Business Plan Outline
I. Cover Sheet
A. Should be attractive, inviting, and maintain a business appearance. Include the company name, name of person submitting the plan, the date and for whom it is intended. Company Logo if available.
II. Executive Summary
A. Summary of what is covered in the business plan. It needs to be short and concise yet inviting enough for a reader to read the rest of the plan. Include a brief description of the business, the industry it serves, and an explanation of the opportunities it provides. (Usually created last.)
III. Business Description and History
A. Name, nature of business, history, affiliates, stage of development, unique features of products or services, and any patents, or experience.
IV. Management Structure
A. Personal history of principals. (résumés)
B. Organization chart.
C. Duties and responsibilities.
D. Staff plan: Number of employees, salaries, benefits, training needs and etc.
V. Products and Services Description
A. Clearly explain all products and services.
B. Describe what you are selling and why.
C. Describe unique benefits and features of product/service.
D. Explain pricing structure and methods of distribution.
VI. Market Analysis and Marketing Strategy
A. An in-depth analysis of the market for the product or service to be sold.
1. Who is the Target Market.
2. How large is the market size to be serviced.
3. Customer Profile:
a) Income levels
b) Market growth/shrinkage
c) Socio-economic population
d) Median age of Market
4. Trade and Service area.
5. Pricing and sales strategies to be used in planning.
6. Identify the competition.
a) Who are they.
b) How much market do they control.
c) How competitive is their product.
d) Identify their strengths and weaknesses.
e) Type of distribution they utilize.
7. Market Plan.
8. A detailed description of how the business will obtain its market share and achieve sales objectives.
a) Pricing.
b) Promotion.
c) Distribution channels.
d) Marketing review, monitoring or evaluation.
VII. Operational Requirements
A. Explain how the business will be run on a day-to-day basis. The hiring practices, and personal procedures.
B. How products and services will be produced and made available to the customer.
VIII. Financial Management / Funding
A. Outline for obtaining credit or investment capital:
1. Projected start-up costs.
2. Use of proceeds.
3. Expected profit or return on investment for the first year.
4. Pricing and deal structure (including terms and payback)
5. Projected monthly cash flow statement for 24 months.
IX. Summary of Risks Involved
A. Contingency plans for potential problems and delays.
1. Industry, the company, and/or personnel.
2. Timing.
3. Product and market acceptance.
