I. Executive Summary
Business Name: Everglades Honey & Bee Encounters
Location: Near Everglades National Park, Biscane National Park and the Florida Keys
Mission Statement: To promote sustainable beekeeping, environmental education, and local honey production through immersive, family-friendly experiences.
Objectives:
Generate revenue through honey sales and eco-tourism
Educate visitors about bees and pollinator conservation
Support local biodiversity and environmental stewardship
II. Company Description
Business Model: Hybrid – Product (honey and bee-related goods) + Service (educational tourism experiences)
Legal Structure: LLC or sole proprietorship (to be determined)
Unique Selling Points:
Location adjacent to the Everglades
Hands-on hive encounters with safety gear
Native wildflower honey and bee products
Eco-tourism partnerships and school programs
III. Market Analysis
Industry Overview:
Growing demand for eco-tourism and local, sustainable products
Rising interest in bee conservation and pollinator health
Target Markets:
Eco-tourists and Everglades visitors
Local schools and educational groups
Health-conscious consumers and foodies
Environmental organizations and volunteers
Competitive Analysis:
Other apiaries may sell honey but few offer immersive experiences near a national park
Opportunity to create a branded, authentic experience
IV. Organization and Management
Owner/Operator: [Your Name]
Team Roles:
Beekeeper and tour guide
Sales and marketing coordinator
Support staff for maintenance and customer service
Optional: part-time educator or volunteer coordinator
Advisors/Partners:
Local extension office or ag university
Everglades tourism network
Conservation groups
V. Services and Products
Products:
Raw wildflower honey
Creamed and infused honey
Beeswax candles, soaps, lip balms
Branded merchandise (shirts, hats, etc.)
Services:
Guided hive encounters with bee suits
Pollinator education workshops
Apiary tours (kid- and senior-friendly)
Special events: honey harvest days, sunset bee walks
School and homeschool field trips
Online content and video tours
VI. Marketing and Sales Strategy
Branding: Natural, eco-friendly, local roots
Marketing Channels:
Website with booking and e-commerce
Instagram, Facebook, TikTok (bee facts + behind-the-scenes)
Google Maps and TripAdvisor listing
Local tourism offices and Everglades park brochures
Booths at farmers markets and community events
Sales Strategy:
Direct-to-consumer at honey stand
Online sales (local pickup + shipping)
Group rates for schools and tours
Email list for specials and events
VII. Operations Plan
Location Features:
Outdoor shaded space with honey stand
Enclosed viewing area or bee hut (for rainy days or safe views)
Trail or walking path with pollinator plants
Parking and signage
Hours of Operation:
Weekends for tours and encounters
Daily honey stand during peak season
Seasonal schedule (adjust for weather and bee activity)
Equipment Needs:
Beekeeping supplies
Bee suits and gloves (adult and child sizes)
Display fixtures, cash register, refrigeration
Signage and branded tent/booth
Safety Protocols:
Allergy waivers and emergency plan
Visitor orientation and protective gear
VIII. Financial Plan
Startup Costs:
Beekeeping supplies, hives, protective gear
Stand setup and branding
Website and booking software
Insurance and legal fees
Revenue Streams:
Honey and product sales
Tour and encounter fees
Workshops and school group bookings
Event hosting (bee birthday parties, photo shoots)
Projected Expenses:
Beekeeping maintenance and supplies
Labor (if hiring staff)
Marketing and web hosting
Permits, utilities, insurance
Break-even Analysis and Profit Goals
IX. Sustainability and Growth
Sustainability Practices:
Organic methods (no pesticides)
Native plant landscaping
Education on climate and bee health
Expansion Plans:
Add observation hive indoors
Increase hive count
Offer honey CSA subscriptions
Develop partnerships with hotels, airbnbs, and schools
Apply for eco-tourism grants and agri-tourism certification
X. Appendices
Sample tour itinerary
Product pricing sheet
Waiver and safety forms
Map of location
Photos/renderings of planned setup
Letters of support from local partners (if applicable)
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