Business Planning & Market Expansion

The Haliburton County Development is not accepting applications for Business Planning & Market Expansion.

Purpose of the Business Planning and Market Expansion Initiative

The objectives are to support existing and potential businesses, entrepreneurs and social enterprises with financial assistance toward the development of:

• Business plans, business expansion plans, marketing strategies, export plans, feasibility studies, and strategic plans.
• Research & development projects, research analysis.
• Trade show exhibits for market expansion.

• Business and trade opportunity development.

The Business Planning and Market Expansion Initiative is intended to assist applicants to:

• Ensure that all aspects of their plan have been considered and properly investigated;
• Ensure that they have a clear understanding of all issues and potential problems;
• Raise their potential in gaining access to the required financing in a timely manner; and

• Expand the market for their products or services.

 Business Planning Guidelines in PDF

 Business Planning Application in PDF

 Business Planning Guidelines in Word

 Business Planning Application in Word

Eligible Activities:

• Hiring an arms-length consultant who will provide assistance with the research, development and finalization of a business, export and/or marketing plan.
  • Applicants are expected to be highly involved in the business planning/research process in order to have a good understanding of the final plan. Applicants are expected to use a selection process for their consultant that will ensure that the consultant is experienced, professional, and is recognized as providing high quality. work
• Business and trade opportunity development.
• Trade show* attendance in support of market expansion;

* Trade show: An exhibition for companies in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their new products and services. Generally trade shows aim to facilitate direct contact between businesses and distribution channel members (wholesalers, retailers, value added resellers).

Eligible Recipients:

• private sector for-profit businesses, social enterprises or a business start-up proposing activities in Haliburton County

Eligible Costs:

Up to $5,000 can be made available to assist with the costs of:

• an arms-length consultant to assist with planning or research
• trade show* attendance (entry fees, development of trade show booth, shipping, travel, accommodation, meals, prospect development)
• Business and trade opportunity development. (proposal development, prospect development, cost of travel to meet new clients, investors)

For-profit businesses are eligible for up to exceed 50% of costs and not-for-profit social enterprises up to 75%.

Funding Criteria

All Funds must be expended by March 31, 2014.

Application Process

Deadline for the first intake of applications – April 15th, 2013.

If there are funds remaining after the first intake applications we be accepted on a continuous intake basis. Please submit one unstapled copy. Pages should be numbered.

It is highly recommended that applicants discuss this project with Andy Campbell or Patti Tallman of the Haliburton County Development Corporation at 457-3555 prior to completing an application to ensure it fits the criteria.

Reporting and Monitoring

Successful applicant(s) will be required to report to HCDC on the progress of their plan, and submit a final report. These details will be outlined in a letter of understanding for approved projects.

Payment of HCDC Contributions
Detailed instructions and claim forms will be provided to applicants after their projects are approved by HCDC. However, applicants may find the following general information useful in their financial planning:

• In order to receive payment, applicants must file a claim. The claim must include a listing of all the costs incurred for the project with supporting invoices.
• If advance payments are required, please provide justification in your application.

Approval Process

Receipt of an application by HCDC does not indicate a commitment for funding.  All applications are reviewed by a review panel appointed by the Board of Directors of HCDC and assessed according to the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

All projects are funded in partnership with FedDev Ontario.