Executive Summary
- Briefly describe your business:
- Mission statement
- Core products/services
- Target market
- Unique value proposition (UVP)
- Highlight financial projections (revenue, profit goals).
- Keep it concise (1–2 pages max).
Business Description
- Business name, location, and legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.).
- Industry overview: Trends, size, and growth potential.
- Goals: Short-term (1 year) and long-term (3–5 years).
Market Analysis
- Target audience: Demographics, behaviors, and pain points.
- Competitor analysis: SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).
- Market demand: Data to prove your solution is needed.
Products/Services
- Detailed description of what you’re selling.
- Pricing strategy: How prices compare to competitors.
- Supply chain/development: Sourcing, production, or delivery process.
Sales & Marketing Strategy
- Channels: How will you reach customers? (e.g., social media, SEO, ads).
- Promotion: Discounts, partnerships, or referral programs.
- Sales process: From lead generation to conversion.
Operations Plan
- Facilities/equipment: Physical location, tools, or software needed.
- Team structure: Key roles and hires (include advisors if applicable).
- Day-to-day workflows: How the business will run.
Financial Plan
- Startup costs: One-time expenses (e.g., licenses, inventory).
- Revenue model: How you’ll make money (subscriptions, one-time sales, etc.).
- Projections:
- 12-month cash flow forecast
- Break-even analysis
- Profit & Loss (P&L) estimates
- Funding needs: How much you need and how it will be used.
Risk Analysis
- Potential risks: Competition, market shifts, operational challenges.
- Mitigation strategies: How you’ll address risks.
Appendices
- Supporting documents:
- Resumes of key team members
- Patents/trademarks
- Customer testimonials or letters of intent
Bonus Tips
- Keep it flexible: Update your plan as your business evolves.
- Use templates: SBA.gov or tools like LivePlan can streamline formatting.
- Focus on clarity: Avoid jargon—make it easy for investors/banks to understand.