Suggested Business Plan Format

Executive Summary/Conclusion 

·         Provides a concise summary of the business or business idea

 

The Business/Product    

  • Describes nature of business (type and legal structure)
  • Identifies and describes the products/services
  • Identifies what makes the products/services special/unique
  • Identifies business set-up (home-based, leased/owned space, location specifics)
  • Identifies any technical considerations, e.g. process/technology, proprietary info

 

Industry Analysis  

  • Identifies, at a macro level, larger industry of which the business is a part, including recent trends, current situation and outlook

 

Competitive Analysis  

  • Identifies principal regional competitors
  • Identifies competitor’s strengths and weaknesses, (e.g. quality, customer satisfaction, pricing, location)
  • Explains competitive positioning

 

Market Analysis  

  • Identifies target markets and market potential for the business
  • Provides customer analysis/description

 

Marketing Strategy  

  • Defines marketing objectives/strategies to showcase the business in the market
  • Describes promotional/advertising strategy
  • Provides sales forecast assumptions and projections

 

Management Strategy  

  • Defines management roles, responsibilities and relevant past work experiences
  • Defines key staff needed for business and what skills will be required

 

Financial Analysis/Plan  

  • Provides a list of start-up costs (if applicable)
  • Includes a list of sources & uses of start-up or project funds (collateral for each)
  • Provides projected monthly profit, loss and cash flow statements for the first year of operation
  • Provides annual projected profit, loss and cash flow statements for three years
  • Provides a projected balance sheet for three full years
  • Provides a schedule of significant changes affecting cash flow (e.g. capital expenditures, staffing changes, etc.)
  • Documents financial assumptions including working capital requirements

 

Critical Risks    

  • Identifies potential barriers or problems which could arise
  • Describes contingency plans if problems arise