BUSINESS PLAN GUIDELINES
This business plan is a new company you are starting up. As the CEO, you have to know everything you can about your products and/or services in order to persuade someone to buy them, and your investors to loan you the money to finance this venture. In this discussion, you are the CEO and your products represent your business. Your customers are potential investors and employees.
Since you want your customers to believe in you, you must be able to convince them that you know what you are talking about when it comes to your business. As the expert of your company, you must be willing to roll up your sleeves and gather information that will be relevant to the development of your business plan, and prove to your investors that your new company will be a viable and successful venture for them to invest in. Every successful business plan should include something about each of the following areas, since these are what make up the essentials of a good business plan:
NOTE CAREFULLY: Each section will be discussed in class. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak with your professor on your progress. Conduct research and set yourself up for success with this project! Most importantly have fun with it, this could become a reality.
The paper must follow the guidelines listed below:
 Minimum 12 pages (excluding the cover page, table of contents and bibliography)
 Double-spaced, Arial or Times New Roman – 12 point font
 Bibliography must be included!
This is a business plan which must consist of the following components:
COVER PAGE: Your name, instructor’s name, date, class and section, name of business
TABLE OF CONTENTS Headings, sub-headings and page numbers
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is a summary of the entire paper. It should include an overall description regarding the content of the paper. Summarize each section in two sentences or less. This will also include your mission statement (what your current goals for the business), vision statement (where you see the business in 3 years) and your competitive advantage. Is this business profitable?
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION Describes the business, products and/or services. What will you offer customers? Location, hours of operation, legal form of ownership, special features.
CONDUCT A PERSONAL SWOT ANALYSIS Describe YOUR strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats as they relate to the business you intend to establish.
MARKET STRATEGY ANALYSIS.
Industry Analysis: Competitors-who are they, and where are they as it relates to your business locale. Name at least three competitors. Discuss their key strengths and weaknesses. THEN discuss your BUSINESS SWOT relative to your competition. For example: Does your competition have a weakness that is your businesses strength? Describe that strength and how you will use it to your businesses advantage.
Target Market: Customers are discussed here. Who is your target market/potential customer? How will you attract the customer? Promotion mix:. How will you promote your business to the target markets? Which promotions will work best and why?
Marketing Mix: Product, Price, Place & Promotion. How are these four working together to attract the buyer and make the business successful? Discuss the combination of the different components. Why the ones are selected best for your target market? What is your pricing strategy? What is your distribution strategy?
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT. Include an organizational chart and job description of each position along with information about the organization’s culture and management style. Refer to management theories and social responsibility philosophies to support this section.
FINANCIAL PLAN This will consists of three reports.1-starts up costs. Identify all of the expenses associated with opening the doors to your new business. 2-monthly operational expenses-how much will it cost to run your business each month? Itemize your expenses. 3- Itemize the monthly revenues your business will earn. Be sure that the revenues cover your monthly expense. Where do you plan on getting the funds necessary to cover start 3 up costs? What resources will you use? Do you have savings? What agencies can help you? Are there any grants available to assist you?
CONCLUSION brings the paper to a close. Summarize your business goals and express your commitment to the success of your business.