Business Planning

Planning is essential to any business, no matter how large or small your inventory, payroll and bank account. To be sustainable and profitable a farm operation must have a clear understanding of production, marketing, finances and labor. Having these plans mentally is not enough! Taking time to formulate thoughts, evaluate your business, devise a strategy, and anticipate possible problems will help your business be successful. The Farm Business Planning tools on this page will help put you on the right track.

Making decisions about the future of your land may seem overwhelming. It can be difficult to initiate conversations with your family, to sort out the different professionals involved in estate planning, and to know how to take the first step. Try not  to get overwhelmed—the hardest step is often the first one.  This publication can help get you started, and discusses the  types of professionals who will help make it happen. 

Like any new business venture, starting a distillery requires careful planning and a major investment of resources. Marylanders interested in opening a distillery should consider taking classes and talking to existing distillers before starting out on their own. This guide is intended to provide an overview of the legal process of getting the required licenses and permits needed to open a distillery.

The Cottage Food Industry Law of 2012 in Maryland opened the door for small-scale food entrepreneurs to launch a food business without investing in a commercial kitchen. The change in Maryland’s regulations allows individuals to prepare certain types of food items in their home kitchen. This report outlines the parameters of the Maryland Cottage Food Industry Law, including production and labeling requirements. The report also provides detailed information on approved cottage industry products, the requirements for selling them through various outlets, and regulations regarding limits on revenues and sales.