Appendix A -
Business Plan
Template
A business plan carefully spells out a company's projected course of action over a period of time, usually the first two to three years after the start-up. In addition, banks, lenders, and other investors examine the information and financial documentation before deciding whether or not to finance a new business venture. Therefore, a business plan is an essential tool in obtaining financing and should describe the business itself in detail as well as all important factors influencing the company, including the market, industry, competition, operations and management policies, problem solving strategies, financial resources and needs, and other vital information. The plan enables the business owner to anticipate costs, plan for difficulties, and take advantage of opportunities, as well as design and implement strategies that keep the company running as smoothly as possible.
This template has been provided as a model to help you construct your own business plan. Please keep in mind that there is no single acceptable format for a business plan, and that this template is in no way comprehensive, but serves as an example.
The business plans provided in this section are fictional and have been used by small business agencies as models for clients to use in compiling their own business plans.
Main headings included below are topics that should be covered in a comprehensive business plan. They include:
Provides a brief overview of your business, succinctly highlighting the main ideas of your plan.
Organized in an Outline Format, the Table of Contents illustrates the selection and arrangement of information contained in your plan.
Examines the conception and subsequent development of your business within an industry specific context.
Introduces, defines, and details the product and/or service that inspired the information of your business.
Assessment of product/service applications in relation to consumer buying cycles.
Analysis of Competitors in the Marketplace.
Identifies promotion and sales strategies for your product/service.
Traces product/service development from production/inception to the market environment.
Offers a statement of your management philosophy with an in-depth focus on processes and procedures.
Describes the unique backgrounds of principle employees involved in business.
Discussion of problem solving strategies that change issues into opportunities.
Supporting documents used to enhance your business proposal.
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