On-Farm shop with local goods

Local shoppers, families looking for local food, and visitors from nearby towns, especially on weekends and in summer and fall.

Retail sales of your own products, plus a margin on goods bought from neighbouring producers. Seasonal events, gift boxes and holiday items can add sales.

• Retail and stock management
• Building relationships with local suppliers
• Marketing to local shoppers
• Basic bookkeeping and GST/HST handling

• Zoning and building permits for retail on agricultural land vary by province and municipality
• Food handling, dairy and meat sales need approvals from your public health unit or provincial regulator
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus WCB/WSIB once you hire
• Seasonal sales swings and quiet winters, so plan cash flow carefully
• Registering for GST/HST when revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and note that some basic groceries are zero-rated, so check with the CRA

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on your building and fit-out. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your location, range and the season.

Check zoning and building permits for retail on agricultural land, which vary by province and municipality. Food handling, dairy and meat sales need approvals from your public health unit or provincial regulator. Also check GST/HST with the CRA, as some basic groceries are zero-rated.

Sales swing with the seasons and winters can be quiet, so plan cash flow carefully. Estimates suggest at least around 20 hours a week. Useful skills include retail and stock management, building local supplier relationships and basic bookkeeping.