Business Plan for an Established Business (Chapter1)

This business plan consists of a narrative and several financial spreadsheets. The
narrative template is the body of the business plan. It contains more than 150 questions
divided into several sections. Work through the sections in any order you like, except
for the Executive Summary, which should be done last. Skip any questions that do not
apply to your business. When you are finished writing your first draft, you will have a
collection of small essays on the various topics of the business plan. Then you will want
to edit them into a flowing narrative.
The real value of doing a business plan is not having the finished product in hand;
rather, the value lies in the process of research and thinking about your business in a
systematic way. The act of planning helps you to think things through thoroughly, to
study and research when you are not sure of the facts, and to look at your ideas
critically. It takes time, but avoids costly, perhaps disastrous, mistakes later.
The business plan narrative is a generic model suitable for all types of businesses.
However, you should modify it to suit your particular circumstances. Before you begin,
review the section titled Refining the Plan, found at the end of the business plan. It
suggests emphasizing certain areas, depending upon your type of business
(manufacturing, retail, service, etc.). It also has tips for fine‐tuning your plan to make
an effective presentation to investors or bankers. If this is why you are writing your
plan, pay particular attention to your writing style. You will be judged by the quality
and appearance of your work as well as your ideas.
It typically takes several weeks to complete a good plan. Most of that time is spent in
research and rethinking your ideas and assumptions. But then, that is the value of the
process. So make time to do the job properly. Those who do never regret the effort. And
finally, be sure to keep detailed notes on your sources of information and on the assumptions underlying your financial data.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. 3
Executive Summary......................................................................................................... 4
General Company Description ...................................................................................... 5
Products and Services...................................................................................................... 6
Marketing Plan................................................................................................................. 7
Operational Plan ............................................................................................................ 15
Management and Organization................................................................................... 20
Personal Financial Statement ....................................................................................... 21
Financial History and Analysis.................................................................................... 22
Financial Plan ................................................................................................................. 23
Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 25
Refining the Plan............................................................................................................ 26