Need a vineyard business plan? The plan for a vineyard depends on whether you already own the property or not. If your business is already in operation and you need expansion capital, in some ways, you're in luck – you should be able to pull together past performance statements and you'll have a leg up on marketing materials, branding and labeling, and hopefully distribution channels as well. If you're new to this, don't fear – but know that the battle is a little harder. You will need to demonstrate in your business plan that there is a market need and a solid opportunity for your vineyard to make a strong entrance to the market. This is an industry that demands expertise, so having advisors or management team members who've run or worked at vineyards in the past will be a great step forward. Your plan also needs to examine these items:
What regulations will you face as a producer of alcohol, and what costs do you need to account for to cover fees, permits, etc.?
What are your personnel needs likely to be for Year 1, or Year 3?
Which vineyards will you be competing with directly? Are there wineries in the region that could act as partners to you in any capacity?
Do you have management team gaps you'll need to recruit for?
Are there any marketing strategies unique to your business?
Depending on how much capital you need and where you will go to present your business plan, you'll need with a complete 3-year forecast (for the SBA or a banker's review) or a 5-year forecast (for a private/angel investor or VC). Either way, the pro forma should draw on industry average figures as much as possible and pin its figures to working assumptions. If you need help developing the pro forma or have questions about the market research you will need, call MasterPlans. We have written for a wide range of vineyards since we started in 2002 and we can help you get the exact plan you need no matter who your funding audience is. Speak with a consultant today! 877-453-2011.
