Transcript 42.2

Making a business plan
What is the connection between
business and community
development?
• It is legal for a nonprofit group to make a
profit.
• There are other ways to ensure your financial
sustainability.
A business plan is a written
document that describes in detail
what kind of business you intend to
operate, how you intend to operate
it, and why you believe you will
succeed.
Why should you have a business
plan?
• To clarify your own thinking
• To raise confidence among group members
• To raise confidence among potential outside
backers
When should you make a business
plan?
• When you are thinking about embarking on
a business venture
• When you are hazy about the details
• When you want expert feedback or advice
• When you need to attract outside help
How do you make a business
plan?
Include the following in your plan:
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A cover page
A table of contents
An executive summary
A description of your organization
A description of your management
A description of your product or service
Include the following in your plan
(cont.):
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Information about your market
Information about your competition
Details of your operating plan
Financial information
Timelines
Appendices
Ten common writing pitfalls
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The writing is unclear
The plan is too long
The layout is poor and/or illogical
An executive summary is omitted
There is too much technical jargon
There is insufficient detail
Ten common writing pitfalls
7. The market is not defined, or a marketing
plan is missing
8. No or sketchy mention is made of the
competition
9. The financial information given is not
straightforward
10. The reader is given no reason to invest in
the plan
How should the plan be packaged?
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Use high-quality paper.
It should be approximately 20 pages.
Use color printing and tasteful graphics.
Bind it according to the standards of your
readers.
• It should be totally error-free.