Working with a Consultant to Develop Your Business Plan

FAQs

Are there online resources to assist me in preparing a business plan?

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Read about applying to ABC for financial assistance Read about how ABC will assess your business plan Contact ABC to discuss my business proposal

If you intend to work with a consultant to assist in developing your business plan, Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) can reimburse some of the fees involved, but we will need to assess this and have a signed Letter of Offer in place before you enter into a contract with the consultant.

Consultants must operate at arm's length. If you are unsure about what you should be looking for in third-party consultants, your development officer can provide you with information or terms-of-reference to help you understand what will be required.

We may request that you obtain multiple bids for consulting proposals to ensure competitive pricing and to compare consulting approaches.

At a minimum, all proposals from consultants must include:

• a work plan detailing the work to be completed and the timeframe in which it will be completed;
• a description of the methodology to be used in completing the work;
• a detailed budget that identifies the number of days required to complete the project, the per diem rates to be charged, and any out-of-pocket expenses for travel or administration;
• a detailed listing of the direct, related experience of the company or consultant hired to prepare the plan; and
• résumés demonstrating the capability or expertise of the individual or individuals on the project team as it relates to the project being proposed.

Although ABC will evaluate the ability of the consultant to undertake the work, and will make an assessment of the overall project budget, you must decide which consultant you will be able to work with most effectively. It is essential that you choose a consultant that will best suit your needs.

Please allow yourself sufficient time for the preparation of your business plan. This document is vital to the success of your application and that of your business venture. Preparing a business plan can take weeks, even months, depending on the complexity of your project.