What is a Business Plan?

Purpose of a Business Plan

-A business plan is a statement of your business goals, the reasons you think these goals can be met, and how you are going to achieve them *A business plan forces you to figure out how to make your business work. *A well-written plan guides you every step of the way as you develop your business—it becomes a decision-making tool. *If your company is for-profit, your business plan will typically focus on your financial goals. If you are a nonprofit, your plan will typically focus on your mission and services in support of that mission.

The Three C's

-Concept. What is your product or service and how is it different from similar products or services? -Customer. Who will be buying your product or service and why? -Capital. How will you locate the initial money your business will need? What will be your costs and what kind of profit can you expect?

Parts of a Business Plan

-Most business plans will include these seven parts: *Business Idea. Explain the product or service, type of business, and type of business ownership. *Opportunity and Market Analysis. Describe the primary market, its size, its trends and characteristics, and its growth rate. *Financial Strategies. Shows historical and projected financial data, including estimated sales and expenses. *Organizational Structure. Discuss the organizational structure of the business and provide ownership information. *Legal Structures. Discuss issues related to intellectual property, contracts, insurance, taxes, and regulations. *Business Management. Describe how the business will be managed (production, distribution, operations, etc.) *Plan for Growth. Explain your plans to grow the business.

Types of Business Plans

-Quick Summary. This is a brief verbal synopsis lasting no moan thirty seconds to three minutes. It's used to interest potential investors, customers, or strategic partners. -Oral Presentation. This is a relatively short, colorful, and entertaining slide show with a running narrative meant to interest potential investors in reading the detailed business plan. -Investor's Business Plan*. A detailed business plan is well written and formatted so that anyone who is thinking about investing in your start-up business will know exactly what you are planning. -Operational Business Plan. This "operational plan" is meant for use within the business only. This plan describes in greater detail than the investor's business plan how the company will meet its goals.

Putting Your Plan Together

Executive Summary: -Mission Statement -Business Name/Location -Date Business Will Begin -Owner's Name, Function & contact info -Opportunity -Explanation of product/service -Future Plans -Economics of One Unit