1. The Business Plan The student will... Discuss elements needed in a formally written E-business plan

2. What is an E-business plan? A document that describes a new E- business. It explains to lenders and investors why the new E-business deserves financial support. It must be continually kept up-to-date due to constant changes in the ecommerce industry.

3. Why make an E-business plan? To obtain financing To serve as a living guide to the business To provide a start-up blueprint To help the owners plan their business prior to start-up so they will have fewer problems

4. The Parts of the E-business Plan Executive Summary Introduction Analysis of the Business Situation Proposed Business Outline E-marketing Plan Conclusion Bibliography Appendix

5. Executive Summary A brief recounting of the key points in business plan Reader uses it to decide if concept interests them, then will read on Should be no longer than two pages Should include the most important information from each section of the plan Persuade reader business will succeed.

6. Introduction Present product or service offered Nature of business should be clear Note unique features of product or service and possible spin-offs (additional products) when business is established Sources of Information –Interviews & research sources

7. Analysis of the Business Situation Presents your research in the industry and market and methods used Analyzes your customers, competition, and industry –Use SWOT analysis Targets Market Profile Includes information about the prospective location’s geographic, economic, and demographic data

8. Proposed Business Outline Goals/objectives and rationale Proposed activities and time lines Proposed budget Plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the Internet business Explain distribution plan

9. Organization Plan Looks at the people aspect of the business Discusses management philosophy, legal form of the company, key management personnel, and key employment policies

10. E-marketing Plan How a company makes its customers aware of its products or services Includes such features as the market niche, pricing policy, company image, marketing tactics used to reach customer, a media plan, and a marketing budget Website development Internet Marketing SEO Customer Service Order Processing Plan

11. Conclusion Presents the forecasts for the future of the business Explains the assumptions made when calculating forecast figures Information in the form of financial statements Shows that the new business will be financially healthy Specific requests for financing Summary of key points supporting financial requests

12. Bibliography Citations of any information used in completing the business plan References of websites used, books, magazines, newspapers, etc.

13. Appendix Optional Includes exhibits appropriate to the business plan but not important enough to include in the body –I.e. - sample questionnaires used, letters sent and received, general background data, minutes of meetings, etc.