Document 7230235
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Transcript Document 7230235
Writing a Winning
Business Plan
A business plan is a strategy
for creating, launching and
managing a new venture. It
answers the questions of
What, Why, Who, When and
Where. Most important, it
answers the question of How.
Success begins with a great opportunity.
A viable opportunity exists when:
You have intimate knowledge of an industry
(products, services, competitors, customers’
needs, missing pieces)
You find a way to meet a need that is not
being met, or a way to meet a need better
than other companies are meeting it
You can execute a viable business in the
industry (robust market, healthy margins,
early cash flow, high profit potential, a
strong team, customers ready to buy)
Components of the Plan
Cover Page
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Business Description
Industry Analysis
Management Plan
Marketing Plan
Financial Plan
Implementation Plan
Cover Page
Name of new business
Name of founders
Contact information
Date of plan
Table of Contents
Includes major sections and
page numbers
Includes sub-sections and
page numbers
Executive Summary
3 to 5 pages in length
Brief description of business and
summary of competitive advantage
Brief overview of management plan
Brief overview of marketing plan
Brief overview of financial plan
including sales and profit projections
Business Description
Mission, vision and values
Products and/or services
Unique competitive advantage
Legal structure and ownership
Industry Analysis
Definition and health of industry
Barriers to entry and exit
Power of buyers and suppliers
Complementary/substitute products
Analysis of major competitors
Current trends relevant to business
Impact of technology and innovation
Key factors for industry success
Management Plan
Members of the management team
Structure of organization and roles
Acquisition/sourcing of materials
Production/assembly of products
Packaging and distribution
Customer service strategy
Marketing Plan
Market segments/customer profiles
Target customers and/or companies
Channels for product distribution
Sales and marketing strategies
Pricing and market positioning
Financial Plan
Financing the venture
Projected financial statements
Cash flow analysis
Break-even analysis
Financial Planning
Confirms there is viable economic
model for the business
Uncovers risks that will need to be
managed
Builds investor confidence (easier to
finance and lower financing costs)
Improves negotiation position of the
entrepreneur
Financial Summary
Financing required – amount raised
and future requirements
Timing of financing (stages and
milestones)
Projection of financials over 3-5 year
period (by month or quarter year 1)
Past financial history if any
ROI expectations
Implementation Plan
Major objectives for the first
year of operation
Specific action plans for
achieving each objective
Sample business plans can be
viewed on the following
websites:
www. bplans.com
www.businessplans.org