Business Plan Outline (print this page for hard copy)
The business plan should indicate that you have researched all aspects of the business and made plans for any unforeseen circumstances. It is a necessary guide for the successful running of the business, and is a requirement to acquire any additional funding.
Cover Sheet… The cover sheet should be attractive, inviting, and maintain a business like appearance. Include the name of the company, the person’s name submitting the plan, the date submitted and for whom it is intended. The company logo can be included, if available.
Executive Summary: The summary is what is contained in the business plan. It needs to be short and concise, yet inviting enough for the reader to read the rest of the plan. Include a brief description of the business and the industry that it serves, as well as an explanation of the opportunities it provides.
Description of Business: Include the business name, the nature of the business and any history available. If the business is a new start up include the background or experience of the owners.
Management Structure: A brief description of the daily operation of the business to include the management structure and responsibilities. Describe the organizational structure of the business listing the different areas of responsibilities of staff and management.
Product or Service: List the products/service provided by the business. Describe the unique benefits and features of the product/service, and why it is so unique in the market. Describe the pricing structure and methods of distribution of the product/service.
Market Analysis/Strategy:
1. Sales goals for the company.
2. Customer profile. (Target audience)
3. Trade and service area.
4. Market size, (geographic). Estimate the total market size to be serviced. Qualify market growth/shrinkage, income levels of target market, socio-economic population.
5. Identify your competition. Who are they, how much market do they control, is their product competitive, if so how. Identify their strengths and weakness, and type of distribution.
6. Identify the competitive advantage. Describe the strategies for dealing with the competition and each segment of the market.
Operational Plans: Describe location, required space needed, equipment needs, labor force available and operational costs (to include approximate inventory, rent, utilities, supplies, and equipment rental/purchase costs). Provide approximate working capital requirements.
Financial Projections: This should be in the format of a Cash Flow Projection with all the Start up and continuing expenses listed, along with the anticipated income for One Two or Three years. The Cash Flow can also be in the weekly format if necessary. Different business types will require different reporting schedules. Additional projections can be added in paragraph form to describe them more fully.
Sources and Applications or Financing: (Not necessary unless required by the lender. Most information will be included in the Cash Flow Projection.)
Implementation Schedule: A time line for each step in the process of beginning the business or business expansion. Particularly a projected “Start” and “Finish” date including specific deadlines in between.
