This is usually a two page summary of the entire business plan. It is an important part of the plan in that it is designed to capture the readers attention and create an interest in the company. It usually includes the companys mission statement and summarizes its competitive advantages,sales and profit projections,financial requirements, plans to repay lenders or investors and the amount of financing requested.
This section of a business plan includes not only profile of the company, but also a picture of the industry in which the company operates. Every business operates within a specific context that affects its growth potential. The data of the sections may cover new products and developments in the industry, trends and outlook for the industry, and overall economic trends.
The goal of this section is to differentiate a companys products or services for those of the competition. It describes specific customer needs that are uniquely met by the firms products or services. Product features are translated into customer benefits. Product life cycles and their effects on sales and marketing can be described. The companys plans for a new generation of products or services may also be included in this section.
This is section presents the strengths of the companys management team by highlighting relevant experience achievements, and past performance. Key areas include managements ability to provide planning organizational skills, and leadership The section also contains information about the companys ownership and work force. It may present an existing or planned organizational structure that will accomplish the goals set forth in the business plan.
It serves as the basis for a companys sales and marketing plans and generally covers the company’s competition, customers,product and market acceptance, its strengths nd weaknesses, providing a basis for discovering market opportunities. This section of the business plan provides a picture of who buys and uses the company’s products or services and highlights how the latter satisfy previously unfulfilled market needs. It also includes evidence of market acceptance of the companys unique products or services.
6. This section delineates the methods and activities that wil be employed to reach the companys revenue goals. It describes the companys customer base products services, marketing and sales programmes.
It usually included if the business is involved in manufacturing a product and covers production options that are available to produce and desired mix of products. In non-manufacturing companies, this section would cover new service development.
This section covers the financing and clash flow requirements implicit in other areas of business plan. It contains projection of income,expenses and cash flow, as as well as descriptions of budgeting and financial control. Financial projections must be supported by as sales figures or market research.monthly figures are generally given for the first two years, followed by annual figures for the next three to eight years. If the business plan is written for investors or lenders, the amount of financing required m be included here or in a separate section.
This section provides key dates pertaining to finance, marketing, an production. It indicates when specific financing is needed, when specific aspects of a particular marketing campaign wil take place, and delivery dated based on production schedules.
This section defines problems and challenges that the company may face and outlines plans for overcoming unforeseen obstacles that might arise. Specific topics that may be explored are competitive responses,areas of weakness or vulnerability, legal constraints and continuity of leadership.
other details
Most business plan include a table of contents and a cover sheet containing basic information about company. An appendix may include a variety of documentation that supports