Convenience Store

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Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan
April 2003

Ben Reid
Reid's Convenience Store
1035 Whenun Road
Prince George, BC, V2K 5G5
Phone: (250) 555-5555
Fax: (250) 555-5555
E-Mail: reid@aol.com

Executive Summary:
Applicant/Company Information
a.
b.

Business Name:
Address:

c.
d.

Phone:
Contact Person:

e.

Business Structure:

f.

Banking Information:
Bank:
Address:
Phone:
Contact:
Title:

g.

Reid's Convenience Store

1035 Whenun Road,
Prince George, BC, V2K 5G5
(250) 555-5555
Johnathan Reid
Sole Proprietorship

Royal Bank
Royal Bank - Main Branch
550 Victoria Street, Prince George, BC V2L 2K1
(250) 555-5555
Fax:(250) 555-5555
Mr. V. Happy
Loans Officer

Anticipated Start Date:

Reid's Convenience store is prepared to purchase the equipment and inventory

necessary to begin operations immediately, upon approval of funding.
h.

Business concept:

Mr. Reid recognized a need for a store in the area after a neighbouring store
closed. Mr. Reid conducted a resident's survey asking about the need for a
corner store and support was the community overwhelmingly supported the
concept. There are no such stores within a 8-block radius, and the target
market will include local residents both on and off reserve.
Mr. Reid has extensive retail experience in both grocery and sundry sales and
has identified four primary categories of product; pop/chips; toys; taxable
cigarettes and food products.
The Principal, Mr. Reid will, upon approval of funding, renovate the building,
and purchase the necessary equipment and inventory.

i.

Business operations (facility, equipment, etc.)

The store will be open 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Reid's
Convenience Store will be a convenience store located at 1035 Whenun
Road, Prince George, BC, V2K 5G5. This is centrally located in the heart of
Prince George on reserve land, on the residential property of the Principal.
The Lheidli T'enneh Chief and Council has offered their full support and await
a copy of this plan to in order to provide a Band Council Resolution to allow
Mr. Reid to operate.

The store will be situated in a 1400 square foot building that is owned by the
principal, it will be renovated with the appropriate shelving, refrigeration and
cash counters required for operation. The building will consist of 3 rooms, an
office, a washroom and the main store area.
j.

Number of employees:

Reid's Convenience Store will have two employees, one full-time and one parttime. Mr. Reid will be the sole owner and primary operator for Reid's
Convenience Store. Mr. Reid has extensive retail experience in the retail
grocery business as a supervisor for a local supermarket and has worked at a
high volume hardware-store and also a government liquor store.
Mrs. Reid will assist in daily operations of the store, and will handle

bookkeeping and financial reporting. Within five years it is anticipated that the
company would analyse the viability of hiring a another part-time employee for
4 hours per day however at this time there are no plans to hire any more
employees within the first three years of business.
k.

Management team background and experiences:

Mr. Reid has extensive retail experience that is crucial to the type of business
he is opening. Mr. Reids experience includes work at a retail grocery store, a
high volume hardware store (sundry) sales, and liquor store sales. He has
worked in retail sales for 15 years and is experienced with all aspects of daily
operations including ordering, receiving, budgeting, merchandising, and daily
banking. Mr. Reid is particularly skilled in public relations, is very organized, is
able to work independently, is reliable, dependable and hardworking.
A resume and 2 letters of reference are attached in the appendices of this
document.
l.

Market Niche:

Local Need: The customers that the store will target are the local residents
and the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation members. The area has no other such
convenience store in a 8 block radius, local residents grocery needs being filled
by Overwaitea Foods, Safeway, or PGA Food Market, all in the town of Prince
George.
Proven Market: A small convenience store, The Little Valley Food Market
located 6 blocks away, did exist until 6 months ago, when it was forced to
close due to the high rent/lease costs. This business had a proven market
that Reid's Convenience Store will capitalize upon.
Management Experience: The experience that Mr. Reid brings to the
endeavour is invaluable, he has product knowledge, is familiar with large chain
pricing and techniques, and their sales strategies. While working for the local
grocery store Mr. Reid established valuable wholesale contacts he will utilize in
the new business.
Community Support: Mr. Reid conducted a survey within the Lheidli T'enneh
First Nation (35 households) and the results indicated that a small
convenience store with overwhelming support for the concept. A copy of
the survey is attached in the appendices of this business plan.

m.

Client Base:

Reid's Convenience Store has a potential target market, as follows:

800 local residents within the 10-block radius

108 on-reserve residents (304 registered to band, 196 off reserve)
Lheidli T'enneh Band Office, 15 employees, numerous visitors
250 students from Central Fort George Elementary School, parents &
staff
430 students from John McInnis Junior Secondary School, parents &
staff
200 local Bingo, held 4 times per week at the community hall next door
30 Warehouse employees (1/2 block away)

Client demographics include local residents from all age groups and socioeconomic ranges, consisting primarily of families. A large secondary target
group will be children and teens that regularly purchase candy, soft drinks and
other fast-grab foods.
The client base covers the area as listed on the map below:

n.

Factors for Success:

The business will succeed due to a variety of factors.

There in no competition in the targeted neighbourhood

Strong management work ethic; currently holds 2 jobs, and has
excellent references from both.
Mr. Reid's experience in retail grocery sales
Mr. Reid's wholesale contacts.
Proven Market.
Local need.
Proven community support.

Financial information for this Operation

Item
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Cost

Business Start Up Costs

Renovations
Inventory
Shelving
Cooler Lease Deposit
Air Conditioner
Signage
Cash Counter
Operating Capital

$5,500.00
$8,100.00
$1,231.00
$280.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$500.00
$2,889.00
Total

TACC Loan:
Equity Contribution:
Total Project Cost:

c.

$ 20,000.00

$17,000.00
$ 3,000.00
$ 20,000.00

Expected sales from the first three years of operations:

Year 1
$

100,000

Year 2
$ 115,000

Year 3
$ 132,250

Table of Contents
Page
Section A

Business Plan:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Section B

Business Description
Business and Industry Market Analysis
Operational Plan
Organizational Plan: Management and Staffing
Marketing Plan & Competition
Business Feasibility & SWOT Analysis

Financial Projections:
12 month cash flow projections
3 year cash flow projections
3 year projected income statement and balance sheet

Section C

Supporting Documents:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.

Rsums
Letters of Reference
Renovations Quote
Store Floor Plan
Area Map
Prince George Area Statistics/ Community Profile
Shelving Quote
Cooler Rental Agreement
Air Conditioning Quote
Signage Quote
Cash Counter Quote
Inventory Sheets & Spreadsheets
BCR, to follow
Community Survey Results

Business Plan
1.

Business Description
a.

Type of business:

Grocery/Convenience store

Business Structure:

Sole Proprietorship

Owner

Johnathan Reid

Percentage of Aboriginal ownership:

a.

100 %

Type of business:
Business Structure:
Name

1.

Sole Proprietorship
% ownership

Johnathan Reid

100 %

Percentage of Aboriginal ownership:

b.

100 %

Products or services the business will provide:

Reid's Convenience Store will be a full-time convenience store operating 7 days a

week, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. selling; pop/chips; toys; taxable cigarettes; and
food products.
The store will offer friendly and personalised service, reasonably priced merchandise,
tax exemption for status customers and a convenient location.
A detailed inventory list is in attached in the appendices to this document.
Business logo:

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

No

Page 8

Mission Statement:
Reid's Convenience Store will strive to provide superior customer service and the
highest quality groceries at an affordable price, while operating as a profit and
growth oriented business.
2.

Business and Industry Market Analysis

a.

Industry Sector:

b.

History of the industry:

Retail

Over the last century, convenience stores have provided a thriving service to local
neighbourhoods. Typically, corner stores are defined as neighbourhood retail shops
that specialise in a limited selection of merchandise, such as milk, bread and other
household necessities. Convenience stores are largely a cash-based business
conveniently located for quick in and out shopping, and can be operated by one
clerk. The consumer usually requires the services and products that the corner store
offers on a daily, weekly or bi-weekly basis. Corner stores provide quick checkout
times, extended hours of business and convenient locations. Considered a mature
industry, convenience stores are a powerful retailing group in Canada.
Within the industry U.S. Economic trends are similar to Canadian trends. A leading
expert stated That the convenience store industry grew in 2000 in spite of high
interest rates, a stagnant stock market, and signs of an economic slowdown is a
testament to the overall strength of the industry," said Teri Richman, North
American Convenience Store' senior vice president of strategic alliances and
initiatives. "It shows that the value that consumers place on the industry remains at
an all-time high, and that the industry is delivering," Richman added. No matter
what the size of the convenience store - whether it is a one-store operation or a
company of several thousand, there is one consistent element: A convenience store
is an anchor business to the neighbourhoods of America," said Richman. "With
approximately 120,000 convenience stores nationwide, people have convenient and
immediate access to food products, beverages, cash, petroleum, and any necessity
item. The convenience store has become the gas station, quick-service restaurant,
bank, and water cooler of a mobile, time-hungry society."

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

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Current size & demand:

Mr. Reid conducted a survey among 108 Lheidli T'enneh First Nation members. The
question asked was Would you be in favour and buy at a store located on the
reserve? The response was extremely favourable. This community support is
crucial when the primary target customers are 108 Lheidli T'enneh First Nation
members. There are 108 on-reserve residents in the vicinity. According to Statisitics
Canada (2001) there are 7,155 First Nations persons that live in the Prince George
area (on and off reserve).
The businesses secondary target client group are local residents within a 8 block
radius, or approximately 1,000 people.
The average household (according to The Prince George Community Profile, Prince
George Library) spends per year:
Food
Health and personal hygiene
Other
Total

$ 5,408.00
$ 1,731.00
$ 7,733.00
$14,872.00

Currently there are 35 households on the Lheidli T'enneh reserve(s), and an

additional 160-200 households within a 8-block radius and approximately 29,345
households in the Prince George District Municipality. Resulting in a total household
client base of 195-235 homes within a eight-block radius.
According to the Prince George Community Profile 2001, Prince George residents
spend $40.6 million dollars per year on grocery store and other food products.
Based upon the number of households and the average spending Prince George
residents spend $14,872.00 per year on grocery store and other food products.
Calculating the average spending based upon 235 homes in the local area at 5% of
average spending it is estimated that Reid's Convenience Store could conservatively
gross $100,000.00 per year.
c.

The Target Customers

The average customer that the business will target will be from all age groups, with
an average household income of approximately $ 45,514 (2001-Statistics Canada).
Many households have both parents in the work force, 63.6% of Canadian women
with children younger than six worked outside the home (Statistics Canada, 1990).
Reids Convenience Store
Business Plan

Page 10

Based upon an average pooling of clients it is estimated that Reid's Convenience

Store client breakdown based upon per 1200 clients, will be as follows:

800 local residents within the 10-block radius

108 on-reserve residents (304 registered to band, 196 off reserve)
Lheidli T'enneh Band Office, 15 employees, numerous visitors
250 students from Central Fort George Elementary School, parents &
staff
430 students from John McInnis Junior Secondary School, parents &
staff
200 local Bingo, held 4 times per week at the community hall next door
30 Warehouse employees (1/2 block away)

Mr. Reid recently conducted as survey and asked: Would You Support a Small
Convenience Store on reserve? The results were unanimously in favor of such a
business endeavor. The results are attached in the appendices of this document.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 11

Potential market growth:

Reid's Convenience Store anticipates growth to be based upon two primary client
groups, Lheidli T'enneh Reserve residents and local (non-aboriginal residents) in an 8
block radius. Local business will be generated through an aggressive marketing
campaign to local residents, the band office, and the local bingo hall, and local preschools.
It is anticipated that the market penetration will increase over the next five years
from 5% of local residents spending to 10%, and the client market area will increase
to a 15-block radius.
d.

Direct and Indirect Competition:

The direct competition in for Reid's Convenience Store consists of one company:
1.

7-Eleven

Address

Years in Business

Market Share

Price/Strategy

Product/Service

Advantages

Disadvantages

1234 14th Avenue, Prince George, BC

10 years
10%
Same
Same product, lower levels of client service.
longer hours, greater purchasing power, variety
of products, gas-bar, lottery license.
Distance

Reid's Convenience Stores indirect competition is 2 large grocery retailers, as listed

below:
1.

Canada Safeway

Address
Years in Business
Market Share
Price/Strategy
Product/Service
Advantages

Disadvantage

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

9299 Main Street

30 years
10%
Same
Greater buying power and variety of products
longer hours, more products, large promotional
sales and industry name.
Distance

Page 12

2.

Overwaitea Foods

Address
2H7
Years in Business
Market Share
Price/Strategy
Product/Service
Advantages

Disadvantage

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

3885 Austin Road West, Prince George, BC V2K

14 years
10%
Same
Greater buying power and variety of products
longer hours, more products, large promotional
sales and industry name.
Distance

Page 13

3.

Operational Plan
a. Location & Facilities:

Reid's Convenience Store will be located 1035 Whenun Road, Prince George, BC,
V2K 5G5, on the Lheidli T'enneh First Reserve, The service area will be the Lheidli
T'enneh First Nation, and the 8-block radius surrounding the store.
Reid's Convenience Store will provide service to are shown below:

The store will be located in a building that will be renovated and equipped with the
necessary furnishings, shelving and plumbing. The approximate square footage of
the unit is 1,400 square feet. The unit will have 3 rooms, consisting of an office,
washroom and the retail store area. A floor plan is attached in the appendices of
this document.
The building was leased out by Mr. Reid to a pizza company that relocated, and is
fully wired for electrical, security and phones, and is on the residential property of
the Mr. Reid. The Lheidli T'enneh Chief and Council have provided their full support
and verbally agreed to support this venture. A formal BCR will be issued upon review
of this business plan.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

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Description of facility requirements:

Electronic Equipment:
Existing
Equipment
Computer
Printer
Automobile
Software
Total:

Value
$ 2,400.00
$ 300.00
$ 7,000.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 10,700.00

Required
Equipment
Air Conditioner

Budget Cost
$ 1,000.00

Total:

$1,000.00

Total:

Budget Cost
$1,231.00
$ 500.00
$ 500.00
$2,231.00

Furniture/ Fixtures:
Required Furniture/ Fixtures
Shelving
Signage
Cash Counter

b. Production Process:
Daily retail operations will consist of the following:

Open store, disarm alarm

Cash count, turn on necessary machinery, debit machine, etc.
Do books from previous day, check inventory, order as necessary
Handle sales
Close out cash and balance
Close store, arm alarm

e.

Action Plan:

Business will commence operations based on the following work plan:

i)

Secure BCR. Gut /renovate building.

ii)

Installation of equipment necessary for business operations:

Store shelving
Cash counter
Cash register
Debit machine

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

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2 door cooler
1 door cooler
Freezer

iii)

Stocking merchandise for retail sales

iv)

Marketing/ Promotion:
-Hand deliver promotional flyers to prospective customers
-Fax grand opening specials, flyers to local band offices, businesses

f.

Is an environmental audit required for your business? If so by who?

An environmental audit is not required for this business.

g.

Will your company hire a bookkeeper or accountant? If so who?

Mrs. Reid will handle bookkeeping, and an accountant will be hired to handle yearly
financials and taxes.
h.

Major Suppliers

Supplier
Good Humour

Costco
HY Louie
Core-Mark
International
Inc
Coca Cola
Bottling Co.

Location
Prince
George
Prince
George
Prince
George
Prince
George

Products
Ice cream bars, Popsicles

Terms
C.O.D.

Canned & dry goods

C.O.D.

Canned goods, dry goods, frozen

C.O.D.

Cigarettes, tobacco products

C.O.D.

Prince
George

Soft Drinks

C.O.D.

(250)563-2133

Many suppliers demand C.O.D., until credit checks are completed and terms are
established.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 16

i.

Licences, Permits, and Insurance

1.

Business Licence

2.

Business Insurance

3.

BCR

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 17

Organizational Plan: Management and Staffing

a. Management and Personnel:
Johnathan Reid will be sole owner and primary operator of the business. He will be
responsible all aspects of operations. Mr. Reids experience includes work at a retail
grocery sales, a high volume hardware store (sundry) sales, and liquor store sales. He
has worked in retail sales for 15 years and is experienced with all aspects of daily
operations including ordering, receiving, budgeting, merchandising, and daily banking.
Mr. Reid is particularly skilled in public relations, is very organised, is able to work
independently, is reliable, dependable and hardworking. A resume and 2 letters of
reference are attached in the appendices of this document.
Mrs. Reid will assist in daily operations of the store as needed. Mrs. Reid can assist
with bookkeeping and financial reporting, but is not anticipated to draw a wage for
this casual work within the first five years of operation.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 18

5.

The Marketing Plan and Competition

a.

Overall market:

The average household (according to The Prince George Community Profile, Prince
George Library) spends per year:
Food
Health and personal hygiene
Other

$ 5,408.00
$ 1,731.00
$ 7,733.00

Total

$14,872.00

Currently there are 35 households on the Lheidli T'enneh reserve(s), and an

additional 160-200 households within a 8-block radius and approximately 29,345
households in the Prince George District Municipality. Resulting in a total household
client base of 195-235 homes within a eight-block radius.
According to the Prince George Community Profile 2001, Prince George residents
spend $40.6 million dollars per year on grocery store and other food products.
Based upon the number of households and the average spending Prince George
residents spend $14,872.00 per year on grocery store and other food products.
Calculating the average spending based upon 235 homes in the local area at 5% of
average spending it is estimated that Reid's Convenience Store could conservatively
gross $100,000.00 per year.
b.

The Target Customers

The average customer that the business will target will be from all age groups, with
an average household income of approximately $45,514 (2001-Statistics Canada).
Many households have both parents in the work force, 63.6% of Canadian women
with children younger than six worked outside the home (Statistics Canada, 1990).
Based upon an average pooling of clients it is estimated that Reid's Convenience
Store client breakdown based upon per 1200 clients, will be as follows:

800 local residents within the 10-block radius

108 on-reserve residents (304 registered to band, 196 off reserve)
Lheidli T'enneh Band Office, 15 employees, numerous visitors
250 students from Central Fort George Elementary School, parents &
staff
430 students from John McInnis Junior Secondary School, parents &
staff

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 19

200 local Bingo, held 4 times per week at the community hall next door
30 Warehouse employees (1/2 block away)

Mr. Reid recently conducted as survey and asked: Would You Support a Small
Convenience Store on the Reserve? The results were unanimously in favor of such a
business endeavor. The results are attached in the appendices of this document.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 20

c.

Marketing Strategy

Reid's Convenience Store will attract local clients and foster loyalty with competitive
pricing, convenient location, and friendly service. In addition, the store will offer tax
exemption to status first nations customers, offer monthly specials, draws, and
promotions.
Mr. Reid may join an industry association such Retail Council of Canada (for a nominal
annual fee), who provides the business with cost-saving services (such as low
merchant rates on credit cards) and practical advice through newsletters and
workshops.
Local Advertising:
Flyer distribution: flyers will be distributed in the local area on a monthly basis
advertising specials, draws and promotions.
Sandwich Boards: Mr. Reid will display 2 sandwich boards, one for either store end.
f.

Pricing Strategy and Target Sales

Pricing will be set at 30%-100% mark-up, dependant upon the following categories:
q
q
q
q

Pop/ Chips
Toys
Cigarettes
Food Products

30% mark up
100% mark up
110% mark up
40% mark up

No credit will be offered to customers. Sales will be cash, Interac or credit card.
Suppliers will be on a C.O.D. basis, until 30 net terms can be established.

Purpose of Loan
Mr. Reid seeks a $17,000.00 FCF Loan to establish a convenience store. In addition
Mr. Reid will contribute $3,000.00 equity for a total project cost of $20,000.00, for
which Mr. Reid will renovate his building, install shelving, a cooler, air conditioner, cash
counter, install signage and purchase inventory.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 21

Item

Cost

Business Start Up Costs

1 Renovations

$5,500.00

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

$8,100.00
$1,231.00
$280.00
$1,000.00
$500.00
$500.00
$2,889.00

Inventory
Shelving
Cooler Lease Deposit
Air Conditioner
Signage
Cash Counter
Operating Capital
Total

6.

$ 20,000.00

Business feasibility and SWOT Analysis

a. S.W.O.T. Analysis.

Strengths:
The advantage that Reid's Convenience Store has is that there is no
competiton within a 8-block radius. The Little Valley Food Market was
located in the area until 6 months ago when it went out of business, due to
high lease rates at that location. Mr. Reid has the advantage of being a
business based on reserve, where rent is not a factor in operations.
In addition, Mr. Reid, his strong work ethic and his ability to deal with the
public in a friendly and courteous manner.
Weaknesses:
One weakness is the location. Due to the fact that the business will be
located on reserve, suppliers may be hesitant to give terms.
Opportunities:
There is the opportunity to expand the product line(s) that the store carries.
My Reid's Convenience Store anticipates that within the first two years of
Reids Convenience Store
Business Plan

Page 22

operation that it may qualify for a tax-exempt tobacco license and lottery
goods. There is also the potential that the business may be able to employ
local people part time.
Other services being considered are:
q ATM (Automated teller machine)
q Flower sales
q Local crafts
q Fresh coffee
Threats:
The major threat is the possibility that another corner store will open in the
vicinity. Mr. Reid will establish a loyal customer base to alleviate transfer of
customers to another business.
b. Risk Assessment
Mr. Reid will maintain one of his jobs to ensure financial obligations are met. He is
considering giving terms to the band office and other First Nations organizations to
ensure a positive cash flow.
c.

Viability and Long Range Plans:

Reid's Convenience Store will succeed due to a variety of factors.

Local Need: The customers that the store will target are the local residents
and Lheidli T'enneh First Nation members. The area has no other such
convenience store in a 8 block radius, with local residents grocery needs being
filled by Overwaitea Foods, Safeway, or 7-11.
Proven Market: A small convenience store, The Little Valley market located at
1234 8th Avenue , did exist in the neighbourhood until 6 months ago, when it
was forced to close due to the high rent/lease costs. This business had a
proven market that Reid's Convenience Store will capitalize upon.
Management Experience: The experience that Mr. Reid brings to the
endeavour is invaluable, he has product knowledge, is familiar with large chain
pricing and techniques, and their sales strategies. While working for the local
grocery hardware store Mr. Reid has established valuable wholesale contacts
Reids Convenience Store
Business Plan

Page 23

he will utilize in the new business. In addition, Mr. Reid has an excellent work
ethic, having held down two jobs that provide his excellent references.
Finally, with regard to management experience Mr. Reid has an excellent
relationship established with the necessary suppliers for this venture.
Community Support: Mr. Reid conducted a survey within the Lheidli T'enneh
First Nation members (35 households) and the results indicated that a small
convenience store with overwhelming support for the concept. A copy of the
survey is attached in the appendices of this business plan.
Long-range plans include the acquisition of a tax-exempt cigarette licence for the
reserve, and a lottery licence (keno) from the provincial government. These are
time-consuming processes, but these product lines will be applied for in the first
quarter.

Reids Convenience Store

Business Plan

Page 24

Cash Receipts:
Opening Cash Balance
TACC FCF Loan
Owners Equity

Month 1
2-Sep

reids cash flow.xls

12 MONTH CASH FLOW PROJECTIONS

$3,000
$200
$2,000
$3,500

$12,453

$9,500

$3,000
$250
$2,250
$4,000

$13,755

$10,000

$3,500
$250
$2,250
$4,000

$14,738

$10,250

$3,500
$250
$2,500
$4,000

$16,341

$10,800

$3,500
$300
$3,000
$4,000

$17,655

$10,800

$3,500
$300
$3,000
$4,000

$100,000

$33,500
$2,500
$17,000
$39,000

Totals

$8,700

$6,855

Month 12
3-Aug

$3,000
$200
$2,000
$3,500

$11,169

$5,541

Month 11
3-Jul

$8,700

$4,488

Month 10
3-Jun

$2,500
$200
$2,000
$3,000

$10,585

$3,755

Month 9
3-May

$7,700

$2,953

Month 8
3-Apr

$2,500
$150
$2,000
$3,000

$9,312

$2,469

Month 7
3-Mar

$7,650

$1,885

Month 6
3-Feb

$2,000
$150
$1,750
$2,500

$9,006

$1,612

Month 5
3-Jan

$6,400

$1,356

Month 4
2-Dec

$2,000
$125
$1,750
$2,500

$7,932

$1,532

Month 3
2-Nov

$6,375

$1,716

Month 2
2-Oct

$1,500
$125
$500
$1,000

$8,091

$17,340
$3,000

$3,125

Revenue:
Pop/ Chips
Toys
Cigarettes
Inventory

$23,465

Cash Expenditures:

Total Cash Receipts (a):

$17,451

$340

Start up costs:
Renovations
Inventory
Shelving
Cooler
Air Conditioner
Signage
Cash Counter
Borrowers Fee (2%)

TACC FCF Loan

Pop/ Chip Inventory
Inventory/ Bags
Cigarettes
Merchant Fees; Interac, Visa, MC, Amex
Cooler Lease Fee
Communications: phone, fax, internet
Utilities
Security Monitoring
Business Insurance
Equipment Repairs and Maintenance
Bank Fees
Bookkeeping/ Accounting
Office Supplies
Marketing/ Advertising
$30
$250

$1,050
$675
$238
$125
$95
$400
$200
$30
$50
$25
$130
$30
$100

$386
$1,400
$1,575
$833
$255
$95
$50
$200
$30
$50
$25
$30
$30
$100

$386
$1,400
$1,590
$833
$256
$95
$50
$200
$30
$50
$25
$30

$30
$100

$386
$1,750
$1,890
$952
$306
$95
$50
$200
$30
$50
$25
$30

$30
$100

$386
$1,750
$1,920
$952
$308
$95
$50
$200
$30
$50
$25
$30

$30
$100

$386
$2,100
$2,220
$952
$348
$95
$50
$200
$30
$50
$25
$30

6,716

6,716

$30
$100

$386
$2,100
$2,220
$952
$348
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30

7,197

7,197

$30
$100

$386
$2,100
$2,550
$1,071
$380
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30

7,767

7,767

$386
$2,450
$2,550
$1,071
$400
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30
$200
$30
$100

7,696

7,696

$30
$100

$386
$2,450
$2,550
$1,190
$410
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30

7,987

7,987

$30
$100

$386
$2,450
$2,580
$1,429
$432
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30

7,987

7,987

$30
$100

$386
$2,450
$2,580
$1,429
$432
$95
$50
$300
$30
$50
$25
$30

$94,672

$77,221

$4,246
$23,450
$24,900
$11,905
$4,000
$1,140
$950
$3,000
$360
$600
$300
$460
$200
$360
$1,350

$17,500

6,616

8,168

9,668
$1,500

6,616

6,855

8,355
$1,500

5,926

5,541

7,041
$1,500

5,926

4,488

5,988
$1,500

5,894

3,755

5,255
$1,500

5,894

2,953

4,453
$1,500

5,075

2,469

3,969
$1,500

5,075

1,885

3,385
$1,500

5,059

1,612

3,112
$1,500

5,059

1,356

2,856
$1,500

3,298

1,532

3,032
$1,500

20,749

Total Cash Expenditures (b):

1,716

2,716
$1,000

Total Operating Costs:

Operating Costs:

Total Start up costs:

$5,500
$8,100
$1,231
$280
$1,000
$500
$500

Total Revenue:

End of Month Cash Balance (a-b):

Less owner's drawings:
Closing Balance:
Assumptions:

$2,889.00
$20,000.00

Pop/ Chip inventory costs calculated at 70% of gross sales

Inventory costs and toys calculated at 60%of gross sales
Merchant fees calculated at 4% of gross.

Operating Capital
Total
4/30/03

Income Profile
1996

BC STATS
Ministry of Finance
& Corporate Relations

Prince George
City

Page 1

Source

Distribution

Prince George

Tax-Exempt

BC

Prince George
Income

Other

Males Females

($000)

Self-Employment
Investment
Pension
Employment

20

40

60

80

(%)

<1
1 - 9.9
10 - 19,9
20 - 29,9
30 - 39,9
40 - 49.9
> 50

100

% of Total

Total

(%)

(%)

5.3
19.5
21.7
13.6
12.0
9.9
18.0

6.1
20.1
24.1
15.2
12.3
8.3
13.9

(%)

2.3
14.2
15.8
12.2
12.1
13.9
29.5

BC

Total

8.6
24.9
28.0
15.1
11.8
5.7
5.9

% of total

Prince George
Total ($000)
Source
Total
1,780,027
Employment
1,383,637
Pension
95,795
Investment
96,174
Self-Employmen
54,336
Other
90,023
60,020
Tax-Exempt

Prince George

BC

% of
Total

% of
Total

100.0
77.7
5.4
5.4
3.1
5.1
3.4

100.0
66.3
11.1
9.1
5.2
5.3
3.0

BC

30

20

10

0
<1

1-9.9

10-19.9

20-29.9

30-39.9

40-49.9

> 50

Income ($000)

Income Paid in Tax

Total

Prince George
Provincial

Total
% of
($000) Income

Total
Federal
Provincial

Federal
0%

5%

10%

Prince George

15%

20%

360,493
235,564
124,930

21.6
14.1
7.5

BC
% of
Income
20.9
13.6
7.4

25%

BC

Average (Mean) Income ($)

BC

29,642
38,929
19,824
38,618

27,767
34,793
20,921
36,961

Females

Average

Prince George
All Returns
Male
Female
All Taxable Returns

Males
Total
Prince George

BC

All Returns
Male
Female

Media
n

Females

Median Income ($)*

Males

Prince George

BC

21,223
34,696
14,585

19,834
26,720
15,122

Total
10

20

30

40

50

Income $000

* Where half of the population earns more & half earns less

Source: Revenue Canada

(250) 387-0327

April 2000

Income Profile
1996

BC STATS

Prince George
City

Page 2

Dependence on Transfer Payments

($)
Transfer Payments Total
Number reporting
29,300
Total
EI
9,200
OAS
4,960
CPP
7,170
Other Pen.
3,630
Prov. Tx. Credit
18,700

Prince George
Male Female

British Columbia
Total
Male Female

Average payments per person

Prince George
BC

10,000
8,000

15,070

14,230

1,456,020 718,460 737,560

5,270

3,920

319,180 168,350 150,820

2,500

2,460

443,900 206,340 237,550

3,620

3,550

511,870 252,360 259,510

2,260

1,370

318,060 182,000 136,070

9,280

9,420

891,380 432,100 459,280

6,000
4,000
2,000
0
1994

Relative Income Ratios

Prince George
Total
Male
Female

Canadian Index
1994
1995
1996

1.13
1.26
0.97

1.26
1.44
1.06

1.18
1.32
1.04

1996

Economic Dependency Ratio

Provincial Index
1994 1995
1996
1.13
1.27
0.97

1995

1.18
1.35
1.02

Prince George
Total
Male
Female

1.21
1.37
1.05

1994

1995

1996

15.00
12.09
22.03

15.11
12.35
21.56

14.30
11.86
19.88

23.19
20.45
28.44

23.00
20.21
28.26

22.51
19.91
27.36

BC
BC
Total
Male
Female

1.00
1.00
1.00

1.00
1.00
1.00

1.00
1.00
1.00

1.11
1.13
1.09

1.04
1.06
1.04

Total
Male
Female

1.02
1.04
1.01

Provincial Index: The median income for the area is expressed as a % of the
median income for BC.

Economic Dependency Ratio: Aggregate transfer

payments expressed as a % of total employment
income.

Canadian Index: The median income for the area is expressed as a % of the median
income for Canada.

For a given area, EDR is amount of transfer payment

dollars for every $100 of total employment income.

Trends in Income Sources

Source
Employment
Pension
Investment
Self-Employment
Other
Tax-Exempt

1991

1992

80.6
3.4
5.5
3.5
6.9
n/a

79.8
3.7
4.8
4.0
6.8
0.7

1993
1994
(% of total)
80.7
78.1
3.7
4.9
4.6
10.1
3.8
3.3
5.8
5.4
0.9
4.0

Employment Income
1995

1996

82.3
4.3
3.9
3.4
5.1
1.0

77.7
5.4
5.4
3.1
5.1
3.4

Prince George

% of total
85

BC

75
65
55
45
1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

Total Income
($000)
1991
1,335
1992
1,398
1993
1,514
1994
1,647
1995
1,604
1996
1,780

1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
0

4
Pension

Source: Revenue Canada

6
Investment

8
Self-Employment
(250) 387-0327

10

12
% of total
April 2000

Community Profile
Prince George, BC

Overview
This profile provides information to
assist companies in making locationrelated decisions.
Prepared by:
Prince George Development
Corporation,
#201 1399 Sixth Ave,
Prince George, BC, V2N 5L6
Phone: (250) 564-0282
Fax: (250) 563-6398

Location
Strategically located near the geographic centre of British Columbia, Prince George is the
major educational, transportation, distribution, industrial and commercial centre for northern
and central British Columbia. Four airlines provide daily flights to Vancouver, Calgary,
Kamloops, Kelowna and Victoria.

Population
The population of Prince George is culturally diverse, with almost 50 different ethnic origins
represented. Over 65% of people in Prince George over the age of 15 have attained a high
school diploma or a higher level of education. Based on 2000 estimates, the population of
Prince George is just over 80,000 with a population within a 30 minute commute of 90,000.
The average annual growth rate is 1.1% (last five years).
Age Distribution
Age and Gender 1996 Census
Prince George

% Distribution

Male

Female

P. G.

B.C.

All Ages

37,980

37,170

100.0

100.0

0-14

9,295

8,735

24.0

19.7

15-24

5.965

5,850

15.7

13.0

25-44

12,970

13,095

34.7

32.7

45-64

7,655

7,035

19.5

21.8

65+

2,100

2,450

6.1

12.8

Education
Canadas newest university, the University
of Northern British Columbia, opened in
Prince George in 1994. Over 3,200 students
are enrolled at UNBC, which is already
rated as one of Canadas top small universities. UNBC has recently announced that it
will be building a Research and Development Park.
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) offers a variety of technical and university
transfer options and has an enrolment of
2700. The college has been aggressive in
designing specialized training programs for
various industries and is interested in designing training for the call centre industry.
CNC Technology programmes include:
Drafting Technician Certificate
Electronics Technician Common Core Certificate
Electronics Engineering Bridge Programme
Electronic Computer/Network Technician
Electronic Engineering Technology Diploma
Engineering Design Technology Diploma
Forest Resource Technology Diploma
GIS Technology Advanced Diploma
Wood Processing Technician Certificate
Wood Processing and Engineering Technology Diploma
Writing and New Media Technologies Diploma

Level of Education

Percentage of Population

Some high school only

27.5

High school graduation only

13.6

Some college

30.2

Associate Degrees

20.6

Bachelor Degree or higher

8.5
3

Local Economy
The economy of Prince George is in transition. The local economy has traditionally been
supported primarily by forestry which is currently in decline. Because of the attraction of
UNBC and the desire to stay in the area, people have taken lower level jobs that results in a
high level of underemployment.

Top Ten Employers

Employer

# of Employees

School District #57

3,194

Canadian Forest Products

3,073

Prince George Regional Hospital

1,800

City of Prince George

768

Ministry of Forests

700

College of New Caledonia

700

BC Rail

514

University of Northern British Columbia

417

CN Rail

451

Telus

436

Labour Force
The total number in the labour force is 42,600. Labour force employed is 38,300 with a unemployed labour force of 4,400. The number of people not in the labour force is 18,900
which gives Prince George a participation rate of 69.3% The unemployment rate in Prince
George has averaged around 13.5% in the past year. Because of our excellent educational facilities, Prince George has a highly skilled unemployed workforce.

Cost of Labour (Wages average starting in Canadian dollars)

Occupation

Wage

Customer Service Representative

$12.00/hour

Clerical

$14.00/hour

Fast Food Worker

$9.00/hour

Retail Sales Clerk

$8.00/hour

Minimum Wage

$7.60/hour

Mandatory Benefits
Canada Pension Plan: 3.9% of earnings. Annual maximum of $1,329.90/employee
Employment Insurance: 3.36% of earnings. Annual maximum of $1,310.40/employee
Workers Compensation: $0.38 per $100 payroll (customer contact centre).
Vacation Pay: 4.0% of earnings (2 weeks, 3 weeks after 5 years).
Length of Standard work week: 40 hours.
Paid Statutory Holidays: 9 per year.

Call Centre Saturation

Present saturation: 0.6%
Available labour at 2% saturation: 710
Available labour at 3% saturation: 1200

Telecommunications Infrastructure British Columbia

Network Redundancy:
Over 99 percent of all
Central Office capacity
is serviced by diverse
fiber optic networks
(SONET network) in
British Columbia and
connects to the
national backbone
and international
networks.

Edmonton
Vancouver

Saskatoon
Calgary

Seattle

Winnipeg

Quebec City

Moncton

Thunder Bay
Ottawa
Sudbury

Halifax

Montreal

Toronto
Sarnia
Detroit

National fibre LIT

National fibre lit Q1 2001
Fibre &
Genuity high speed network

Telecommunications Infrastructure
As the major centre in northern British Columbia, the city of Prince George has a robust
telecommunications infrastructure. This stateof-the-art technology allows for a sophisticated and seamless linking of voice and data
networks throughout Canada and the United
States.

Community

Fibre
Redundancy?

TELUS
local fibre
ring?

Telecom Network Services

Prince George

Yes

Yes

Same services available in all

these communities including:

Chilliwack

Yes

Yes

Kamloops

Yes

Yes

Kelowna

Yes

Yes

Penticton

Yes

Yes

Nanaimo

Yes

Yes

Local access- (PRI, Centrex, T1, T)

Toll free, long distance
High speed data and
Internet services
Frame relay, ATM
DSL
Communication systems
Certified Technicians
(local)

Quality of Life
Prince George is a great place to live. Its natural
beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities and its cultural and recreational facilities make Prince George
one of best places to work, live, and play. Residents
will tell you that one of the most desirable features of
living in Prince George is the friendliness of the people!
A major attraction for Prince George residents is the
lifestyle. With natural wilderness so close by, it is little wonder that outdoor recreation is so popular.
Prince George has 50 tennis courts, 36 outdoor skating rinks, three 18 hole and one nine hole golf course,
110 baseball diamonds and five lacrosse boxes.
Prince George has over 120 parks. Most are open
year-around and offer numerous recreational opportunities. Take the Heritage River trail system that leads you along the Fraser and Nechako rivers, through natural parks were you can
enjoy wildlife. Trails can be also be used for mountain biking and hiking in the summer and
cross country skiing in the winter. Prince George has two local ski hills and within a two
hour drive, you can ski the Rocky mountains at Powder King Ski Village. Being on the confluence of two rivers affords ample opportunities for fishing and water sports. Forests for the
World is just minutes from the city centre and is a favorite hiking, biking, and picnic destination. This park alone has 15 km of easy to navigate trails.
Cultural amenities abound in Prince
George. Pictured left is the new Two
Rivers Art Gallery. Prince George also
boasts a new aquatic centre and MultiPlex that seats over 6,000 people. This
allows Prince George to host events
such as the Scott Tournament of Hearts
and is home to the Prince George Cougars.

Prince George's summers are usually

warm and dry and outdoor public
markets are popular. Local produce,
organic meats and cheeses, homemade soaps and crafts are just a few
of the items available May through
September at the Prince George
Farmer's market.

Located in the heart of Prince George, the Civic Centre and the Prince George Public Library
are a popular focal point for community activities. Outdoor concerts, events and the annual
Summerfest in July are just a few of the summer activities that go on in our downtown area.

firstbusiness.ca provides interactive

business information and services to the
growing number of Aboriginal entrepreneurs
in British Columbia.
Although this Business Plan is a based on a
fictitious Aboriginal business, it has been
modelled to be as real-world as possible.
Other sample business plans in this series,
as well as an interactive tool to create your
own business plan, can be found at:

> firstbusiness.ca / guides