QuickMBA / Entrepreneurship / Sample Business Plan Outline
Title Page
Name of company, date, contact information, etc.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
- Business Concept
- Company
- Market Potential
- Management Team
- Distinct Competencies
- Required Funding and its Use
- Exit Strategy
Main Sections
I. Company Description
- Mission Statement
- Summary of Activity to Date
- Current Stage of Development
- Competencies
- Product or Service
- Description
- Benefits to customer
- Differences from current offerings
- Objectives
- Keys to Success
- Location and Facilities
II. Industry Analysis
- Entry Barriers
- Supply and Distribution
- Technological Factors
- Seasonality
- Economic Influences
- Regulatory Issues
III. Market Analysis
- Definition of Overall Market
- Market Size and Growth
- Market Trends
- Market Segments
- Targeted Segments
- Customer Characteristics
- Customer Needs
- Purchasing Decision Process
- Product Positioning
IV. Competition
- Profiles of Primary Competitors
- Competitors' Products/Services & Market Share
- Competitive Evaluation of Product
- Distinct Competitive Advantage
- Competitive Weaknesses
- Future Competitors
V. Marketing and Sales
- Products Offered
- Pricing
- Distribution
- Promotion
- Advertising and Publicity
- Trade Shows
- Partnerships
- Discounts and Incentives
- Sales Force
- Sales Forecasts
VI. Operations
- Product Development
- Development Team
- Development Costs
- Development Risks
- Manufacturing (if applicable)
- Production Processes
- Production Equipment
- Quality Assurance
- Administration
- Key Suppliers
- Product / Service Delivery
- Customer Service and Support
- Human Resource Plan
- Facilities
VII. Management and Organization
- Management Team
- Open Positions
- Board of Directors
- Key Personnel
- Organizational Chart
VIII. Capitalization and Structure
- Legal Structure of Company
- Present Equity Positions
- Deal Structure
- Exit Strategy
IX. Development and Milestones
Time may be specified on a relative scale rather than specific calendar dates. Milestones may include some or all of the following:
- Financing Commitments
- Product Development Milestones
- Prototype
- Testing
- Launch
- Signing of Significant Contracts
- Achievment of Break-even Performance
- Expansion
- Additional Funding
- Any other significant milestones
X. Risks and Contingencies
Some common risks include:
- Increased competition
- Loss of a key employee
- Suppliers' failure to meet deadlines
- Regulatory changes
- Change in business conditions
XI. Financial Projections
- Assumptions (Start date, commissions, tax rates, average inventory, sales forecasts, etc.)
- Financial Statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement)
- Break Even Analysis
- Key Ratio Projections (quick ratio, current ratio, D/E, D/A, ROE, ROA, working capital)
- Financial Resources
- Financial Strategy
XII. Summary and Conclusions
Appendices
May include:
- Management Resumes
- Competitive Analysis
- Sales Projections
- Any other supporting documents
Recommended Reading
Rhonda M. Abrams and Eugene Kleiner, The Successful Business Plan: Secrets and Strategies
QuickMBA / Entrepreneurship / Sample Business Plan Template
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