Outline of a Business Plan

I. Executive Summary Every business plan varies. You may not necessarily have these same components in the following order in your plan. Use this outline as a guide. II. Company Description A. Company Name B. Mission Statement/Objectives C. Form of Business D. Trademarks, Copyrights, and Other Legal Issues E. Products or Services F. Management/Leadership G. Location and Geographical Information H. Development Stage I. Milestones Achieved to Date J. Specialty Business Information K. Financial Status III. Industry Analysis & Trends A. Size and Growth Rate of Industry B. Industry Maturity C. Sensitivity to Economic Cycles D. Seasonal Factors E. Technological Factors F. Regulation/Certification G. Supply and Distribution H. Financial Characteristics I. Anticipated Changes and Trends in Industry J. Global Industry Concerns IV. The Target Market A. Demographics/Geographics B. Lifestyle and Psychographics C. Purchasing Patterns D. Buying Sensitivities E. Market Size and Trends V. The Competition A. Competitive Position B. Market Share Distribution C. Global Competition D. Future Competition E. Barriers to Entry VI. Strategic Position & Risk Assessment A. Industry Trends B. Target Market C. Competitive Environment D. Company Strengths E. Risks Assessment F. Definition of Strategic Position VII. Marketing Plan & Sales Strategy A. Company’s Message B. Marketing Strategy C. Marketing Tactics D. Strategic Partnerships E. Online Marketing Tactics F. Sales Force and Structure VIII. Operations A. Plant and Facilities B. Manufacturing/Production Plan C. Labor Requirements D. Capacity Utilization E. Quality Control F. Equipment and Furniture G. Inventory Management H. Supply and Distribution I. Order Fulfillment and Customer Service J. Research and Development K. Financial Control L. Contingency Planning M. Other Operational Concerns IX. Technology Plan A. Technology Goals and Position B. Internet Goals and Plan C. Software Needs D. Hardware Needs E. Telecommunications Needs F. Technology Personnel Needs X. Management & Organization A. Key Employees/Principals B. Compensation and Incentives C. Board of Directors/Advisory Committee D. Consultants/Specialists E. Management to Be Added F. Organizational Chart G. Management Style/Corporate Culture XI. Social Responsibility & Sustainability A. Social Responsibility Goals B. Company Policy C. Social Responsibility Certifications D. Community Involvment E. Sustainability XII. Development, Milestones & Exit Plan A. Long-Term Company Goals B. Growth Strategy C. Milestones D. Risk Evaluation E. Exit Plan XIII. The Financials A. Income Statements B. Cash Flow Projections C. Balance Sheet D. Sources and Use of Funds E. Plan Assumptions F. Break-Even Analysis XIV. Appendix                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Sample Solution