Bessie B. Moore Center for Economic Education

 Firm’s Name  Address  Owner’s Name(s)  Date  Does the name reflect the product or service you provide? It will be a part of your brand.

 Most important section  It is written last. It is your idea in a nutshell.  Includes:  Company Name  Name(s) of Owner(s)  Summarize the societal need for the good or service your are providing. Use of statistics can be powerful!  The ‘need’ should get the reader’s attention.  Include objective of your enterprise (ex. To feed the hungry.)  ‘Speak’ as if you are certain of the outcome!

 Describe ‘WHY’ you are starting this business.  How will it make a difference and for whom?  Statistics are powerful as are personal testimonies that evoke emotions.  You might draw ideas from history.  Use photos if available.  This is a critical piece to selling your idea!  You may use several slides to convince us.  History of Iraq or the region could be helpful.

 Briefly summarize why you are starting your business?  What goods or services will you offer?  Who will benefit?  Why will you be successful?  Describe personal talents and abilities you bring to the business.  Include location and hours of operation.

 Describe the products your business will offer.  Ex. We will provide health care from a mobile vehicle that can be taken to the rural areas. Along with medical services we will provide health education.  Explain what is unique about them. How will they help people?  Describe any competitors and include how your company will differ.  Include your product price list.  Ex. Modular homes will be available for $2000 plus 100 hours of volunteer service.

 Describe the opportunity to make a difference.  Describe what you will do.  Target Market:  Who will benefit from the goods or services you provide?  Include age, gender, income level, size of population, size of region served, etc.  Are there other service providers?

 How do you inform prospective customers about your business?  How do you educate possible funders or volunteers?  What type of media or advertising tools will you use?  Will the tools you use reach the customers you target?

 Who are the founders of the business (also known as the leadership team)?  What are their skills and experiences?  What additional human resources are needed? Are they paid employees? What skills do they need? How many are needed?  Are you utilizing volunteers? What skills do they need?

 What resources are needed for your company other than workers already described? Include a thorough list and any approximate costs.  Can you use second hand items?  How can you keep costs low so that you can provide services for more people?  Is your proposal self-funding – a sustainable plan?  Will you need a constant influx of cash?

 How will you fund your business venture?  If it is not self-sustaining, how will you keep it going?  Do you have a funding model?  Describe your plan for getting the necessary funds?

 Restate your business objectives and how you will fulfill the societal need.  Make it a powerful statement that will be remembered.

 Include any tables or information that supports your business idea.  Could be house plan, photo of mobile hospital, how to grow date trees, etc.  Tables and graphs.  News articles.  Any thing that shows you have researched and studied your idea.

 Make your presentation neat and professional.  Include all components.  Proofread and correct spelling and grammar.  Regardless of how good your idea, you must successfully market or sell your idea to funders and supporters.  Utilize experts to help you develop your idea.

 This business plan is the property of the Bessie B. Moore Center for Economic Education.  Permission has been granted solely for use in the 2011 Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program on Social Entrepreneurship under Bessie Moore Center guidance.