You are seeking investment in your Business Startup idea and must write a business plan that explains the business concept and contains the necessary information for investors to make their decision whether or not to invest. Your business plan should incorporate concepts and theories covered in the module. Frequent references should be made to supporting evidence that supports your business case. You should also consider possible arguments against your business concept and critically evaluate these and, where necessary, explain how they can be overcome.
Your business plan must be produced to a professional standard and contain the following sections. You are expected to use tables, models and diagrams as appropriate to illustrate your business plan.
Indicative word counts are shown next to each section listed. Subheadings should be used to structure each section of the report.
Suggested Structure: Executive Summary (exclude word count) Your executive summary is a page that gives a high-level overview of the rest of your business plan. It’s easiest to save this section for last. Business Description and Value Proposition (400 words) This section of your business plan describes your offerings—which products and services do you intend to sell to your customers? Business Description, Business Canvas Model, USP with Value Proposition Canvas Model Mission and Vision Statement, Aim and Objectives using SMART objectives. A more in-depth and detailed description of your business and why it exists. In other words, what is your value proposition and why should customers come to you? Business Environment and Competitor Analysis (1000 words) Analysing internal and external factors – PESTLE, SWOT etc. You’ll also want to do a competitive analysis as part of the market research component of your business plan. This will tell you who you’re up against and give ideas on how to differentiate your brand. Growth strategy ANSOFF matrix application Marketing Plan (600 words) Customer Analysis – Who will you target as customers? – complete with using STP framework with Perceptual Positioning Map. What are your 4 (7) P’s? – Complete analysis with the appropriate strategy. It’s always a good idea to develop a marketing plan before you launch your business. Your marketing plan shows how you’ll get the word out about your business, and it’s an essential component of your business plan as well. Operational Plan and Risk Assessment (700 words) How will your business function in terms of suppliers, production, facilities, equipment, and inventory. What is the legal structure, who is involved and who has the responsibility for various roles. Everything that happens in the background to make your business function properly. Demonstrate that you have the right people in place – competencies and capabilities- their qualifications and responsibilities /department. If you have any shortage how do you intend to breach the gap Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategy Start Up Funds, Financial Plan and Projection (700 w) The financial plan provides a breakdown of sales, revenue, profit, expenses, and other relevant financial metrics related to funding and profiting from your business. It then dives deeper into the financials to include: Start Up Funds Funding needs Projected profit-and-loss statement Projected balance sheet Projected cash-flow statement What are your revenue streams? Conclusion and 12 Month Action Plan (700 words) Student to produce 12 months plan for the highlighted items below in yellow and align with their Business and Marketing SMART objectives. To include a 12-month action plan Marketing Plan Operational Plan and Risk Assessment Start Up Funds, Financial Plan and Projection Reference List (exclude word count) Appendices ( exclude word count ) Swot? Competitor Analysis? Business Model Canvas? Ansoff? VIRO? with minimum 15-20 references