BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE Cover Page: Name of Business: Your Name: Date: Table of Contents: Executive Summary: Summarizes

key points to sell the business to the reader Includes: Brief description of your business / Who you are and why your background, experience and education make this venture more likely to succeed / Key business objectives / Key information who are the customers, major competitor, industry trends/Selling strategies/Gross revenue forecast/Gross profit forecast/Net Income/Number of clients/customers/How much money is needed to start the business and when will the business break even/Be concise and precise and capture the essence of your business in the Summary-Written last, after the Plan has been developed-One page preferred, two pages maximum Describe your business clearly. Is this a new business, a franchise Business Profile: or the purchase of an existing business/Type of business retail, manufacturing, service/Location of business/Product(s) you will be selling and/or services you will be providing/Type of business organization (proprietorship, partnership, incorporation)/Ownership names of owner(s) and percentage/History of business (if applicable)/Relevant dates start-up, expansion/How you determined that this business will be appropriate, profitable and possible/What you have done, to date, on the development of your business. Steps you have taken/When you expect to generate the first revenues/Is the business year-round or seasonal? If seasonal, what will you do during the off-season Management -Outline the credentials of the owner(s)/Remember to include the 3Es:/Education/Experience/Expertise-Also provide brief description of associates, support personnel and network support Product and/or Service Description: Includes a complete description of the product(s) service(s) and the benefits to the customer/Many businesses have primary and secondary products or services. Identify these as primary or secondary and provide complete descriptions Long Term Objectives: Your vision of your business in 3 to 5 years in relation to your industry, its size and potential for growth Describe the steps you have taken to research your Marketing Plan: business, what you found out, and how it relates to and justified your business/Potential customers how many have you talked to, what did you ask, what did you find out, how many are likely to buy (develop survey questions)/Market segments (geographic, demographic, product/service usage)/Target demographics for B to C OR target firms for B to B within the segments you have identified as potential customer group. Be specific and list as many characteristics as you can. /What are their needs, how many customers are there? Trends in the industry. Is it in growth or decline. /Outline the immediate and long term outlook of your industry, its size and potential for growth/Features of your product(s) service(s)/What distinguishes you from your competition? What is your competitive advantage your unique position in your industry/Your competitors direct 1
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and indirect/Their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats/Their market share (if available)/Their competitive advantage/Pricing strategy. What price will you change? How did you arrive at that price? Will you offer discountswhen where, why? How does your pricing strategy relate to your target customer group(s)?/How are products delivered, i.e. distribution network /How will you advertise and promote your business Operations: How does business operate you go to clients, clients come to you, retail environment etc. /Will you be a sole proprietor, a partner or will you incorporate? If a partner, describe the relationship, the reason for the partnership, and the ownership percentages/Describe any special laws or regulations that affect your business/Include names of your lawyer, accountant and bank/Operational details of the location you have chosen/Lease arrangements/cost/details. By-laws, parking. /If a home based business what are the advantages and why it will work/Suppliers (if applicable) pricing, discounts, credit terms offered /Equipment requirements office, production. Will you lease or buy/Production details (if applicable) automated or manual/Out-sourcing, subcontracting/Will you need employees? How many, what skills, etc.? Outline, to the best of your current knowledge, all of the SWOT Analysis: factors identified by a SWOT Analysis and how you intend to deal with them (e.g. use strengths, fix weakness, seize opportunities, counter threats) Start-up Requirements: Fixed assets equipment, furniture, vehicle, etc. The cost (or value if they are already owned personally and are being brought into the business) How much working capital is required? Action Plan: Should cover first three months or more/Also outline specific steps/actions planned with planned start/finish dates, estimated total time/costs consumed and, anticipated results Specifics on when you will start the business and the actions you will undertake to launch your business and introduce your company into the marketplace Financial Statements: Generally expected to include: Expected costs and expenses for start-up & operation 2 Years Sales Forecast 2 Years Income Statement Forecast 2 Years Cash Flow Forecast Marketing materials Survey analysis Owners resume Other information supporting business idea(s) Articles supporting identified market trends

Addendum:

Note: Do not copy, paste and repeat same information and comments. If it adds to clarity it might be useful to refer to a previous section of the plan. Please cite sources of external information. 2
2011 IBD Consulting Services, SeanWatts@Hotmail.com