Print Version

BUSINESS PLAN OUTLINE

The following is a list of topics or issues you might include. Depending on the importance of each issue to your start-up, any one can stand alone as a separate section or be combined with another issue. Also listed are possible subheadings that may be organized under each main topic.

The Company (Description of the Business)

• Introduction
  • Background
  • Business Philosophy
  • Business Policy

• Overview of the Business
  • Operations
  • Current Status
  • Future Plans

• Inventory Requirements and Suppliers
• Timetable for Startup (or Takeover)

The Industry (Description of the Industry)

• Chief Characteristics
• The Participants
• Analyst Summaries
• Trends
  • Growth Rate and Key Growth Factors

Product and Related Services

• Product/Service Description
• Facilities Description
• Proprietary Features
• Future Development Plans
• Product Liability

Technology: Research and Development

• Concept Development
• Research, Testing, and Evaluation
• Milestones and Breakthroughs
• Current Status and Continuing R & D

Market Analysis

• Target Market and Characteristics
  • Market Scope
  • Market Segmentation
  • Market Barriers
  • Market Demand
• Analyst Summaries
• Market Share, Trends, and Growth Potential
• Sales, Distribution, and Profits by Product/Service

Competitive Analysis

• Competitors' Profile
• Product/Service Comparison
• Market Niche and Share
• Comparison of Strengths and Weaknesses

Marketing Strategy

• Penetration Goals
• Pricing and Packaging
• Sales and Distribution
• Service and Warranty Policies
• Advertising, Public Relations, and Promotions

Manufacturing Process and Operations

• Location
• Facilities and Equipment
• Manufacturing Process and Operations
• Labor Considerations
• Environmental and Economic Impact

Management and Ownership

• Key People and Experience
• Board of Directors
• Ownership Distribution and Incentives
• Professional Support Services

Administration, Organization, and Personnel

• Administrative Procedures and Controls
• Staffing and Training
• Organizational Chart
• Management Control Systems

Milestones, Schedule, and Strategic Planning

• Major Milestones (What/Why)
• Schedule (When/Who)
• Strategic Planning (How/Where)

Critical Risks and Problems

• Summary of Major Problems Overcome
• Inevitable Risks and Problems
• Potential Risks and Problems
• Worst-Case Scenarios

Financial Data

• Funding Request/Terms of Investment
• Sources and Application of Funds
• Capital Equipment List
• Real Estate Purchase (or Lease Agreement)
• Insurance Coverage
• Current Financial Statements
  • Balance Sheet
  • Profit & Loss Statement
• Aged Accounts Receivables
• Aged Accounts Payable
• Detail on Term Debt
• Breakeven Analysis
• Personal Financial Statements
• Company Federal Income Tax Returns (3 years)
• Personal Federal Income Tax Returns (3 years)

Financial Projections

• Pro Forma Income Statement - First Five Years
• Pro Forma Income Statement - First Year (by month)
• Pro Forma Income Statement - Second Year (by month)
• Assumptions to Projected Income Statement
• Pro Forma Cash Flow Budget - First Five Years
• Pro Forma Cash Flow Budget - First Year (by month)
• Pro Forma Cash Flow Budget - Second Year (by month)
• Assumptions to Projected Cash Flow Budget
• Pro Forma Balance Sheets - First Five Years
• Pro Forma Income Statement - Worst Case

Appendixes

• Store Layout - Customer Flow / Plant Layout - Work Flow
• Marketing Studies, Growth in Industry, Marketing Data
  • (Magazine, newspaper, trade journal articles)
• Engineering Studies
• Sales Catalogs or Sales Brochures
• Advertising
• Copy of Store or Factory Lease
• Licensing Information
• Illustrations or Photos of Products, Equipment, and Facilities
• Copy of Existing Customer Contracts or Letters of Intent
• Prior Years' Financial Statements (2 years)
• Copy of Patent, Patent Search or Patent Application
• Partnership Agreement or Employment Contracts
• References and Letters of Recommendation

    Home   Business Plans   Reference   Reports   Books   Magazines
   Software   Services   Opportunities   Email  

Bizbound Business Resource Center
For questions e-mail to louie@bizbound.com
http://www.bizbound.com