Activity

USS Biz Trek Activity #23: Comprehensive Business Plan

For more advanced ‘treps, a short business plan isn’t enough. You will want your plan to cover many details and provide more information about your finances. A comprehensive plan is also best if you plan to seek financial backing from potential investors.

Loggin’ On

Print out the plan below and study it carefully. Then use the outline as a guide to write your own business plan. Since you may need to update your plan several times as your business grows, use your computer to create your plan. Then each time you update the plan, save it with a new name so you’ll have a record of all the stages of growth for your business.

Business Plan Outline

I. Organization of the business

A. Describe the business

1. Name of the company

2. What is your business concept or goal?

3. Who owns the business?

4. What time will you work?

5. List any legal requirements.

B. Describe what you sell.

1. List goods and prices.

2. List services and prices.

3. How do your goods and services benefit customers?

C. List equipment and tools needed.

1. List the equipment you have now.

2. List additional equipment you will need.

3. Describe your plan for getting additional equipment.

D. List supplies and raw materials needed.

1. List supplies you have now.

2. List additional supplies you need.

3. Describe your plan for getting additional supplies.

4. List suppliers or wholesalers you plan to use.

II. Marketing plan for products

A. Identify your customers.

1. Give a description of target customers.

2. Where will you find target customers?

3. Describe any niche markets you serve.

B. Identify your competitors.

1. List 3-5 main competitors.

2. What prices do they charge?

3. What marketing methods do they use?

4. Describe your plan beating the competition.

C. Outline your marketing methods.

1. Where do you plan to advertise?

2. What sales materials are you going to use?

3. What are the main points of your sales message?

4. Include samples of your marketing materials.

III. Financial details

A. Calculate your expenses.

1. How much money do you need for start-up?

2. What are your sources for start-up money?

3. What are your monthly operating expenses?

4. What is the per unit cost of each of your goods and services?

B. Estimate monthly income

1. What is the per unit profit on each of your goods and services?

2. What is the income needed to reach the break-even point?

3. What is the income needed to reach profit zone?

4. Create a cash flow projection for six months.

C. Describe your record-keeping system.

1. Include sample forms for record keeping.

2. Include sample order forms, receipts, etc.

3. List your bank accounts.

D. Loan request

1. List amount of cash you are investing in the business.

2. List the amount you are requesting as a loan

3. Describe how you will repay the loan.

Finished?

Rocket back to Lesson 7

Rocket forward to Activity 24