Business planning optimizes success by requiring you to analyze the potential successes of and obstacles to your business goals. A business plan is typically used at the start-up of a business and to apply for loans, but it is also very useful when running a business to organize for growth and development. As the Small Business Administration notes, business plans should be a “work in progress.”
You will use your business plan when you apply for a loan at a bank or approach a potential investor. You may also circulate it to other interested parties, but you should control who sees the business plan and update the plan as needed.
What Are the Essential Elements of a Business Plan?
While the specifics will vary for each business, a business plan generally includes most of the following elements:
Executive Summary
The executive summary should briefly state the core principles of the business including a mission statement, objectives, and highlights of the plan. It should not be more than a few pages and will probably be written last.
Market Analysis
The market analysis will summarize the target market. It will analyze trends, needs, and growth in the region. It may also include market strategies for growth and information about competition in the industry.
Company Description
The company description provides details on the owner or owners, including background experience, the company location, and start-up expenses.
Organization and Management Structure
This section will outline the management head or heads, the departments and personnel plans.
Marketing and Sales Management
The marketing portion will discuss pricing, distribution, promotion, and marketing of the business. The sales portion may include sales forecasts or sales programs. Discussion of vendor relationships may be included here.
Service or Product Line
Your business plan should describe what you are selling: the products or services that are the heart of your business.
Funding Request
If you are using your business plan to obtain a loan or to provide potential investors with information, you will need to specify the amount of money you want and the money you may need in the future. You should also specify the purpose of the funds; for example, operating capital, debt retirement, or another purpose.
Financials
The financials portion will include the financial performance of your business for the past three to five years (if it is an existing business) and anticipated performance of the business for the next five years. Start-up businesses will have to estimate expected profits on a monthly basis for the first year and then usually on a quarterly basis for the next two to five years.
Appendix
Additionally, you should include an appendix to your plan for certain persons. While it will not be attached to your business plan, you should have easy access to it. The appendix will include background information on the business, the owners, the management, permitting, market studies, and other items of interest for a lender, creditor, or certain investors to allow them to make funding decisions.
The Details Will Optimize Your Business Growth
While drafting a formal business plan may take time and effort, the organization that it requires will help to optimize your business’s potential. And as your business grows, the business plan can serve as a reference for professional contacts and future road map for growth and development.
Obligatory Disclaimer: Did you like what you just read? I’m glad! But please know this post is for information purposes only. It is not considered legal advice, nor does this create an attorney-client relationship. Head over to my legal blog to check out other relevant information and contact me through there if you want to discuss your legal needs.
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