Choosing the right structure for your agri-business

July 2004

When starting or investing in a business, the legal business structure you choose will create opportunities or set roadblocks to the business achieving its objectives. The business structure can enhance the company’s potential for success in the way that people perceive, trust and work with the business. It answers questions as to whether the owners are principally interested in growth, returns, control or other issues. This booklet reviews the basic business structures of proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, co-operatives and new generation co-operatives.