Business Plan Checklists
The Business Plan Checklist provides a standardised list of essential items to address when developing a comprehensive business plan to submit as part of a cannabis license application to the GSC.
The GSC has presented the key sections in an easy-to-follow checklist format to help the GSC communicate what level of detail they require applicants to include in a business plan. Referencing to this checklist allows applicants to ensure their plan addresses each required point. This will demonstrates a viable operational strategy for consideration by regulators.
Applicants can use the checklist as a starting point and reference guide for developing a high-quality business plan that fully responds to GSC evaluation criteria. While not exhaustive, it provides a simple framework for the core components expected in a license application submission.
Adhering to the established elements outlined in the checklist gives applicants confidence that their business plan includes the level of documentation needed to satisfy GSC assessment standards. It aims to streamline the application process
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High THC/Research License Checklist Guidance
This link provides the business plan checklist for an application looking for a High THC or Research license. The following is an example of what will be evaluated:
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General Details: Provide information on the business model, licensing details, location/site plans, security, infrastructure, utilities, environment/waste management, planting/harvest schedules, and route to market.
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Internal Control Systems: Describe your proposed track and trace system and business continuity plans.
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Testing Details: Provide information on the quality product testing.
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Marketing/Advertising: Give an overview of your plans in this area.
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Customs & Excise Considerations: Address any relevant import/export plans.
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Business Software: List any software used to manage operations.
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Seed to Sale Process: Follow the seed through cultivation, processing etc and include relevant charts/diagrams.
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Financial Details: In addition to 3 year projections, address funding sources, accounting procedures and anti-money laundering controls.
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Employment & Third Parties: Provide staffing plans, employee onboarding and details of transportation/other partners.
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SOPs & Prior Experience: Attach any standard operating procedures and detail experience with other cannabis licenses if applicable.
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Ownership & Organisation Structure: Includes charts outlining ownership, management roles and responsibilities.
Using the checklist as a guide will help ensure a thorough business plan is submitted to support your license application.
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Transport and Storage License Checklist Guidance
This link provides business plan checklist guidance for a Transport and Storage license application. The following is an example of what will be evaluated:
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General Details: Provide details on the transport/storage business model, license specifics, site/facility plans, security, environmental plans, continuity plans.
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Banking Information: Describe your banking arrangements.
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Employment & Third Parties: Provide driver/crew onboarding procedures and client/vendor agreements.
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Standard Operating Procedures: Attach any relevant SOPs.
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Financial Details: In addition to 3 year projections, address funding sources, accounting procedures and anti-money laundering controls. Include projections for transport/logistics costs/
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People Information: Provide organisational charts outlining logistics, dispatch, and operations teams.
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Import/Export License Checklist Guidance
This link provides the business plan checklist to address for an import or export license application. The following is an example of what will be evaluated
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General Details: Outline scope of activities, define business model, target markets. Include contingency plans for shipment/border delays.
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Business Continuity: Include contingency plans for possible international shipment disruptions or border delays.
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Banking Information: Describe your banking arrangements.
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Employment & Third Parties: Cover customs and transport/freight agreements.
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Standard Operating Procedures: Attach any relevant SOPs.
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Financial details: In addition to 3 year projections, address funding sources, accounting procedures and anti-money laundering controls.
Using the Import/Export license checklist fully will help to submit a comprehensive business plan and support a strong license application. Addressing all sections is important to demonstrate readiness and compliance.
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Manufacturing & Extraction License Checklist Guidance
This link provides the business plan checklist for an Manufacturing & Extraction license application. The following is an example of what will be evaluated:
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General Details: Provide information on the business model, licensing details, location/site plans, security, infrastructure, utilities, environment/waste management, route to market, and business continuity plans.
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Testing/Labelling Details: Describe quality testing and labelling of finished products.
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Marketing/Advertising: Give an overview of your plans in this area.
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Customs & Excise Considerations: Address any relevant import/export plans.
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Banking Information: Describe your banking arrangements.
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Employment & Third Parties: Provide staffing plans, employee onboarding and details of partners.
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Prior Experience: Detail experience with other cannabis licenses if applicable.
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Standard Operating Procedures: Attach any relevant SOPs.
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Financial Details: In addition to 3 year projections, address funding sources, accounting procedures and anti-money laundering controls.
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Ownership & Organisation Structure: Include charts outlining ownership, management roles and responsibilities.
Using the Manufacturing & Extraction checklist fully will help to submit a comprehensive business plan and support a strong license application. Addressing all sections is important to demonstrate readiness and compliance.
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Analysis License Checklist Guidance
This link provides the business plan checklist for an Analysis license application. The following is an example of what will be evaluated:
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General Details: Provide information on the business model, licensing details, location/site plans, security, environmental plans, destruction policy, business continuity, and details of analytical services offered.
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Transport Considerations: Address any relevant transport/logistics plans.
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Banking Information: Describe your banking arrangements.
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Employment & Third Parties: Provide staffing plans, employee onboarding and details of any partners.
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Prior Experience: Detail experience with other cannabis licenses if applicable.
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Standard Operating Procedures: Attach any relevant SOPs.
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Financial Details: In addition to 3 year projections, address funding sources, accounting procedures.
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Ownership & Organisation Structure: Include charts outlining ownership, management roles and responsibilities.
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