A Microgreens Greenhouse at a University

The Task

Prepare a business plan and financial model to justify a ₸54.5M investment and secure loan financing.

What We Did

• Kazakhstan microgreens market analysis: producers, distribution channels (HoReCa, farmers' markets, online), price benchmarks. A 5-variety product mix with a 14-day growing cycle and 500 kg/month at full capacity
• Benchmarking: two Kazakh universities operate educational-research greenhouses; two leading agricultural universities worldwide use similar facilities. The global microgreens market is growing at a CAGR of 6.4% through 2030
• CAPEX budget around $100K: glazed structure, heating system, LED lighting, ventilation and climate control, drip irrigation, and racking. Land provided by the university.
• A 5-year financial model: monthly forecast, yield ramp-up, revenue by channel, operating expenses, depreciation, and debt service. Performance metrics calculated under 100% debt financing.
• Loan structure and repayment schedule: ₸56M, 25% per annum, 60 months, 6-month grace period
• Risk register with probability and impact scores: heating cost increases, demand fluctuations, equipment failures. Mitigation measures defined for each.

Result

• Business plan for the department and university management

  A complete document covering project description, market analysis, infrastructure, financial rationale, and risk register.

• A 5-year financial model with monthly detail

  P&L, cash flow, CAPEX/OPEX, depreciation, loan, NPV of ₸16M, IRR of 37.6%, payback of 2.5 years, average net margin of 21%.

• A full monthly loan repayment schedule

  ₸56M, 25% per annum, 6-month grace period, full 60-month schedule.

• Confirmed commercial viability

  The project breaks even in 2.5 years at 500 kg/month. Positive NPV at a 25% discount rate.