Structure of a Business Plan

1. Structure of a Business Plan

2. Executive Summary • This gives an overall view of the business and its potential. It summarises the entire business plan in one page or less.

3. Company description • Aims and objectives of the business • What the business is proposing to do • Where it will be located • Product or service being offered

4. Organisation and management structure • Details of owners and management: qualifications, work experience and current status, and all staffing requirements

5. Market research and analysis • Target market selection and customer profile • Primary and secondary research • Market positioning, size and share • Nature of competition • Unique selling point

6. Marketing plan and strategy • Marketing mix: product, price, place, promotion • Sales plan • Distribution and promotion strategy • Pricing strategy

7. Production and Operations • Required capacity and quality issues • Level of capital expenditure required • Production plan and costings • Description of plant and equipment needed • Labour force and training requirements • Suppliers and sourcing of materials

8. Venture Team • Outline of prospective shareholders • The management team • Nature of responsibilities and organisation structure • List of external bodies used, such as accountants, solicitors, consultants etc

9. Financial plan • Details of the financial investment required to set up the business. • Borrowing requirements, shareholder funds, grants etc

10. Appendices • Profit and loss and balance sheet projections • Sales and cash flow projections • Details of workings and calculations (e.g. results of market research undertaken) • Costings and pricing for the product or service • Any other relevant and detailed information.