The Business Plan Benefits Approaches to take What might be included

Benefits – it Helps you to: Bring together your ideas and research into a structured format Decide whether or when you business will be viable Clarify your business purpose to yourself and communicate to others Predict future scenarios and pitfalls and address them before they threaten the success of your business

Benefits – it Helps you to: (cont.) Set out the strategy for your business, and particularly your marketing strategy Set targets and objectives, including sales and financial targets, so you can monitor your business’ performance on an ongoing basis

Approaches to Take Know your audience Write your business plan with them in mind Keep your plan realistic and yet convincing Provide evidence when appropriate to back up what you claim Think like your audience, tackle and deal with their concerns properly

Business Plan Questions Introduction What is your business? How will your business operate? What will you need to set up and run your business? What will happen in the future? Further information

Format #1 Contents Executive Summary Background Information Products Market Information People Involved Operations and Management

Format #1 (cont.) Legal Issues Monitoring and Promotion Financial Operations Resources Financial Requirements Long-term Plans Appendices

Format #2 Executive Summary Background / History People Products Market Research Resources Management / Operations Marketing Plan

Format #2 (cont.) Legal Financial The Future Appendices

Format #3 Executive Summary Introduction The Organisation Products The Market The Marketing Plan Financials Appendices

Frequently Asked Questions How much do I need to write? How do I know if its good enough?

A Few Do’s and Don’ts Do use a clear structure and format Do break up text into smaller paragraphs Do check your plan for spelling, grammar and accuracy Do proof-read the document Don’t make claims you can’t back up Don’t waffle or include non-relevant stuff