Running a small business means juggling a lot — especially at the start of a new year. Between day-to-day operations, staffing, and customer needs, long-term planning often gets pushed aside.
To support Vanier businesses as they look ahead, the Vanier BIA has created a simple, practical planning resource designed to help you clarify priorities and turn ideas into action.
About the Worksheet
The Plan the Year Ahead: Business Worksheet is a one-page planning tool created specifically for small businesses. It’s not a formal business plan and doesn’t require hours of work. Instead, it’s designed to be completed in under an hour, helping you focus on what matters most for the year ahead.
This worksheet guides you through:
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Reflecting on what worked — and what caused challenges — last year
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Choosing a small number of priority focus areas
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Setting clear, realistic goals
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Identifying concrete first steps you can take right away
The emphasis is on action, not perfection.
Designed for Small Businesses
This resource was built with the realities of small business ownership in mind. Whether you’re a retailer, restaurant, service provider, or solo operator, the worksheet is flexible enough to meet you where you are.
It avoids jargon, heavy financial modelling, or complex frameworks. Instead, it helps you:
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Reduce overwhelm
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Focus your energy
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Make progress through small, manageable actions
Planning with Vanier in Mind
One section of the worksheet encourages you to think about how local opportunities — such as Vanier BIA initiatives, events, and partnerships — can support your business in the year ahead. It’s a gentle reminder that planning doesn’t happen in isolation and that your local business community is a resource.
Use It Your Way
You can use the worksheet:
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At the beginning of the year
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As a reset tool during a slower period
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As a check-in if priorities start to feel scattered
Many businesses choose to revisit it mid-year to reassess goals and adjust actions.
Download the Worksheet
The Plan the Year Ahead: Business Worksheet is available to Vanier BIA members as a free resource.
Additional planning tools and business resources will be added to the Merchant Hub throughout the year.