Basic Business Plan Outline

For most small businesses, this is the only plan you'll need—just follow the outline below:

1. Summary of the Plan

A. Company origin and description, strategic activities, management team and past performance, if relevant.

B. Distinguishing features of the product or service. This is often labeled the core benefit proposition. In addition, the core benefit proposition provides the foundation for the unique selling proposition which is the message delivered to the customer.

C. Attractiveness of your market (profit, unit growth, potential customers)

D. Summary of financial projections (sales, units and/or profits)

E. Amount of money you are seeking, in what form, and for what purpose. These should directly relate to the strategic activities.

II. Your Company/Industry

1. Features/Benefits of Products (or Services)

A. Description of industry/markets and products

B. Proprietary/Defendable Positioning of company and product

C. Potential of product and company

2. Market Analysis and Research

A. Current and potential customer dynamics

B. Market Size and Trends (include relevant market segments)

C. Competition: company, product, and customers

3. Estimated Market Shares and Sales

A. Market Plan (size, growth and positioning of company and product, among other topics)

B. Marketing Strategy including market share and sales goals which companies and products will be displaced.

C. Pricing - yours and the competition

D. Sales Tactic - the unique selling proposition as noted previously

E. Service and Warranty Policies, if appropriate

F. Market Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, Promotion and Related Literature

4. Product/Service Development Plans if Applicable

A. Development Status and Tasks (prototypes, mock-ups, etc.)

B. Difficulties/Risks associated with development plans

C. Costs (development, start-up and estimated product cost)

D. Schedule of Events (GANTT or PERT Charts)

5. Operations Plan including Facilities, Space Requirements, Capital Equipment and Labor Force

A. Operations Strategy

B. Facilities and Improvements

C. Labor Force (skills, head count, growth potential)

D. Organization including Key Management Personnel

i. Management Compensation and Ownership

ii. Board of Directors

iii. Support Professional Services

6. Critical Risks/Problems Facing Company and Industry

7. Overall Schedule for Company, Assuming Funding

8. Financial Plan (click here)

A. Profit and Loss and Assumptions

B. Cash Flow and Assumptions

C. Balance Sheet and Assumptions

D. Cost and Cash Flow Controls (information system including accounting and management control systems)

E. Desired Financing and Implications

i. Pro Formas

ii. Proposed Offering - initial public offering if applicable, implications from debt or equity infusion

iii. Current Capitalization

iv. Use of Funds (refer to narrative on 7) including Pro Forma Statement of Changes in Financial Position

III. Appendix/Tables

1. Market Research Support (for critical assumptions)
   
   
2. Resumes
   
   
3. Legal Documents

Previous Page