What is a Business Plan?
A business plan is a written document that describes in detail how a business, usually a new one, is going to achieve its goals. A business plan lays out a written plan from a marketing, financial and operational viewpoint.
Why is a Business Plan Important?
A business plan is important because it serves as a roadmap for the business, helping entrepreneurs to stay focused and on track. It is also important because it helps to secure funding from investors and lenders, and provides a benchmark against which to measure the success of the business.
What Should be Included in a Business Plan?
A business plan should include an executive summary, a mission statement, a description of the market and competitive analysis, a description of the product or service, a marketing plan, an operations plan, financial projections, and an appendix.
How to Write a Business Plan
Writing a business plan can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to break it down into manageable steps. The first step is to create an outline of the main sections of the plan. Once the outline is complete, the next step is to fill in the details.
Executive Summary
The executive summary is the first section of the business plan and is usually written last. It provides a brief overview of the entire plan and should include a mission statement, a description of the business, a description of the market and competitive analysis, a description of the product or service, a marketing plan, an operations plan, and financial projections.
Mission Statement
The mission statement is a short description of the purpose of the business. It should be written in clear, concise language and should convey the values and goals of the business.
Description of the Market and Competitive Analysis
The market and competitive analysis should provide an overview of the industry, the current market, and the competition. It should include information on the size of the market, the target market, and the competitive landscape.
Description of the Product or Service
The description of the product or service should provide a detailed description of the product or service, including features, benefits, and pricing.
Marketing Plan
The marketing plan should include a detailed description of the marketing strategy and tactics, including pricing, promotion, distribution, and customer service.
Operations Plan
The operations plan should include a description of the operations of the business, including the processes, systems, and personnel required to run the business.
Financial Projections
The financial projections should include an income statement, a cash flow statement, and a balance sheet. The financial projections should be based on realistic assumptions and should be updated as the business evolves.
You might find these FREE courses useful
- Top Action-driven Business Plan: From The ‘classroom’
- Top Plan A Successful Freelancing Business
- Plan a Successful Freelancing Business
- Top Social Business Model And Planning
Appendix
The appendix should include any supporting documents, such as resumes, contracts, letters of reference, and other documents that are relevant to the business plan.
