10 Major Components of a Business Plan

1. When formulating a business plan, consider formulating an outline to
   address the following information: Cover Sheet and Table of Contents: Start off your plan
   with the basics: company name, address, telephone number and contact info for all owners, along
   with a road map for the rest of the document.
2. Executive Summary: Answer the three (W’s). Who, What, Why, How.  Who
   are you? What your company does? Why should customers choose your business? And,
   How will you use funding? Pay close attention to this section.
3. Market Opportunity: Address target demographics.  Who is your audience?
   SWOTT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Trends and Threats).
4. Industry Analysis: Who are your competitors? (direct and indirect
   competition should be considered). How much of the market share can you
   realistically conquer. This section requires extensive research.
5. Organizational Structure / Team:  Is your team a right fit for your
   organization? How qualified are they to help you succeed?
6. Business Model / Operational Plan: Pay close attention to this section as it
   is key to your success.  Investors want to see exactly how you plan to
   implement your business into action.  Include all revenue streams as well
   as cost structure; vendors relationships, etc. Leave no stone unturned.
7. Financial Performance / Projections:  Include a projected 1st year Cash
   Flow Statement; Balance Sheet and Income.  Calculate future revenue streams
   – 3 to 5 yrs out – capture the point of breaking even within a Break Even Analysis.
8. Underlying Assumptions: Always have a contingency plan and Exit Strategy in
   place. Most startup companies fail to consider how they will properly cease operations
   in the event of an economic downturn.
9. Sources and Use of Funds: Detail use of funds for Investors; Brokers, etc.
   They will want to see where the finances are allocated and their ROI.
10. Appendices: Include all supporting documents – Letters of Intent, Resumes,
    Contracts, Leases, Blueprints, Copyrights, etc.

If you have any questions, I am more than happy to assist you.

Vera
vera@vmacbusinessdevelopment.com