Enterprise Quinte

Although there is no universal standard on how to organize a business plan the template below should be a useful guide. If you have any questions regarding a component of the business plan below and would like to arrange a consultation please contact us.

The business plan

Executive Summary - A document onto itself that provides a brief overview of your business, succinctly highlighting the main idea of your plan (1-2 pages).

•     Name and Type of Business
•     Brief Description of Product/Service
•     Business History and Development
•     Location
•     Management
•     Target Market and Characteristics
•     Level of Competition
•     Financial Projections - Revenue, Profit
•     Financing Required
•     Business Strengths and Weaknesses

Business Summary - Examine the concept and subsequent development of your business within an industry specific context.

•     Product/Service Description
•     Start-up Information
•     Owner/Manager
•     Location
•     Investing and Financing Information
•     Development Problems and Solutions
•     Major Competitors
•     Sector/Industry Review
•     Market Trends and Statistics
•     Future Plans and Opportunity for Growth

Marketing Plan - A principle component of the business plan the marketing plan clearly outlines the characteristics of the market, the competition, the positioning of your product, promotion and ultimately qualifies or derives an estimate for Yearly Sales.

Assessing the market

•     Target Market Characteristics
•     Consumer Buying Habits
•     Product/Service Applications
•     Major Factors and Trends
•     Penetration of Market
•     Market Share
•     Research and Studies

Analyzing the competition

•     Competitor Information
•     Product/Service Comparison
•     Niche Served
•     Product/Service SWOT
•     Market Share
•     Research and Studies

Approach to the market

•     Product/Service Offered
•     Unique Selling Proposition
•     Positioning in the Market
•     Branding 'Considerations
•     Pricing Strategy
•     Distribution
•     Sales Strategies

Business revenue

•     Revenue Projection (Years 1 - 2)
•     Assumptions
•     Opportunity for Growth
•     Product/Service Mix
•     Risk Management

Operations - Traces product/service development from production/inception to the marketplace.

•     Operational Structure
•     Production and Operations
•     Management
•     Facilities and Equipment
•     Technology Infrastructure
•     Staffing and Human Resources
•     Wages and Benefits
•     Risk Management

Financial Plan - Essentially the Financial Plan makes the business case with numbers summarizing all aspects of the business into three financial statements. This is by far the most important section if the business plan is to be used to obtain financing.

•     Start-up Costs
•     Income Statement (Year 1 - 2)
•     Balance Sheet (Startup and Year 1)
•     Cash Flow Forecast (Year 1)
•     Financing Required
•     Methods of Repayment
•     Owner's Investment
•     Risk Management

Appendices - Supporting documents used to enhance your business proposal.

•     Financial Statements
•     Milestone Schedule
•     Product Info. (photos, etc.)
•     Intellectual Property Documents
•     Legal Agreements
•     Marketing Material
•     Resumes of Management