Appendix A - Business Plan Template

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Appendix A - Business Plan Template

Business Plan Template

USING THIS 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.

GENERIC BUSINESS PLAN

Main headings included below are topics that should be covered in a comprehensive business plan. They include:

Business Summary

Purpose

Provides a brief overview of your business, succinctly highlighting the main ideas of your plan.

Includes

Name and Type of Business
Description of Product/Service
Business History and Development
Location
Market
Competition
Management
Financial Information
Business Strengths and Weaknesses
Business Growth

Purpose

Organized in an Outline Format, the Table of Contents illustrates the selection and arrangement of information contained in your plan.

Includes

Topic Headings and Subheadings
Page Number References

Business History and Industry Outlook

Purpose

Examines the conception and subsequent development of your business within an industry specific context.

Includes

Start-up Information
Owner/Key Personnel Experience
Location
Development Problems and Solutions
Investment/Funding Information
Future Plans and Goals
Market Trends and Statistics
Major Competitors
Product/Service Advantages
National, Regional, and Local Economic Impact

Product/Service

Purpose

Introduces, defines, and details the product and/or service that inspired the information of your business.

Includes

Unique Features
Niche Served
Market Comparison
Stage of Product/Service Development
Production
Facilities, Equipment, and Labor
Financial Requirements
Product/Service Life Cycle
Future Growth

Market Examination

Purpose

Assessment of product/service applications in relation to consumer buying cycles.

Includes

Target Market
Consumer Buying Habits
Product/Service Applications
Consumer Reactions
Market Factors and Trends
Penetration of the Market
Market Share
Research and Studies
Cost
Sales Volume and Goals

Competition

Purpose

Analysis of Competitors in the Marketplace.

Includes

Competitor Information
Product/Service Comparison
Market Niche
Product/Service Strengths and Weaknesses
Future Product/Service Development

Marketing

Purpose

Identifies promotion and sales strategies for your product/service.

Includes

Product/Service Sales Appeal
Special and Unique Features
Identification of Customers
Sales and Marketing Staff
Sales Cycles
Type of Advertising/Promotion
Pricing
Competition
Customer Services

Operations

Purpose

Traces product/service development from production/inception to the market environment.

Includes

Cost Effective Production Methods
Facility
Location
Equipment
Labor
Future Expansion

Administration and Management

Purpose

Offers a statement of your management philosophy with an in-depth focus on processes and procedures.

Includes

Management Philosophy
Structure of Organization
Reporting System
Methods of Communication
Employee Skills and Training
Employee Needs and Compensation
Work Environment
Management Policies and Procedures
Roles and Responsibilities

Key Personnel

Purpose

Describes the unique backgrounds of principle employees involved in business.

Includes

Owner(s)/Employee Education and Experience
Positions and Roles
Benefits and Salary
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives and Goals

Potential Problems and Solutions

Purpose

Discussion of problem solving strategies that change issues into opportunities.

Includes

Risks
Litigation
Future Competition
Economic Impact
Problem Solving Skills

Financial Information

Purpose

Secures needed funding and assistance through worksheets and projections detailing financial plans, methods of repayment, and future growth opportunities.