The Easy Business Plan
Outline: 6 -
12 Pages Long ©
By
Roger S.
Cohen ©
PDF of Easy
Business Plan Outline
Small businesses are often
advised to
prepare a written business plan. We know that this task can be very
difficult to start. Business plan software is complicated to use, and
organizing a plan on your own can be confusing.
This is a short business plan
outline.
It is especially suitable for a technology company, but can be utilized
by any firm. Your finished business plan will be just six to twelve
pages long.
The Easy Business Plan Outline By Roger S. Cohen
1. Cover Page and Executive
Summary
Provide your contact information and three-paragraph summary of your
business plan. Write this last.
2. Concise Description of the
Proposed Business
2.1 Problem Statement.
Describe the problem in the market, and why that problem needs to be
solved by your company.
2.2 Proposed Solution to the
Problem.
Describe your solution to the market problem, why it works, and why the
market will want to buy it. Describe the products or services to be
sold.
Discuss your intellectual property.
3. History and Background of
the
Market, Product and Technology
Demonstrate that you know the market. Show that you have expertise in
this business.
4. Description of the
Potential
Market
4.1 Market Description.
4.1.1 Define the
market(s)
and what groups are in the market(s). Discuss the size and location of
the market(s).
4.1.2 Discuss the potential
purchasing power of the market(s).
4.1.3 Discuss what kind of
cooperation or strategic alliances with other firms and individuals
will be needed.
4.2 Promotion.
Describe the methods to be used to promote the products or services in
the target market(s). These may include, for example: press releases,
speaking engagements, newspaper coverage, a web site, and pro bono work.
5. Sales Plans
5.1 Discuss your sales
plans,
methods, and staff.
5.2 Identify the customers.
Show
orders received, expected shipments, and expected revenues.
5.3 Discuss your advertising
plan,
and relate it to your plan for promotion.
6. Management
Describe how and why you are able to manage the company and its
operations. Identify managers with brief biographies.
7. Operations
7.1 Describe your
company's
current situation, structure and date of inception, date of
incorporation and ownership.
7.2 Describe the proposed form
of the
company, and who will be investing in and owning the company.
7.3 If your company is reliant
on a
technology, describe that technology and how it will be utilized.
8. Financial Information and
Concise
Revenue Projections
Use both a text description and a spreadsheet presentation.
8.1 Provide concise
revenue
projections. Show the expected sales and expense figures (projected
income statement).
8.2 Describe the amount
currently
invested in your company, and by whom.
8.3 Describe the amount of
funding
sought.
8.4 Describe the expected use
of the
proceeds of the loan or investment, and the effect on the company.
9. Competition
Discuss the competition to your product, service and company. Describe
how you can compete.
10. Risk analysis
Discuss the risks that may affect your company, lenders or investors.
11. Exit Strategy
Describe the expected future of the company, such as a sale, buyout,
IPO or continued operation.
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