Basic Business Plan Layout

Published: Aug 30, 2004

Introduction

The Basic Business Plan Layout outlines the main areas of your business plan. It is designed to aid you in organizing and writing your business plan.

You can use the business plan layout for:

An overview of a typical document for the novice.
A reminder for the experienced business plan writer.
A starter outline in your word processor.
A framework for adding your specific topics.
A checklist or file titles for gathering information.
A checklist for negotiating, decision making and other such activities.

Business Plan Layout

Executive Summary

(Written last - read first)

Business Description
Product or Service Description
Ownership and Management
Key Initiatives and Objectives
Marketing Opportunities
Competitive Advantages
Marketing Strategy
Financial Projections

Confidentiality Request

Corporate Structure

Legal form (proprietorship, partnership, corporation)
Share distribution
Directors and officers
Organization chart

Business Overview

History of development and achievements.
Vision and/or Mission Statement
Objectives
- Startup
- Short-term (first year)
- Future or Long-term
Ownership
- Past, Present and Future Structure
Location
Facilities

(For Manufacturing)

Non-technical description of production process
Physical plant requirements (building, utility requirements, expansion capability, layout)
Machinery and equipment
Raw materials
Inventory requirements
Suppliers
Personnel required
Cost of facilities, equipment and materials (estimates and quotations)
Capital estimates (one time start-up or expansion capital required)

(For Retail)

Purchasing plans
Inventory system
Space requirements
Equipment required

Products and Services

Descriptions
Key or Unique Features
Comparative Advantages
Production Methods
Delivery Methods
Market Feasibility Studies
Quality Control
Potential Development or Spinoffs

Industry Overview

History
Industry Size
Related Products or Services
Description of Industry Participants (Key, Relevant, Atypical)
Trends
Threats and Opportunities
Outlook
Local Situation

Marketing Strategies

Market Research
Market Segments
Market Shares of Existing Participants (Suppliers & Buyers)
Consumer Behavior and Practices
Target Markets
Description of Major Competitors
Competitive Positioning
Pricing Strategy
Promotion Strategy
Distribution Strategy

Management and Staffing

Organizational Structure
Management Team
Staffing
- Existing - History, Skills, Employment Contracts
- Recruiting - Selecting, Orientation and Training Strategies

Regulatory Issues

Property Protection
Legal Advisor or Consultant
Licensing
Regulations: Trade, Municipal, Province / State, Federal, International.
Labor Market Issues

Risk Management

Risk Recognition
Disclaimers
Risk Consultant (Insurance Broker)
Liability
Marketplace
Economic

Implementation or Action Plan

Preparation for Startup
Startup
Initial operations
Ongoing operations

Financial

Financing Strategy
- Alternative Sources of Funding
Application of Funds
Revenue Projections
Cash Flow Projections
Pro-Forma Statements
- Balance Sheet
- Income and Expense
Financial Ratios (comparative to industry standards)
Banking Arrangements
Cash and Credit Policies
Collection Policies

References

Name of present lending institution
Lawyer's name with contact details
Accountant's name with contact details
Business associates
Family Support System

Appendix

(potential requests from your banker or potential investor)

Personal financial statement & documentation
Letters of intent
List of existing inventory
List of leasehold improvements
List of fixed assets
Price lists
Description of insurance coverage
Accounts receivable summary
Accounts payable summary
Copies of legal agreements
Appraisals
Financial statements for associated companies

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