 FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is FCC offering this award to agriculture students?
We’re excited about the future of agriculture. We want young producers to have the management skills they need to succeed.
Many producers who are starting out have told us that getting access to reliable farm management information, particularly related to business planning, is a challenge. This award gives students real-life business planning experience and encourages them to build a solid foundation for their future.
Who is eligible to win an award?
Students are eligible if they:
- are enrolled in the diploma or degree program of a participating agriculture college;
- have participated in the course designated by the college that is applicable to the FCC Business Planning Award;
- have a mentor (parent, producer or industry specialist) and
- have prepared a real-life business plan either as an individual or as part of a team, and have had this plan endorsed by their mentor.
How are winners chosen?
Colleges select award winners based on the college’s own selection criteria. Your instructor or professor will supply you with the criteria at your college. By applying for the award and signing an entry form, a winner agrees to participate in a media plan, which may include a news release with a photo and television, radio and newspaper interviews.
Why are only agriculture students offered this opportunity?
FCC's mandate as a federal Crown corporation is to maintain a primary focus on farming operations including family farms. Our research also shows that a large percentage of agriculture students return directly to the farm after completing their program. For these reasons, we've chosen to focus our business planning awards on the producers and agribusiness operators of the future. After all, the better prepared they are for their future in agriculture, the stronger the industry will be for everyone.
Why must business plans be mentored?
These are real-life plans. We want students to get experience with advice from parents or mentors who work in the business of agriculture.
What’s the best way to have my plan endorsed?
As a student in an agriculture diploma or degree program, you likely have ties to people working in agriculture or agribusiness. Your mentor can be a parent working on a family farm or an operator who owns an agribusiness. Ensure that your mentor works in agriculture, can offer feedback on your business plan submission, and that you have an understanding of your mentor’s business. The mentor who reviews your business plan can also endorse the plan by signing your application form.
What kinds of business plans are eligible?
As long as your business plan is related to agriculture or agribusiness, it’s eligible. The business plan must relate to a project, operation or business that will enhance agriculture in rural Canada. Your instructor or professor can give you additional information and guidance on the types of business plans that qualify.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the award or my business plan?
You can call your nearest FCC office at 1-800-387-3232. You can also call a participating college.
Like legal stuff? Read the rules here.
Want cash for your business plan? Apply here (63KB pdf)
Want tips on preparing your business plan? Get them here
To view the PDF publications listed, you will need Acrobat Reader™.
|
