goals?
- From where does the best research on competitors come?
- Which financial statements are required for a business plan?