1. Business plans

2. Business Plans…
…Need to be employed by anyone who is in business …Set a strategy for future growth and can be used to attract investors and loans
Go online to for further details on how to write a business plan. You can also find a business plan template at and an interactive business plan tool at

3. They aren’t just used by start-ups…
…Business Plans are also kept and developed over time by existing businesses, and even started over when new opportunities arise.
They aren’t just used by start-ups…

4. Types of Business Plan include:
Summary
Start-up
Special Project
Presentation
Feasibility
Internal
Mini
Growth

5. Business Plan Essentials:
These five sections are not universally used in any order. There is no set structure for a business plan.

6. Team & Management Structure Financial Budgets & Forecasts
Executive Summary
Business Strategy
Marketing Strategy
Team & Management Structure
Financial Budgets & Forecasts
These five sections are not universally used in any order. There is no set structure for a business plan.

7. Introduction to business
Competitive advantages
Brief summary of the plan
Executive Summary

8. Tactics
Strategic Impact
Business’s core values
Business Strategy

9. Distribution Channels Strategic Alliances E-commerce & Technology
SWOT Analysis
Market Research
Distribution Channels
Strategic Alliances
E-commerce & Technology
Marketing Budget
Credibility & Risk Reduction
Marketing Strategy
An example of a SWOT analysis template can be found online at

10. Team & Management Structure
Skills, Experience, Training & Retention
Advisers
Management Systems
Team and management structure often feature first in many business plans instead of an executive summary if those involved want to emphasise their track records and industry experience.

11. Financial Budgets & Forecasts
Profit & Loss Forecast
Cash Flow Forecast
Balance Sheet Forecast
Capital Expenditure Budget
Break-even Analysis
Financial Budgets & Forecasts
Presentation budgets given to investors often focus on financial forecasts to emphasise the possible rate of return from investing in the company.