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How to Develop a Business Plan

In: Business and Management

Submitted By dalfred36608
Words 717
Pages 3
Business plan essentials
I. Executive Summary (not to exceed two pages)
A. Company name, address, and phone number
B. Name(s), addresses, and phone number(s) of all key people
C. Brief description of the business, its products and services, the customer problems they solve, and the company’s competitive advantage
D. Brief overview of the market for your products and services
E. Brief overview of the strategies that will make your company successful
F. Brief description of the managerial and technical experience of key people
G. Brief statement of the financial request and how the money will be used
H. Charts or tables showing highlights of financial forecasts
II. Vision and Mission Statement
A. Entrepreneur’s vision for the company
B. “What business are we in?”
C. Values and principles on which the business stands
D. What makes the business unique? What is the source of its competitive advantage?
III. Company History (for existing businesses only)
A. Company founding
B. Financial and operational highlights
C. Significant achievements
IV. Industry Profile and Overview
A. Industry analysis
1. Industry background and overview
2. Significant trends
3. Growth rate
4. Barriers to entry and exit
5. Key success factors in the industry
6. Outlook for the future
B. Stage of growth (start-up, growth, maturity)
V. Business Strategy
A. Desired image and position in market
B. Company goals and objectives
1. Operational
2. Financial
3. Other
C. SWOT analysis
1. Strengths
2. Weaknesses
3. Opportunities
4. Threats
D. Competitive strategy
1. Cost leadership
2. Differentiation
3. Focus
VI. Company Products and Services
A. Description
1. Product or service features
2. Customer benefits
3. Warranties and guarantees
4. Unique selling proposition (USP)
B. Patent or trademark protection
C. Description of production process (if applicable)

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