1. Business planning
Super-project.eu

2. Importance and benefits of business planning
The real value is in the planning process
Reduces risk and uncertainty
Documents a business and makes sure every important aspect has been thought through
Forces to look at the business idea in the light of reality
Reveals potential problems
Gives everyone involved a sense of direction
Attracts lenders and investors

3. What types of start-ups need business plan and what don’t
When approaching investors and asking for money (a general consensus)
Many elements of business change very frequently
Yet, without any systematic approach to planning, founders are vague, unfocused and messy
Even for a dynamic start-up venture in a dynamic market, a few pages document is beneficial
The more predictable the business and market, the closer should be the business planning practice to the generally recommended and established structure

4. New venture business plan
What is special for new venture business plan compared to one of an established business?
Uncertainty about assumptions
Works with milestones and real options
Used for raising capital

5. Structure and content
Executive summary – emphasizes key issues of the business plan
Entrepreneur and team – demonstrates talents, skills and experience of founders and/or management team
Vision, mission value proposition and business model
Product/service – describes the product/service offered by the venture
Opportunity analysis and market validation, Market analysis – presents highlights of market research and reflects your knowledge of the industry
Strategy – describes how the business wants to achieve its goals

6. Structure and content
Marketing strategy, sales plan - discusses competition and describes intended marketing instrument
People – actual and future requirements for employee, job descriptions, compensation and motivation
Resources and operations, Operational plan – how products/services are to be produced
Financial plan – financial representation of all the information presented in the other sections
Risks – summary of critical risks and their prevention and handling
Start-up schedule – outlines plan of the next steps of the start-up process

7. Form
Easy to read – simple (but not oversimplified) text, attractive headlines
Attractive but rather decent visual layout
Use of figures, charts, pictures, diagrams where relevant
Numbered pages and sections
Avoiding too small letters (definitely not smaller than 10 pts)
Maximum extent of pages incl. appendices, i.e. 15 to 25 pages plus appendices
Avoid abbreviations that are not previously explained
Terminology, analogies and examples must be understandable for target audience
Carefully check for mistakes and errors
Always include references and sources of secondary data

8. Different types of business plan
According to extent and detail
One-page business plan
Lean plan (miniplan)
Standard business plan
According to the nature of target audience
Working business plan
Presentation business plan
According to purpose
Feasibility study
Operations plan/annual plan
Growth / expansion plan

9. Dos in business planning
Demonstrate understanding of the technology, market, risks, and customer needs
Always provide defensible assumptions
Include a credible evidence of commitment
Provide any available relevant evidence of reputation
Follow the common business plan structure, while also adjusting for unique aspects
Control the copies and keep distribution records
Be sure to understand every part of the business plan. You need to present it convincingly
Make it readable, use charts and graphics where appropriate, and avoid making it too long

10. Don’ts in business planning
Don’t try to be everything to everybody. Stay focused
Always build your forecast on real market data backed by primary and secondary market research
Don’t forget the importance of cash flow
Avoid overly simplistic assumptions
Don’t be dishonest
Preparing a business plan is not a one-shot exercise
Don’t let others (i.e. outsiders) to completely prepare your business plan
If it is your first experience, don’t write business plan without seeking the advice
Avoid errors and mistakes

11. Scale up business plan
An important tool for planning the business scale up
Created in different context, has some specific features
The main areas to be covered are:
Identification and analysis of growth opportunities
Description of the current business, including analysis of its strengths and weaknesses
Outline of the mid-term growth plan, including very specific 1-2 years strategy and detailed 90 days tactical plan
Information on the team + Revision of staffing needs
Financial plan + Revision of financial resources needs

12. Thank You !