FORMAT OF A BUSINESS PLAN (Onibokun Samson O.)

FORMAT OF A BUSINESS PLAN

Name of Company/Business with logo (at the front page)

CONTENTS:

1. Executive Summary

2. Summary of Background

3. Business Environment

4. Operations

5. Go to Market Plan

6. Investment

7. Cash Flow Forecast

1. Executive summary.

Although this will be the first section in your plan, it is easiest to write it last, as with all summaries.

Introduce the company, its geographical location, provide an overview of product and

market, legal status and sector Clarify your vision, objectives and aims. Mention planned launch date. Then, depending on the reason for writing the plan, you will probably mention the rationale for the funding you are seeking –whether it is start-up funding, working capital, or for an expansion plan.

2. Summary of Background

Provide some background. Explain why the business was established, its history to date, what the goals are and how you plan to get there. Are you looking for steady growth or fast expansion? Why do you need to expand, or secure more capital?

Description of your products and services

USP

Target customer

Outline of the business aims (SMART)

Mention any patent, copyright, design registration

Accreditations

Clients

Legal obligations H&S, licenses, insurance

3. Business Environment

Start by describing your business — what does it do and what makes it different from rivals? (USP)

Review your market and competitors -ideally backed up by Research Profile of your target market and analysis of demand Size of target market, market potential, market trends

Potential clients, or customers –target demographic

Proposed Pricing –again ideally backed up by research

Business background

Analysis of your sector.

Who are your key competitors?

Assessments of your competitors

SWOT analysis – showing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in your sector and facing your business.

4. Operations

Information about your management team and resources. Give details of key personnel and their roles. Describe important assets such as premises and equipment.

Staffing policy –will you hire or outsource?

5. Go to Market Plan

Outline your sales and marketing strategy.

Include information on pricing

Cost of product

Market price

Margin

Route to market –internet, store, and phone? mention product launch dates , seasonality

6. Investment

Include details of any start-up investment, made by Directors Any bank loans or overdrafts;

Set up costs

Equipment

Premises

Materials

Transport

Stock

Data on your current financial situation

How new funding sought will be used

Cash Flow forecast.

This should be a spread sheet, covering at least a year, month by month.It should show;-

Projected sales (different income streams with their own line of information)

Cost of sale, Rent, rates, utilities, insurances, fuel, loan repayments, salaries, any other

overheads. These should be totaled monthly.

7. Cash Flow Forecast

The monthly sales figure, less the costs and overheads, all shown month by month, will form a monthly sales and cash flow forecasts, profit and loss projections and will flag up a funding requirement.

EduBulb Consulting

Onibokun Samson Oladipupo

Chief Consultant