Key Steps in Starting a NTFP-based Business

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have provided nourishment, medicines, housing and transportation for thousands of years to Aboriginal Peoples. In the more recent past, many products have supplemented incomes for families and farmers. Products such as maple syrup, Christmas trees and wild blueberries have become major commercial NTFP products. Many others have developed in local or regional markets and an under-ground economy in NTFPs has flourished especially in rural and northern Canada. Collectively, these products have an estimated market value of $1 Billion per year in Canada.

As the market expands, there is opportunity for a wide range of new entrepreneurs to develop NTFP businesses. However, starting a new business is complex and the NTFP sector has inherent added layers of complexity. Entrepreneurs who wish to become involved in NTFP production should be aware of the many steps that need attention in developing a successful NTFP enterprise.