1. Writing a Winning Business Plan

2. A business plan is a strategy for creating, launching and managing a new venture. It answers the questions of What, Why, Who, When and Where. Most important, it answers the question of How.

3. Success begins with a great opportunity
Success begins with a great opportunity. A viable opportunity exists when:
You have intimate knowledge of the industry (products, services, competitors, customers’ needs, missing pieces)
You meet an important need or want that currently is not being met in the market
You can execute a viable business in the industry (robust market, healthy margins, early cash flow, high profit potential, a strong team, customer ready to buy)

4. Components of the Plan Cover Page Table of Contents Executive Summary
Business Description
Industry Analysis
Management Plan
Marketing Plan
Financial Plan
Implementation Plan

5. Cover Page Name of new business Name of founders
Contact information
Date of plan

6. Table of Contents Includes major sections and page numbers
Includes sub-sections and page numbers

7. Executive Summary 1 to 3 pages in length
Brief description of business and summary of competitive advantage
Brief overview of management plan
Brief overview of marketing plan
Brief overview of financial plan including sales and profit projections

8. Business Description Mission, vision and values
Products and/or services
Unique competitive advantage
Legal structure and ownership

9. Industry Analysis Definition and health of industry
Barriers to entry and exit
Power of buyers and suppliers
Complementary/substitute products
Analysis of major competitors
Current trends relevant to business
Impact of technology and innovation
Key factors for industry success

10. Management Plan Members of the management team
Structure of organization and roles
Acquisition/sourcing of materials
Production/assembly of products
Packaging and distribution
Customer service strategy

11. Marketing Plan Market segments/customer profiles
Target customers and/or companies
Channels for product distribution
Sales and marketing strategies
Pricing and market positioning

12. Financial Plan Financing the venture Projected financial statements
Cash flow analysis
Break-even analysis

13. Financial Planning
Confirms there is viable economic model for the business
Uncovers risks that will need to be managed
Builds investor confidence (easier to finance and lower financing costs)
Improves negotiation position of the entrepreneur

14. Financial Summary
Financing required – amount raised and future requirements
Timing of financing (stages and milestones)
Projection of financials over 3-5 year period (by month or quarter year 1)
Past financial history if any
ROI expectations

15. Implementation Plan Major objectives for the first year of operation
Specific action plans for achieving each objective

16. Sample business plans can be viewed on the following websites: www
Sample business plans can be viewed on the following websites: www. bplans.com