How do I write a business plan?

From KNEXT

This question focuses on the plan used to outline a business opportunity and what is being done to pursue the opportunity.

A business plan is a written document that describes in detail how a business—usually a startup—defines its objectives and how it is to go about achieving its goals. A business plan lays out a written roadmap for the firm from marketing, financial, and operational standpoints. Business plans are important documents used to attract investment before a company has established a proven track record. They are also a good way for companies to keep themselves on target going forward.^[1]

Needs Assessment

Process to refine the Question:

What type of business plan?
- Traditional business plan format
- Lean startup plan format

Which parts/elements of business plan?
- Traditional business plan format
  - Executive summary
  - Company description
  - Market analysis & Competitive analysis
  - Organization and management
  - Service or product line
  - Marketing and sales
  - Funding request
  - Financial projections
  - Appendix

^{More detail information about each elements can be found here [2]}

- Lean startup plan format
  - Key partnerships
  - Key activities
  - Key resources
  - Value proposition
  - Customer relationships
  - Customer segments
  - Channels
  - Cost structure
  - Revenue streams

^{More detail information about each elements can be found here [3]}

Difficulties often encountered

The type of business plan might vary depending on the industry and funding sources.

Resources and Next Steps:

Catalog / Guide Documents

Traditional business plan examples (Document from SBA)
- Traditional business plan 1
- Traditional business plan 2

Lean startup plan example (Document from SBA)
- Lean startup plan

People and Organizations

Business Support Organizations

Comments

Retrieved from "https://wiki.knext.io/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_a_business_plan%3F&oldid=561"