Elements of a Business Plan
There are seven major sections of a business plan, and each one is a complex document. Read this selection from our business plan tutorial to fully understand these components.
Now that you understand why you need a business plan and you've spent some time doing your homework gathering the information you need to create one, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get everything down on paper. The following pages will describe in detail the seven essential sections of a business plan: what you should include, what you shouldn't include, how to work the numbers and additional resources you can turn to for help. With that in mind, jump right in.
Executive Summary
Within the overall outline of the business plan, the executive summary will follow the title page. The summary should tell the reader what you want. This is very important. All too often, what the business owner desires is buried on page eight. Clearly state what you're asking for in the summary.
The statement should be kept short and businesslike, probably no more than half a page. It could be longer, depending on how complicated the use of funds may be, but the summary of a business plan, like the summary of a loan application, is generally no longer than one page. Within that space, you'll need to provide a synopsis of your entire business plan. Key elements that should be included are:
Business concept. Describes the business, its product and the market it will serve. It should point out just exactly what will be sold, to whom and why the business will hold a competitive advantage.
Financial features. Highlights the important financial points of the business including sales, profits, cash flows and return on investment.
Financial requirements. Clearly states the capital needed to start the business and to expand. It should detail how the capital will be used, and the equity, if any, that will be provided for funding. If the loan for initial capital will be based on security instead of equity, you should also specify the source of collateral.
Current business position. Furnishes relevant information about the company, its legal form of operation, when it was formed, the principal owners and key personnel.
Major achievements. Details any developments within the company that are essential to the success of the business. Major achievements include items like patents, prototypes, location of a facility, any crucial contracts that need to be in place for product development, or results from any test marketing that has been conducted.
hi there, I'd like to be considered for your project
Relevant Skills and Experience
I have the required skills and experience in this domain, having 4 years of experience in Ghost writing, content writing, Article Writing,Technical writing, Report Writing And Research Writing.
Proposed Milestones
$555 USD - Project
Dear Sir/ Madam,
I have reviewed your project requirements and am ready to assist. I have over 6 years of Research experience and project writing, within which I have handled over 5000 projects
Relevant Skills and Experience
Am a holder of a Masters in International Research and C+ accredited member. I will ensure that quality is guaranteed at every step in the course of my working.
Proposed Milestones
$350 USD - full task
Hello there, this is Saket. I understand that how important a business plan is and how important it is to apply in the right direction. I have previously written business plans and can write now also.
Relevant Skills and Experience
I am an MBA in marketing and have been a business analyst for a long time so I have enough understanding of the module to work on it. I have also 10 years of experience in all sort of content writing.
Proposed Milestones
$560 USD - Based on discussion.
Please suggest the deadline of the project.
Hi,
I trust you are well.
I understand your project requirements. If you provide me with all the requirements I premise to deliver an excellent work and in timely manner.
Relevant Skills and Experience
Business plan, research writing
Proposed Milestones
$333 USD - business plan
Hello,
A business plan is a guide, like a map or an outline to your future advancements. A business plan must be carefully written and researched, the writer must be knowledgeable of all the key components needed to create a complete plan. With my skills and expertise in business and research, I value professionalism highly and will do all that I can to ensure you the plan will meet your needs.
Regards, Mathinson