FACILITATING AND LEARNING MATERIAL FOR UNIT 1: DEVELOPING BUSINESS PLAN FOR NEW BUSINESS NATIONAL CERTIFICATE II LEARNING OUTCOMES 1 Demonstrate knowledge of business plan (BP) for new business 2 Demonstrate knowledge of business plan preparation for new business 3 Demonstrate knowledge of business plan development for new business 4 Demonstrate knowledge of business plan pitching 1 Table of Contents UNIT INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 3 ICONS AND THEIR MEANINGS ........................................................................................... 4 LO 1. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan (BP) for new business ................................. 5 PC (a) Explain Business Plan ................................................................................................ 5 PC (b) Explain importance of Business Plan ......................................................................... 6 PC (c) Explain types of Business Plan................................................................................... 9 PC (d) Explain target readers of the Business Plan ............................................................. 11 Self-Assessment 1 .................................................................................................................... 13 LO 2. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan Preparation for new business ..................... 15 PC (a) Explain critical issues in preparing business plan .................................................... 15 PC (b) Explain elements of business plan ........................................................................... 17 PC (c) State characteristics of effective business plan ........................................................ 23 PC (d) Explain the five Cs of credit ..................................................................................... 23 Self-Assessment 2 .................................................................................................................... 25 LO 3. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan development for new business .................. 27 PC (a) Prepare business plan for new business.................................................................... 27 PC (b) Use checklist to determine completeness of business plan ...................................... 58 PC (c) Outline elements of business plan PowerPoint presentation .................................... 59 PC (d) State Challenges of preparing business plan ............................................................ 61 Self-Assessment 3 ................................................................................................................... 62 LO 4. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan Pitching new ............................................. 64 PC (a) Explain business plan pitching ................................................................................. 64 PC (b) Explain business plan pitching process. ................................................................... 65 PC (c) Explain Business Pitch Evaluation criteria............................................................... 66 PC (d) Outline Business Pitch PowerPoint items ................................................................ 67 Self-Assessment 3 ................................................................................................................... 68 References ................................................................................................................................ 70 2 UNIT INTRODUCTION You are welcome once again to this learning material. This material introduces learners to Development of Business Plan for New Business. This unit draws your attention to the knowledge of preparing Business Plan and Business Plan Pitching, skills in preparing Business Plan and Pitching your Business Plan This learning material has been written to encourage you to work on your own. It’s full of activities that will help you to work independently and to make decisions concerning how you will approach a task in this unit. Follow the instructions and the steps indicated in this learning material and work as independently as possible. The next page shows the symbols (icons) that will be used frequently in this material. It also gives the meaning of the icons, so that any time you see the icon, you will understand what it means. Please feel free to ask your facilitator any questions you have as you read the material. Have fun and enjoy reading the material! 3 ICONS AND THEIR MEANINGS The meaning of each icon is provided in Table 1. You will come across these icons in the material, and you should know what each of them represents. Carefully observe the icons and their meanings. Table 1: Icons and their meanings # 1 Icons Meaning Learning Outcome 2 Self- Assessment Congratulations for going through the icons and their meanings! We will next look at the activities under LO 1. 4 LO 1. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan (BP) for new business This LO is developed to help you acquire knowledge of business plan (BP) for new business, the importance of business plan, types of business plan, and target readers of the business plan as per pc’s (a) – (d). PC (a) Explain Business Plan Plan is a blueprint for a future course of action and planning is deciding in advance what to do in the future. As the old adage goes “An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.” Before we start a new business or expand an existing one, we need to take time to construct a business plan. Such a plan includes your goals for the business, both short and long-term; a description of the products or services you will offer; the market opportunities you have anticipated for them; and the resources and means you will employ to achieve your goals in the face of likely competition. With this basic understanding, in your own words write what a business plan is. Well done! 5 A business plan is a planning tool that builds on the knowledge and skills gained in the idea viability assessment; market research; market segmentation; marketing mix and resources in Cert I. A business plan is a comprehensive written document that describes what a new business intends to accomplish and how it intends to accomplish it. It outlines an entrepreneur’s proposed business venture, its operational and financial details, its marketing opportunities and strategy, and its managers’ skills and abilities. The plan serves as an entrepreneur’s road map on the journey toward building a successful business. A business plan describes which direction the company is taking, what its goals are, where it wants to be, and how it intends to get there. The plan is written proof that an entrepreneur has performed the necessary research, has studied the business opportunity adequately, and is prepared to capitalize on it. Now that you can explain a business plan, learn the importance of a Business Plan in the Pc (b) PC (b) Explain importance of Business Plan A business plan is an essential tool for planning, managing, and growing a business. It provides a structured framework for decisionmaking, helps secure financing, and enhances the overall chances of business success. A business plan is central to how you start, grow, and develop your business. Think of a business plan as a GPS (Global Positioning System) to get your business going. A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan like a GPS for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through and detail all the key elements of how your business will run. 6 With the knowledge you have gained in PC(a), state five (5) reasons why an entrepreneur should write a business plan. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Well done. Give yourself a thumbs up. Below are the importance of preparing a business plan: 1. It will help you to reach business milestones: A well-thought-out business plan helps you to step back and think objectively about the key elements of your business and outlines the strategies and tactics you will use to achieve your business objectives. These serve as a roadmap, guiding and informing your decision-making as you move forward. 2. It helps communicate the merits of your venture to investors to get funding: A well-crafted business plan is an effective communication tool for sharing your business idea with potential investors, partners, lenders, and employees. This will help you get funding or bring on new business partners. A business plan demonstrates your commitment and professionalism. Let's assume that you have some money and you would like to invest that money. Kofi and Ama came to you to lend them some money to start their business. Ama came to you with a comprehensive business plan, and Kofi came without a business plan and made an oral presentation. Which entrepreneur would you invest in his or her business? The fact that Ama has a business plan not only provides you with detailed information about the venture but also suggests that Ama has thought through each element of the business and is committed. This will help investors feel confident that they will see a return on their investment. 7 3. Clarity of Vision A business plan forces you to define and articulate your business concept, mission, and longterm goals. It helps you clarify your vision and ensures that all team members are on the same page. 4. Market Understanding: Through market research and analysis, a business plan helps you gain a deep understanding of your target market, industry trends, and competitors. This knowledge is essential for succeeding in the market. 5. Risk Assessment: It forces you to identify potential risks and challenges your business might face. By anticipating these issues, you can develop contingency plans and risk mitigation strategies. 6. Resource Allocation: A business plan includes financial projections and budgeting. It helps you determine how much capital you need, allocate resources efficiently, and plan for cash flow management. 7. Accountability: When you have a business plan in place, you and your team have a documented set of goals and responsibilities. This promotes accountability and helps everyone stay focused on achieving the company's objectives. 8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: A business plan helps ensure that your business complies with legal and regulatory requirements, such as permits, licenses, and tax obligations. 9. To Better Understand Your Competition Creating the business plan forces you to analyze the competition. All companies have competition in the form of either direct or indirect competitors, and it is critical to understand your company’s competitive advantages. And if you don’t currently have competitive advantages, figure out what you must do to gain them. 10. To Better Understand Your Customer Why do they buy when they buy? Why don’t they when they don’t? An in-depth customer analysis is essential to an effective business plan and a successful business. Understanding your 8 customers will not only allow you to create better products and services for them but will allow you to more cost-effectively reach them via advertising and promotions PC (c) Explain types of Business Plan 1. Full Business Plan A full business plan is a comprehensive and detailed document that provides a thorough overview of a business concept, its strategies, market analysis, marketing plan, operations, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap for entrepreneurs and business owners, helping them plan, launch, and manage their businesses effectively. The full business plan is used for both internal and external purposes. Externally it is used to secure funding and internally serves as a road map and guides the entrepreneur to systematically think through every aspect of its new business venture. Typically, a full business plan is about 25-35 pages. 2. Summary Business Plan A summary business plan is a concise and condensed version of a full-length business plan. It is about 10 – 15 pages. It provides a high-level overview of the key components of the business plan. sometimes potential investors, lenders, or stakeholders, may request a summary of the business plan. 3. Internal Business Plan Unlike the traditional business plan which is mostly aimed at the company's external audiences, an internal business plan is focused on guiding the operations of an existing company. It may not be intended for external audiences like investors or lenders. The internal business plan is made to be used within the company. Its main aim is to help management and employees understand the company's goals, strategies, and tactics for achieving them. This ensures everyone is on the same page so that decisions can be taken in line with the company’s strategy. The content of an internal business Plan is similar to the full business plan. It can also be used for budgeting and resource allocation. 4. Strategic Business Plan A strategic plan assesses the current environment of a business, both internally and externally. It establishes future goals and targets and describes the strategies it will implement to reach them. This type of plan is centred around a company's long-term vision and strategies. It often covers a longer time horizon, such as 3 to 5 years, and focuses on high-level goals and objectives. It is used to align the organization, set strategic priorities, and allocate resources 9 accordingly. A business plan describes a current business or a specific new project. A strategic plan talks about how you want to change your company to grow or be ready for the future. For example, if you are now producing shoes from leather and you would like to produce shoes with recycled disposable plates, cups and other disposable materials to serve a particular target and gain a competitive advantage you need to prepare a strategic plan for that. A strategic plan includes identifying your business strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, and based on that set long-term goals and objectives to achieve them. 5. Operational Business Plan Operational plans are shorter-term plans typically covering one year. They are highly detailed and outline the day-to-day activities and initiatives required to achieve the company's strategic objectives. These plans are critical for managing the company's daily operations. 6. Expansion or Growth Business Plan When a company is looking to expand its operations, enter new markets, or introduce new products or services, it may create an expansion or growth plan. This plan outlines the strategies and resources required for growth. 7. Nonprofit Business Plan It is not only profit-making businesses that prepare a business plan, non-profit-making organisations such as Aid For Girls and Children Foundation, Africa Youth Network, USAID, and the like also prepare a business plan. Nonprofit organizations use this type of plan to outline their mission, goals, fundraising strategies, and program development. It helps nonprofit leaders communicate their vision to stakeholders, donors, and volunteers. 8. Exit Strategy Business Plan /.,KLMRXEZp21` A business exit strategy is a plan that a founder or owner of a business makes to sell their company or share in a company, to other investors or other firms. The exit strategy business plan outlines the steps that a business owner needs to take to generate maximum value from selling their company 9. Franchise Business Plan A franchise business plan is a specialized type of business plan created by individuals or entities who are interested in purchasing and operating a franchise. It outlines the strategy and details specific to the operation of a franchise unit within an established franchise system. The purpose 10 of a franchise business plan is to demonstrate to the franchisor (the parent company) and potential lenders or investors that the franchisee is well-prepared to successfully operate the franchise. PC (d) Explain target readers of the Business Plan The target readers of a business plan also known as the users of the business plan can vary depending on the purpose of the plan and the stage of the business. The users of the business plan can be categorised into two; Insiders also known as internal users and outsiders also known as external users. Generally, a business plan is created to communicate the vision, strategy, and viability of a business to potential stakeholders. Here are the primary targets or users of a business plan: Investors: An investor is any person or other entity who commits capital with the expectation of receiving financial returns. Examples are Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, Banks and Financial Institutions, and Private Equity Firms. For these readers, the business plan should focus on the potential return on investment, risk assessment, and financial projections. Business Partners and Co-Founders: There are potential partners who would like to join the business with their expertise and experience, before they do that, they should understand the business's value proposition, market opportunity, and the potential for a successful partnership. Employees and Management: A clearly written business plan, one that articulates a firm’s vision and future, is important for both the management team and employees. It helps a firm’s employees operate in sync and move forward in a consistent and purposeful manner. Customers and Clients: 11 Customers especially companies that would want to buy from your business would like to know whether your business will be in a position to supply them continually. The business plan instills confidence in potential customers or clients. Suppliers and Distributors: Suppliers and distributors may want to know about the business's financial health and growth potential to assess the risk of doing business with them. The business plan provides them with information on the company's financial stability and future prospects. Government and Regulatory Authorities: Government agencies and regulatory bodies may require business plans for licensing, permits, or compliance purposes. Acquirers or Potential Buyers: If the business is considering an exit strategy involving a sale, acquirers or potential buyers will want to assess the company's value. The business plan provides them with information on financial performance, intellectual property, customer base, and market position. Different stakeholders have varying interests and concerns, so the plan should address their questions and provide the necessary information to make informed decisions about the business. Well, done learner for going through all the learning activities for the PCs in LO1. Test your understanding with the below assessments 12 Self-Assessment 1 This learning outcome (LO) has a little quiz at the end. I recommend you take this whole quiz without looking back for any of the answers. This will help you determine how well you have understood this learning outcome. Now assess yourself with the questions below. 1. The businessmen in your community have invited you to speak to them about business plan. How would you explain Business them …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Azik is planning on starting his own business and he is anticipating how to promote his business ideas to potential investors. Explain to Azik any six (6) importance of preparing a Business Plan for a new business. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 13 3. There are different types of business plan that every entrepreneur should know. Explain any six (6) types of Business Plans ……………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. An entrepreneur friend of yours wants to know those who reads the business plan. Explain to this friend of yours the any five (5) target readers of the Business Plan …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. ……………………………………………………………………………………………. We believe you can now explain the business plan, the importance of the business plan, the types of business plans, and the target users of the business plan. END OF UNIT 1 14 LO 2. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan Preparation for new business This LO is developed to help you acquire knowledge of Business Plan Preparation for a new business, critical issues in preparing a business plan, the elements of a business plan, characteristics of an effective business plan, and what lenders and Investors look for in a business plan as per PC’s (a) – (d). PC (a) Explain critical issues in preparing business plan 1. The content and basic format of the plan In preparing a business plan, you have to ensure that the business plan provides sufficient information. It must be long enough to capture all necessary information, yet short enough to maintain reader interest. There should be factual support for the concept in the form of strong supporting evidence such as résumés of the founding entrepreneurs. After a business plan is completed, it should be reviewed for spelling and grammar, and to make sure that no critical information has been omitted. The content must be in clear writing that effectively communicates. 15 2. The opportunity Every business starts with an opportunity. Before you prepare your business plan you have to make sure that the product or service you are ready to offer is viable. This product or service should meet a need, fill a gap, and add value to the users. You have to do a feasibility analysis to ensure your product has a ready and attractive market. 3. Critical resources Critical resources are resources essential for the business to operate and continue operations to achieve its mission. They are fundamental in achieving objectives, maintaining operations, and mitigating risks. They are assets, elements, or factors that are vital for the functioning, success, and survival of a business. The importance of these resources can vary depending on the specific context. As an entrepreneur, you should be able to identify these resources for your business. Typically, these would be financial, physical, and human. You must be clear on the critical resources you will need to run the business. 4. The entrepreneurial team An entrepreneurial team is a group of people who come together to start, operate, and grow a new business venture. These individuals are responsible for conceiving, planning, and executing the business idea. The composition and dynamics of the entrepreneurial team play a crucial role in the success of a new business. As an entrepreneur, before you proceed with your business plan you must be sure your team members complement each other's skills and abilities. 5. The financing structure Financial structure refers to the mix of debt and equity that a company uses to finance its operations. This composition directly affects the risk and value of the associated business. The entrepreneur must decide on the best mixture of debt and equity. 6. Research A plan should be built on hard evidence and sound research, not guesswork or what an entrepreneur “thinks” will happen. There should be primary and secondary research. The sources for all primary and secondary research should be cited. 16 PC (b) Explain elements of business plan A business plan is essential for the inception, growth, and overall success of a company. These plans provide a business with a vision for the future and a clear strategy for how to expand. There are several essential elements of an effective business plan, and understanding each of these components can help you create a business plan that leads your company toward success. A well-structured business plan typically contains several key elements that provide a comprehensive overview of your business concept, strategy, and goals. Here are the essential elements of a business plan: 1. Cover page A business plan should contain a cover page. The cover page should include the company’s name, logo, address, email address, and phone number; the date the business plan was prepared; the contact information for the lead entrepreneur; and the company’s website address if it has one. The company’s Facebook page and Twitter name can also be included if it has one. 2. Table of Contents A table of contents should follow the cover page. It should list the sections and page numbers of the business plan and the appendices. Business plan readers appreciate a table of contents that includes page numbers so that they can locate the particular sections of the plan in which they are most interested. 3. Executive Summary The executive summary is a short overview of the entire business plan; it provides busy readers with everything t hey need to know about the new business's distinctive nature. An executive summary is designed to capture readers’ attention and draw them into the plan. Although the executive summary is the first part of the business plan, it should be written last to ensure that it captures all of the important points as they appear in the business plan and it should be concise and not exceed one page. The executive summary should provide an overview of the business plan on a section-bysection basis. 17 After reading the executive summary, anyone should be able to understand the entire business concept, the attributes that differentiate the company from the competition, and the financing that is being requested. Investors will read the full business plan only if the executive summary is sufficiently convincing. It is the most important section of the business plan 4. Industry Analysis The main body of the business plan should start by describing the industry in which the firm intends to operate and the level of competition. This is to acquaint lenders and investors in the industry in which the business will compete. An industry is a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities. For example food and beverage industry, textile industry, and the like. The section should describe significant industry trends and key success factors as well as an overall outlook for its future. Key success factors are aspects of an organization's processes that are critical to determining its success in its industry. For example, customer service, waiting time, product quality, and the like. Examples of key trends include issues such as whether profit margins in the industry are increasing or declining and whether input costs are going up or down and cyclical or seasonal economic trends. The section again should explain the market size and its growth or decline, and the economic and competitive strength of the major firms in the industry. It should explain to investors how easy it is to enter and exit the industry, and the ability to achieve economies of scale or scope to further help readers evaluate the new business. Again, you should explain to your readers the structure of the industry and the nature of the participants in your industry. Such as whether the major participants in the industry are innovative or conservative and are quick or slow to react to environmental changes. Furthermore, You should also include your competitors in this section and illustrate how your business is uniquely different from the established companies in the industry or market. you should describe the level of competition in the industry and how you will effectively position your business against key competitors. What are their strengths and weaknesses and how will you differentiate yourself? You want your reader to visualize how your business will fit in or see the gap that your business will fill. 18 5. Company Description This section gives a general description of the company. In this section, you demonstrate to your reader that you know how to translate an idea into a business. You explain the origin of the business idea for the company and the driving force behind the new business. Include basic information, such as when your company was founded, the type of business entity it is, limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or partnership. Provide a summary of your company’s history to give the readers a solid understanding of its foundation. For example, Evirofrendly Travelling Bags company is a bag-producing company started by Kofi and Ama, Cert II students. This bag is made from disposable rubbers 19 to 22 inches and has two parts. Kofi and Ama’s motivation to design these bags was influenced by their concern for the disposable rubber bags choking our gutters and water bodies and the expensive imported bags impacting the value of the Cedi. After you have described your company, you have to state the mission of the business. A mission statement defines why a company exists and what it aspires to become. After stating the mission of the business, you then describe the product or service. You have to describe your product or service and how your product or service is unique, giving an overview of how customers will use your product or service, and how you plan to position the product in the marketplace. A product or service’s position is how it is situated relative to its rivals. Depending on your product or service, you might have to use drawings, diagrams, and illustrations in describing your product especially if the product is highly technical. For example, you should explain how your bags differ from the already existing bags, and how you will sell them either directly to your customers or through middlemen or e-selling. Here you should use the results of your feasibility analysis. You should include a summary of any patents, trademarks, or copyrights that protect the product or service from infringement by competitors. 6. Market Analysis In this section, clearly define who your target customers are, where you will find customers, how you will reach them, and, most importantly, how you will deliver your product or service to them. Provide a detailed analysis of your potential customers and how your business provides a solution for them. This section describes the specific market segment and target market within the industry, on which the business will focus. Market segmentation is the process of dividing the market into 19 distinct segments. Such as by geography (regions), demographics (age, gender, income), psychographics (personality, lifestyle, values), and so forth. For example, the target market for the bio-friendly bags are university students. You have to demonstrate to the readers of your business plan that you know about your consumers and that your product or service is produced to meet their needs. You need to prove to the readers of your business plan that a viable market exists for your products or services. Entrepreneurs must be able to prove that their target customers actually need or want their goods or services and are willing to pay for them. 7. The Economics of the Business In this section, you have to explain to your audience how you are going to make profit and how many units of your product or service must be sold for the business to “break-even” and then start earning a profit. Explain the gross margin. The gross margin for revenue is the selling price minus the cost of goods sold. 8. Marketing Plan The marketing plan focuses on how the business will market and sell its product or service in other words, how you plan to enter the market and gain a competitive edge. You have to explain the uniqueness of your product from the existing ones. A key component of this section is defining what makes your product unique in the eyes of your customers. You have to also explain your product, pricing, promotion, and distribution strategies. 9. Design and Development Plan If your product or service is completely new, it might go through developmental stages. For example, if you are producing solar fridges, you need to describe the present stage of the development. Do you have a prototype, or it is still at the conception stage? Remember sometimes you might funding for the prototype. You should describe in this section specifically the point that your product or service is at and provide a timeline that describes the remaining steps. 10. Operations Plan The operations plan section of the business plan outlines how your business will be run and how your product or service will be produced. You have to construct an organizational chart identifying the business’s key positions and the people who occupy them. Explain the geographic location and its benefits, list your most important facilities and equipment, and 20 briefly describe how they will be (or have been) acquired, in terms of whether they will be purchased, leased, or acquired through some other means, space requirements, inventory management, staffing plans, and accounting processes and policies. Explain whether you will be producing a product or you will outsource your production. For manufacturing companies, all processing details are spelled out in the operational plan section. For startups, you have to divide the operational plan into two distinct phases: the developmental plan and the production plan: Developmental plan: The developmental plan details each step in the process of bringing your product or service to market. You want to outline the risks and the protocols you’re taking to demonstrate to investors that you’ve examined all potential liabilities and that your business is well-positioned for success. For instance, if workers (or your products) are exposed to toxic materials during the production process, in your developmental plan, you want to list the safety measures you will follow to minimize the risk of illness and injury to workers and consumers and how you plan to minimize any potential culpability to your business. Production plan: The production plan includes the day-to-day operation information, such as your business hours, the work site(s), company assets, equipment pieces, raw materials and any special requirements. 11. Management Team and Company Structure This section should illustrate how your business is organized. It should list key members of the management team, the founders/owners, board members, advisors etc. As you list each individual, provide a summary of their experience and their role within your company. Investors and other readers of the business plan would like to assess the strength of the management team and whether they have the expertise and competencies to execute the business idea. The management team of a new business typically consists of the founder or founders and key management personnel. This section should give a brief profile of each management team member. Each profile should include the following information: Title of the position Duties and responsibilities of the position Previous industry and related experience Previous successes Educational background 21 Although they should be kept brief, the profiles should illustrate why each individual is qualified and will uniquely contribute to the firm’s success. The complete résumés of key management team personnel can be placed in an appendix to the business plan. 12. Overall Schedule. Investors would like to know whether the management team is aware of what needs to take place to launch the venture and has a plan in place to get there. This section should show the major events required to launch the business. When the business will be registered if it has not been registered, a date for the completion of the prototype, rental of facilities, obtaining critical financing, starting the production of operations, obtaining the first sale, and so forth. 13. Financial Projections This section is the final section of the business plan. It provides the projected financial statement of the business. It is also known as a pro forma financial statement. You must clearly state how much money you will need for the business, where the money will come from, and how the money will be used. The financial projection section should include the pro forma income statement, the pro forma statement of financial position also known as the balance sheet, and the pro forma cash flow statement for a three-year period, break-even analysis, and assumptions on which the financial statement is based. Examples of assumptions on which the financial statements are based are inflation, interest rate, and the state of the economy because these will affect your sales projections. The break-even point is the point at which your company’s sales totals cover all of its expenses. Investors want to know your revenue requirements to assess whether your business can pay returns on their investment. Make sure this section is precise and accurate. Appendices There are certain materials that do not easily fit into the body of a business plan so you attach them as an appendix. Examples are résumés of the top management team, photos or diagrams of product or product prototypes, certain financial data, and market research projections. Well done!! We have come to the end of Pc (d). 22 PC (c) State characteristics of effective business plan The business plan should meet the below characteristics. i. The business plan should not be just an idea, it should be an opportunity with real potential. ii. The product or service must be viable and add significant value to the customer. iii. It should depict a clear result from the feasibility analysis iv. The plan should prove that the business is entering an exciting, growing industry v. The plan should prove that the business has a well-defined target market. vi. The business plan should explain the point of differentiation that separates the business from its competitors. vii. The business should have a sound marketing plan viii. The plan should show that the management team is experienced, skilled, and up to the task of launching the new business ix. The business plan should show a sound operation plan appropriate. x. The financial projections should be complete and should be based on realistic assumptions PC (d) Explain the five Cs of credit To successfully use business plans to attract capital, entrepreneurs must be aware of the criteria lenders and investors use to evaluate the creditworthiness of businesses seeking financing. Lenders and investors refer to these criteria as the five Cs of credit: capital, capacity, collateral, character, and conditions. 1. CAPITAL: before any lender will grant a loan, they would want to satisfy themselves that your business has a stable capital base. Investors also want to make sure entrepreneurs have invested enough of their own money into the business. 2. CAPACITY: Capacity refers to cash flows. Lenders and investors must be convinced of your business's ability to meet its regular financial obligations and to repay back the loan and returns on their investment. 3. COLLATERAL: Collateral includes any assets an entrepreneur pledges to a lender as security for repayment of the loan. If an entrepreneur defaults on the loan, the lender has the right to sell the collateral and use the proceeds to satisfy the loan. 4. CHARACTER: Before putting money into a small business, lenders and investors would want to satisfy themselves that the entrepreneur has character. They want to be 23 sure the entrepreneur is honest, competent, determined, knowledgeable, and experienced. Lenders and investors know that most small businesses fail because of poor management, and they try to avoid extending loans to high-risk entrepreneurs. Preparing a solid business plan and a polished presentation can go far in convincing potential lenders and investors of an entrepreneur’s ability to manage a company successfully. 5. CONDITIONS: lenders and investors consider factors relating to the business operation such as potential growth in the market, competition, location, form of ownership, the overall economy, interest rate levels, the inflation rate, demand, and loan purpose. This relevant information should be provided in an organized format in the business plan. 6. The higher a small business scores on these five Cs, the greater its chance of receiving a loan or an investment. As an entrepreneur, you should keep this in mind when preparing your business plans. Well done! learner for going through all the learning activities for the PCs in LO2. 24 Self-Assessment 2 This learning outcome (LO) has a little quiz at the end. I recommend you take this whole quiz without looking back for any of the answers. This is meant to help you determine how well you have understood this learning outcome. Now assess yourself with the questions below. 1. Kofi is in process of preparing Business plan and would like to know the critical issues he should consider. Explain the critical issues in preparing a business plan to Kofi ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................ ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ............................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................ ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ................................................................................................................................................ 2. A well-structured business plan contains several key elements. Briefly Explain the element of a business plan …………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………….………… ………………………………………………………………………………..…………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………..…….……… …………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………….………… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………..……… ……………………………………………………………………………………….…… ………………………………………………………………………………………….… …………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25 3. An effective business plan must be clear, concise, and well-organized. State any five (5) characteristics of effective business plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Lenders and investors have criteria for evaluating the creditworthiness of businesses seeking financing. Explain the five Cs of credit .....................................................................................................................................………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… We believe that you can now explain the critical issues in preparing a business plan, characteristics and elements of a business plan and what investors look for in a business plan END OF UNIT 2 26 LO 3. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan development for new business This LO is developed to help you acquire skills in Business Plan Preparation for a new business, prepare a business, use a checklist to determine the completeness of a business plan, challenges of business plan preparation, and the challenges of preparing a business plan as per PC’s (a) – (d). PC (a) Prepare business plan for new business Welcome to Pc (a). In this PC, building on the knowledge you have gained in LOs 1 and 2, you will identify an idea and prepare a business plan for your idea using the template provided for each element. This will be fun and you will enjoy it. Let's get started. Select a business idea from your trade area, and use the below samples and template to prepare a business plan. Cover page Sample Cover page Choose a name for your company GhanaFruity Naturals Give an address to your company P.O Box AI1I, Central Tel: 1212121212, Email: fn@gmail.com Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the cover page of the business plan for your new business Choose a name for your company Give an address to your company Well done! Move on to the next section which is the executive summary 27 Executive Summary Sample Executive Summary What will your business GhanaFruity Naturals is a start-up located in the central region, do? It will offer a variety of natural, freshly-made juices from mango, pineapple and oranges. What will your business GhanaFruity Naturals will be the the number one natural drink be like in five years to producer in Ghana controlling 80% of the market share come? What is your product? The products to be offered by GhanaFruity Naturals are: 100 ml, 200 ml bottled mango juice 100 ml, 200 ml paper bottled pineapple juice 100 ml, 200 ml paper bottled orange juice What benefit does your GhanaFruity Naturals Has health benefit for its customers. The business offer customers? vitamins and minerals in the natural fruits will keep our customers healthy, younger and maintain an active lifestyle How is your product GhanaFruity Naturals is different from all the drinks available different from other in the market. It contains 100% natural fruits with no additives companies that provide and preservatives. Its environmentally friendly by using paper similar products? bottling Who are your customers? Children, Adult men and women How will you reach your GhanaFruity Naturals will sell its product directly to its customers? customers through Telemarketing, e-commerce and indirectly through supermarkets What is the experience of GhanaFruity Naturals is solely owned and operated by Ama. those who will run the Ama holds certificate in biochemistry and degree in food and business? nutrition. She has worked with Bluejuice company, a beverage-producing company for 15 years. She works in conjunction with Kofi Jeo, Ato Job, Sheila Nas, Mark Sal, Aku Shika, and Mohammed Abu. Kofi Jeo, has expertise in beverage production, with formal education in fruit juice production management and 13 years of relevant industry experience. Ato Job has a degree in quality control 28 management and extensive knowledge of quality control methodologies with 10 years of industrial experience. Sheila Nas has a degree with 11 years of industrial experience in supply chain management, procurement, and vendor relations. Mark Sal, has a degree and 10 years of industrial experience in marketing, sales, and brand management experience in the beverage industry, logistics, distribution networks, and supply chain management. Aku Shika is a chartered accountant with 15 years of industrial experience in management, finance, and accounting to ensure compliance with tax regulations, acquiring permits, and budgeting for cash flow purposes. Mohammed Abu has a degree and 10 years of experience in HR management with knowledge of relevant labor laws, How much money will GhanaFruity Naturals is seeking ₵165,000 in debt financing to you need to start the open its start-up natural drinks. The funding will be used to business? buy, equipment and rent factory space, working capital, six months’ worth of payroll expenses and opening inventory. Use the above sample and the below template to prepare executive summary of the business plan for your new business What will your business do? What will your business be like in five years to come? What is your product? What benefit does your business offer customers? How is your product different from other companies that provide similar products? 29 Who are your customers? How will you reach your customers? What is the experience of those who will run the business? How much money will you need to start the business? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the industry analysis. Industry Analysis Sample Industry Analysis What industry will the GhanaFruity Naturals operate in the beverage industry in business operate in? Ghana. Is it big, small, or It’s a big and growing industry. Revenue in the industry is medium? expected to show an annual growth rate of 14.82%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$24.61m by 2027. This gives a bright prospect for GhanaFruity Naturals What are the key success Key success factors in the industry include product quality, factors in the industry? Product packaging, effective distribution channel, customer service, strong partnerships with suppliers, competitive pricing, product innovation, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. Who are your competitors GhanaFruity Naturals will be competing with Ekumfi Fruits & Juice Ltd, Kalyppo, Coca- Cola Bottling Company Ghana, PepsiCo's franchise bottler, SBC Beverages and imported drinks on the local market Ghana. Our analysis of competitors reveals that while there are several players in the beverage industry in Ghana, few have successfully combined health30 conscious, and sustainable elements. Ghana Fruity Naturals aims to fill this gap by providing a unique product range that appeals to our target customers' preferences and values. How will your operation GhanaFruity Naturals offers several advantages over its be better than your competition. Those advantages are: competitors? i. Fresh drinks made with locally sourced fruits found in central region. ii. Affordable prices. iii. Environmentally friendly paper packaging. iv. It is not carbonated vi. Np preservatives and additives vii. Food and wellness education are held on social media for free. Viii. Easy access to our product ix. Customer focused Use the above sample and the below template to prepare industry analysis section of the business plan for your new business What industry will the business operate in? Is it big, small, or medium? What are the key success factors in the industry? Who are your competitors How will your operation be better than your competitors? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the Company Description. 31 Company Description Sample Company Description What is the business GhanaFruity Naturals is a business yet to be registered as a form? sole proprietorship manufacturing company What products will you GhanaFruity Naturals will produce mango drinks, pineapple be selling? drinks and orange drinks from natural pineapple, mango and oranges. The drinks will be paper bottled in 100mls and 200mls Why will customers buy A survey conducted on the target customers during the from you? feasibility analysis indicated that the target customers prioritize health and wellness, seeking beverages that are natural, low in sugar, and provide functional benefits. Our product meet these needs and our product will be cheaper than existing product. We will provide high value for our customers at a lower cost. Who will be your Children, adult men and women and these customers want to customers? stay healthy and vibrant Why will you be The beverage industry has a great potential for growth and successful in this what drives success in this industry are product quality, business? Product packaging, effective distribution channel, customer service, strong partnerships with suppliers, competitive pricing, product innovation, brand awareness, and customer loyalty. The company offers quality differentiated drinks, well packaged with effective Telemarketing, and e-commerce What is special about this The company believes in quality. Hence, the company’s business? drinks are made of original fruit extracts no additives and preservatives. What is the business The business will be located at Ekumbra, central region. location? 32 Why is this a good The business is located close to its raw material so the location for your company can have access to fresh fruits and at a cheaper business? price. This will lead to the production of quality fresh natural drinks at a lower price. Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the company description section of the business plan for your new business What is the business form? What products will you be selling? Why will customers buy from you? Who will be your customers? Why will you be successful in this business? What is special about this business? What is the business location? Why is this a good location for your business? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the market analysis. 33 Market Analysis Sample Marketing Analysis Who are the purchasers of People most likely to buy our products are Children, adult your products (gender, men and women between the ages of 6- 60 years. age, behaviour, lifestyle, Customer behaviour: personality, income level Understanding the behavior of our target customers is crucial etc.) for GhanaFruity Naturals to develop effective marketing strategies and product offerings. i. Purchase Behaviour: These consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values, such as health and sustainability. They are early adopters of new beverages. Convenience and availability are significant factors influencing their purchase decisions. ii. Consumption Behavior: Health-conscious consumers will incorporate our drinks into their daily routines, as a replacement for sugary or unhealthy drinks. They may consume our drinks in schools, homes, whiles driving, exercising social gatherings and are likely to share their experiences on social media. iii. Brand Loyalty: Building brand loyalty is essential. Engaging in eco-friendly practices, transparent labeling, and community involvement can foster loyalty among our target audience. Income Level: Our target customers' income levels are typically middle to upper-middle class. This is based on their willingness to spend more on health-conscious, and sustainable products. The exact income levels may vary by region, GhanaFruity Naturals will aim to make our products accessible and affordable to a broader customer base. Lifestyle: 34 Understanding the lifestyles of our target customers is key to tailoring our marketing strategies and product development. i. Active and Health-Oriented Lifestyle: Our target customers prioritize health and a balanced diet. They are likely to seek out drinks that provide energy and nutrition without compromising health. ii. Eco-Conscious Lifestyle: our target customers are concerned about the environment. They prefer products with sustainable packaging, ethical sourcing, and a minimal ecological footprint. iii. Social and Digital Lifestyle: These consumers are highly engaged in the digital and social world. Leveraging social media and digital marketing will be crucial to reach and engage with them effectively. What is the size of the The beverage market in Ghana is worth ¢3.85 billion. The market? Is it growing? beverage market keeps expanding and is expected to grow rapidly year-on-year. The beverage market is expected to grow by 11%. How will you increase GhanaFruity Naturals will capture a 5% market share within your market share? the first year and establish GhanaFruity Naturals as a premium, health-oriented beverage brand. GhanaFruity Naturals will increase its market share by developing and launching new and innovative drinks that cater to the needs of its target customers. Ensure consistent high-quality products. Invest in brand building to create a strong and recognizable brand identity. This includes logo design, packaging, and messaging that resonates with the target customers. Invest in targeted marketing campaigns using social media, and traditional advertising. Use environmentally friendly packaging and sourcing practices. Engage in social 35 responsibility initiatives and community involvement to build trust and a positive brand image. Offer competitive pricing strategies that take into account the purchasing power of our target customers and the pricing strategies of competitors. Are there segments of i. Health-Conscious Consumers are increasingly seeking users who are under- beverages that are low in sugar, and free from artificial served by competitors? additives, the existing beverage companies are not meeting these needs ii. Consumers who are environmentally conscious prefer beverages with sustainable packaging. Most of the beverages are packaged in plastic bottles creating environmental challenges. iii. As the Ghanaian population ages, there is a potential market for beverages that address the specific health needs of older consumers. iv. Parents are often looking for healthier, lower-sugar alternatives for their children. Do any of these under- The above underserved needs create opportunity for served segments present GhanaFruity Naturals to develop and market products that opportunities? meet these demands, such as natural fruit juices, provide drinks with kid-friendly packaging that appeal to parents' concerns for their children's health and adopt eco-friendly practices, promoting sustainability in its products and operations. Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the market analysis section of the business plan for your new business Who are the purchasers of your products (gender, age, behaviour, lifestyle, personality, income level, etc.) 36 What is the size of the market? Is it growing? How will you increase your market share? Are there segments of users who are underserved by competitors? Do any of these underserved segments present opportunities? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the economics of the business. The Economics of the Business Sample Economics of the Business How will you Revenue will be generated from direct sale of our products to our generate revenue target customers, through various channels, including online sales, social media, e-commerce platforms, food festivals, and pop-up events to showcase and sell our products. Establish partnerships with retailers such as grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty food shops to distribute our products on their shelves. Supply our drinks to restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. Create subscription models where customers can receive regular deliveries of our beverages. Develop an online store and sell our drinks to our target customers nationwide. Offer customization or private labeling services for corporate clients, events such as wedding, funerals, naming ceremony, landmark birthday and the likes, or businesses. 37 What are the start-up Total start-up cost for GhanaFruity Naturals is ₵215,000 costs? What is the total GhanaFruity Naturals is seeking ₵165,000 in debt financing investment required? How will the loan or The funding will be used to buy, equipment and rent factory investment be used? space, working capital, six months’ worth of payroll expenses, and opening inventory. How will the loan or The loan will make GhanaFruity Naturals more profitable by investment make the providing the necessary capital to start the business, support business more growth, scale operations, and seize opportunities. profitable? When will the loan be Yearly payments will be made in five installments repaid? Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the economics of business section of the business plan for your new business How will you generate revenue What are the start-up costs? What is the total investment required? How will the loan or investment be used? How will the loan or investment make the business more profitable? 38 When will the loan be repaid? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the marketing plan. Marketing Plan Sample Marketing Plan Who are your Target GhanaFruity Naturals is targeting children, adult men and women Markets? between the ages of 6- 60 years. How will products be The products to be offered by GhanaFruity Naturals are packaged packaged? in 100 ml and 200 ml paper bottle and a handle for convenience. What image will you GhanaFruity Naturals will emphasize quality, great taste, position try to develop or its product as a healthier alternative to traditional options, and reinforce? commitment to sustainability What will be your GhanaFruity Naturals will use penetration pricing to enter the pricing strategies? market, then position the product as a premium, healthy product. (For example: Premium, Skimming, penetration etc.) Why will customers GhanaFruity Naturals offers healthier, tasty quality natural fruit pay the price you are drinks as an alternative to traditional drinks with no additives and charging for your preservatives, product? How will you The price of our product will relatively be lower than that of our compare with competitors competitors in terms of pricing? 39 How will competitors Competitors might want to reduce the prices because they are respond to your enjoying economies of scale but GhanaFruity Naturals is meeting pricing strategy? the needs of customers by offering a healthier, tasty quality natural fruit drinks. A need that competitors have not been able to meet. Will you compete on GhanaFruity Naturals offers will compete on quality, differentiate quality or price? its product from the existing products. What will be your GhanaFruity Naturals will sell on a cash basis credit policies? How will you GhanaFruity Naturals will utilize a mix of distribution channels, distribute your including direct-to-consumer sales, retail partnerships, and online product? sales. How will you Branding: Develop a strong brand identity that conveys health, promote your freshness, and taste. product? Advertising: Utilize traditional advertising methods, such as social media, FM, Television etc. Content Marketing: Create videos, and other content highlighting the health benefits of the product Partnerships: Collaborate with fitness trainers, nutritionists, and health workers. Sales Team: train a sales team to approach retailers and restaurants for distribution. Online Sales: Develop a user-friendly e-commerce website to facilitate online sales. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Implement a CRM system to track customer interactions and feedback. packaging, or new production techniques. Innovation can help capture consumer interest and loyalty. 40 Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the marketing plan section of the business plan for your new business Who are your Target Markets? How will products be packaged? What image will you try to develop or reinforce? What will be your pricing strategies? (For example: Premium, Skimming, penetration etc.) Why will customers pay the price you are charging for your product? How will you compare with competitors in terms of pricing? How will competitors respond to your pricing strategy? Will you compete on quality or price? What will be your credit policies? 41 How will you distribute your product? How will you promote your product? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the design and development plan Design and Development Plan Sample Design and Development Plan Describe the present GhanaFruity Naturals has passed the conceptualization stage, stage of the identified its target market, conduct thorough market research to development understand the target customers, competitors, and market trends. of your product (conception, a prototype of the product has been produced. Recipe has been prototype, initial formulated, and tested. the taste, texture, and other characteristics development, or full meet the desired standards. Branded paper bottle packaging has development) been created and logos and labels has been designed. All regulatory requirement has been complied with to ensure that our product complies with all relevant food and beverage regulations, including labeling, health, and safety standards. Provide a timeline Month 1-2: Production Setup that describes the Secure contracts with ingredients and packaging suppliers. remaining steps Set up a production facility, including equipment acquisition and setup. Establish quality control measures and protocols. Month 3-4: Product Testing and Quality Control Conduct rigorous testing of the product, focusing on taste, consistency, and safety. Implement quality control procedures and training for production staff. 42 Month 5-6: Marketing and Sales Strategy Finalize pricing strategy based on production costs and market research and develop marketing campaigns, including social media, advertising, and promotions. Establish distribution channels and agreements with retailers and distributors. Month 7: Testing and Feedback Organize focus groups or consumer taste tests for final product feedback. Analyze test results and make necessary product adjustments. Month 8: Production Scaling Begin small-scale production runs for inventory buildup. Continuously monitor and adapt production processes for efficiency. Month 9: Pre-Launch Marketing Start pre-launch marketing and promotional activities. Prepare marketing materials and online presence for the product. Month 10: Final Regulatory Approvals Ensure all regulatory approvals are in place. Month 11: Launch Preparation Finalize agreements with distribution partners and retailers and set launch date and plan launch events or promotions. Month 12: Launch and Distribution Officially launch the drink in the market and distribute to retail location and e-commerce channels. Monitor initial sales and customer feedback. Month 13-18: Monitoring and Adaptation Continuously monitor sales and customer feedback. Make any necessary adjustments to marketing, production, or the product itself based on data and consumer responses. Month 18-24: Expansion Explore opportunities to expand into new markets, introduce new variants, or expand distribution. 43 Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the design and development plan section of the business plan for your new business Describe the present stage of the development of your product (conception, prototype, initial development, or full development) Provide a timeline that describes the remaining steps Well done! Move on to the next section which is the operation plan Operations Plan Sample Operation Plan What are the functional GhanaFruity Naturals will have Production department, Quality areas of the business? Control department, Procurement department, Sales Marketing, and Distribution department, Finance and Accounting department and Human Resource Department Who will be Production: Kofi Jeo is the manager of the production responsible for each department. He is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing functional area? and production processes to ensure consistent quality and taste. Experience: Expertise in beverage production, with formal education and relevant industry experience. Quality Control: Ato Job is the Quality Control Manager responsible for maintaining product quality, taste, and adherence to industry standards. Experience: Extensive knowledge of quality control methodologies. 44 Procurement: Sheila Nas is the procurement Manager responsible for sourcing and managing the supply of raw materials and ingredients. Experience: Supply chain management, procurement, and vendor relations expertise. Sales, Marketing, and Distribution: Mark Sal is the manager of the sales, marketing, and distribution department. He is responsible for promoting and selling the drinks, building brand awareness, transporting products to customers and outlets, and logistics Experience: Marketing, sales, and brand management experience in the beverage industry, knowledge of logistics, distribution networks, and supply chain management. Finance and Accounting: Aku Shika is the Chief Financial Officer and Accountant responsible for managing the company's finances, budgeting, and financial reporting. Experience: Accounting and financial management experience. Human Resources (HR): Mohammed Abu is the HR Manager responsible for hiring, training, and managing the workforce. Experience: HR management experience with knowledge of relevant labor laws. Who reports to whom? Kofi Jeo, Ato Job, Sheila Nas, Mark Sal, Aku Shika and Mohammed Abu are level managers How will your products Fruit Preparation: Fruits are cleaned, peeled, and processed into be produced? juice. (Describe Pasteurization: The juice is heated to kill microorganisms. manufacturing Clarification: Solid particles are removed from the juice. processes, technology Filling and Packaging: The clarified juice is filled into paper that will be used, and bottles, sealed, and labeled. key supplier Quality Control: Testing for taste and quality is conducted. relationships.) GhanaFruity Naturals will establish a strong relationships with:Fruit Growers and Farms: Establish relationships with growers and farms to source fresh fruits. 45 Equipment Suppliers: Partner with suppliers of juicing, pasteurization, and filtration equipment. Cold Storage Providers: Secure cold storage and refrigerated transportation services to maintain the freshness of fruits and ingredients. Sustainable Packaging Suppliers: Collaborate with suppliers of sustainable packaging materials to align with eco-friendly practices. Recycling and Waste Management Services: Partner with companies that can assist with waste management and recycling programs. What are the staff needs In addition to the level managers, GhanaFruity Naturals will now? In the future? need 5 skilled and 10 unskilled staff. Future expansion will require double the current staff need What skills must they 2 of the skilled staff should have experience and degree in have? What training biochemistry and food and nutrition, one should have will you provide? experience and degree in marketing and sales, one should have degree and experience in finance and accounting and the last one should have degree and experience in HR. The 10 unskilled staff should be SSS leavers. All the staff will be trained on the job Are the people you The job market has the the needed staff need available? What will be the levels Salaries will be competitive to maintain and attract the needed of salaries? skills. The minimum wage requirement will be complied with. Salaries will range from ₵500 to ₵1500 depending on the level and the job requirement Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the operation plan section of the business plan for your new business 46 What are the functional areas of the business? Who will be responsible for each functional area? Who reports to whom? How will your products be produced? (Describe manufacturing processes, technology that will be used, and key supplier relationships.) What are the staff needs now? In the future? What skills must they have? What training will you provide? Are the people you need available? What will be the levels of salaries? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the management team 47 Management Team Sample Management Team Who are the team GhanaFruity Naturals is solely owned and operated by Ama. members? Ama holds certificate in biochemistry and degree in food and nutrition. She has worked with Bluejuice company, a beverage producing company for 15 years. She works in conjunction with Kofi Jeo, Ato Job, Sheila Nas, Mark Sal, Aku Shika and Mohammed Abu. Kofi Jeo, has expertise in beverage production, with formal education in fruit juice production management and 13 years of relevant industry experience. Ato Job has a degree in quality control management and extensive knowledge of quality control methodologies with 10 years of industrial experience. Sheila Nas has a degree with 11 years of industrial experience in supply chain management, procurement, and vendor relations. Mark Sal, has a degree and 10 years of industrial experience in marketing, sales, and brand management experience in the beverage industry, logistics, distribution networks, and supply chain management. Aku Shika is a chartered accountant with 15 years of industrial experience in management, finance, and accounting to ensure compliance with tax regulations, acquiring permits, and budgeting for cash flow purposes. Mohammed Abu has a degree and 10 years of experience in HR management with knowledge of relevant labor laws, What are their duties Ama oversees the whole management and operations of the and responsibilities? business. Kofi Jeo is in charge of production of the product, Ato Job is in charge of product quality, Sheila Nas is in charge of procurement of raw materials and ingredients, Mark Sal is in charge of the sales, marketing, and distribution, Aku Shika responsible for managing the company's finances, budgeting, and financial reporting, and Mohammed Abu is responsible for hiring, training, and managing the workforce. 48 What is their previous Kofi Jeo worked with Ekumfi Juice company for 8 years and industry and related Kallypo for 5 years both in their production department as the experience? production manager. Ato Job has worked with coca cola quality department for 10 years, Sheila Nas has worked with Nestle as head of procurement for 6 years and Unilever for 5 years in the same capacity. Mark Sal has worked with Coca cola as marketing manager for 10 years. Aku Shika has worked with financial institutions as accountant for five years and Ekumfi Juice as chief accountant for 10 years. Mohammed is a retired HR manager of pepsi. State their positions Ama is the managing director, Kofi is the production manager, Ato is the quality control manager, Sheila is the procurement manager, Mark is the marketing, sales, and distribution manager, Aku is the finance and accounts manager and Mohammed is the HR manager. What is their Ama holds CERT II educational Kofi holds a BSC in production management background? Ato holds a BBA in quality management Sheila holds a BBA in procurement management Mark holds a BBA in marketing Aku holds a BSC in accounting and is a member of ICAG Mohammed holds a BBA in HR and chartered HR Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the management team section of the business plan for your new business Who are the team members? What are their duties and responsibilities? What is their previous industry and related experience? 49 State their positions What is their educational background? Well done! Move on to the next section which is the overall schedule Overall Schedule. Sample Overall Schedule When will you acquire Month 1-2: Set up a production facility, including equipment the premises and other acquisition and setup. resources? When will you Month 3: Develop and test beverage recipes and fine-tune taste complete a prototype? and ingredients When will get license Month 4-10: Register the business and acquire permits and to operate licenses When will you start Month 8: Start manufacturing manufacturing When will you obtain Month 1: obtain financing financing? When will you obtain Month 12: Obtain our first sales your first sales? Use the above sample and the below template to prepare the overall schedule section of the business plan for your new business When will you acquire the premises and other resources? When will you complete a prototype? 50 When will get license to operate When will you start manufacturing When will you obtain financing? When will you obtain your first sales? Well done! Move on to the next section which is financial projections Financial Projections 1. List all fixed assets you will need to start and operate your business. Use the sample and template below to describe your fixed assets See a Sample below FIXED ASSETS DESCRIPTION COST (₵) Land 20,000.00 Building (lease) 25,000.00 Equipment 120,000.00 Vehicles - Renovations on lease 20,000.00 185,000 51 COST (₵) FIXED ASSETS DESCRIPTION Land Building (lease) Equipment Vehicles Renovations on lease 2. Outline all the expenses you will need to start and operate your business See a sample below START -UP EXPENSE DESCRIPTION COST (₵) Business registration 2,000 Patent 3,000 Inventory 10,000 Initial Advertisement and Promotion 10,000 Admin and distribution 5,000 25,000.00 Total Fixed Assets and Star-up Expenses ……215,0000……… START -UP EXPENSE DESCRIPTION COST (₵) Business registration Patent Inventory Initial Advertisement and Promotion Admin and distribution 52 Total Fixed Assets and Star-up Expenses ……….……… 3. Prepare a unit selling price and cost analysis See a sample below UNIT SELLING PRICE AND COST ANALYSIS 200ml Unit Selling Price and Cost Analysis ₵ 6.00 (A) Selling Price Less Cost of Producing a unit of your product ₵ Direct materials 2 Direct labour 1 Direct expenses 0.50 Manufacturing overheads 1.50 (B) Total cost per unit 4.50 (C) Unit Gross Proft (A) – (B) 1.50 Gross profit % (C) divided by (A) = 1.50/6.00 25% UNIT SELLING PRICE AND COST ANALYSIS Unit Selling Price and Cost Analysis ₵ (A) Selling Price Less Cost of Producing a unit of your ₵ product Direct materials Direct labour Direct expenses Manufacturing overheads (B) Total cost per unit (C) Unit Gross Proft (A) – (B) Gross profit % (C) divided by (A) 53 4. Prepare a 6 month projected income statement. State assumptions for preparing the income statement statement See a sample below Sample Projected Income Statement for 6 Months Beginning ……………………….. Month Month Month Month Month Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ Unit Selling Price (P) 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 Units sold (Q) 200 210 231 277 333 399 (A) Total Revenue ( P x Q ) 1,200.00 1,260.00 1,386.00 1,662.00 1,998.00 2,394.00 (B) Cost of Goods Sold (4.50 x Q) 900.00 945.00 1,039.50 1,246.50 1,498.50 1,795.50 (C) Gross Profit (A-B) 300.00 315.00 346.50 415.50 499.50 598.50 Administrative expenses 60.00 70.00 80.00 90.00 100.00 110.00 Selling and distribution expenses 150.00 110.00 120.00 140.00 150.00 160.00 Insurance 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 30.00 Net Profit before tax (C-D) 60.00 105.00 116.50 155.50 219.50 29.50 (D) Other indirect expenses: ASSUMPTIONS i. GhanaFruity Naturals assumes that it can sell 200 units of the 200 ml drinks in month 1 and sales will increase by 5% in month 2, 10% in month 3 and 20% in months 4 to 6 ii. Unit Selling price is ₵6 iii. Unit cost is 4.50 54 Projected Income Statement for 6 Months Beginning ……………………….. Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6 ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ ₵ (A) Total Revenue (B) Cost of Goods Sold (C) Gross Profit (A-B) (D) Other indirect expenses: Administrative expenses Selling and distribution expenses Insurance Depreciation Net Profit before tax (C-D) 5. Use the below sample and template to prepare the sources of funds and uses Sample Sources of Funds and Uses Sources: Equity: Self-Equity ₵50,000.00 Outside Equity Debts ₵165,000.00 Loans from Bank ₵85,000.00 Loan from friends ₵50,000.00 Loan from relatives ₵30,000.00 Others: 55 Total Sources (Funds) ₵215,000.00 Uses: Purchase Land ₵20,000.00 Building ₵25,000.00 Equipment ₵120,000.00 Renovations ₵20,000.00 Inventory ₵10,000.00 Working capital ₵20,000.00 Total uses ₵215,000.00 Sources of Funds and Uses Sources: Equity: Self-Equity Outside Equity Debts Loans from Bank Loan from friends Loan from relatives Others: 56 Total Sources (Funds) Uses: Purchase Land Building Equipment Innovations Inventory Working capital Total uses 57 PC (b) Use checklist to determine completeness of business plan Well done, you can now prepare a business plan for your business. Remember you have to meet the requirements of your readers so you can get what you need from them. After you have prepared your business plan, use the below checklist to determine the accuracy of the business plan, if you answer NO, you have to go back to your business plan and work on it. YES NO Is the business idea an opportunity with real market potential? Is the product or service feasible? Does the product or service add value to the customer? Is the industry exciting, or growing? Have you identified an attractive position within the industry? Does the business have a well-defined target market? Does the business have points of differentiation that truly separate it from its competitors? Does the business have a sound marketing plan? Is the management team experienced, skilled, and up to the task of launching the new firm? Is the business’s operations plan appropriate and sound? Are the assumptions that the firm is basing its financial projections on realistic? Are the financial projections completed correctly, and do they project a bright future for the firm? 58 PC (c) Outline elements of business plan PowerPoint presentation In this PC, you will know the elements you must cover when preparing PowerPoint slides for business plan presentations. Outlined below are the elements to be covered in PowerPoint presentation slides. i. Introduction ii. Cover page iii. Executive Summary iv. Industry Analysis v. Company Description vi. Market Analysis vii. Marketing Plan viii. Operations Plan ix. Management Team Use the below checklist as a guide to ensure that your business plan presentations cover all the essential elements. Introduction Your name Brief introduction of the Business Idea Cover page Name of the business Address of the business Executive Summary Problem your idea is solving How your product is different from what is already in the market Target Market How you will reach your customers How do you see your business in three years 59 Industry Analysis Name the industry of your business Name your competitors How will you compete in the industry? Company Description Form of business Name of the product or service Location of the business Why the location Market Analysis Who your customers are Strength of your competitors Weakness of your competitors How you will compete with them Marketing Plan How will you package your product Pricing Strategy Promotion and Advertising Plan Distribution Channels Operations Plan Functional areas of your business Who will be responsible for each functional area How your product will be produced Skill you will need Management Team Your Management Team The experience and competence of the team The role of each team member 60 In ten (10) minutes present your business plan to the class. The presentation delivery should be clear and concise. Present with confidence and enthusiasm and stay within the allotted time. Get Feedback from your peers and facilitator. Good job! PC (d) State Challenges of preparing business plan Writing a business plan is difficult but needful. It is good to know the challenges of writing a business plan so you can overcome them. Below are the challenges of preparing a business plan. 1. Getting started- it is a great challenge getting started because you sometimes don’t know where to start from 2. Getting all the information about your business 3. Identifying cash flow and financial projections - It is difficult to project figures on a brand-new business 4. Knowing your target market – knowing the right target market can be challenging 5. Being concise- summarising the elements of the business plan to keep it short and straight to the point can be challenging 6. Making it interesting – it is difficult to tell your story in such a way that people will buy into your idea 7. Being realistic about business growth – entrepreneurs are optimistic and might overstate growth 8. Proving that your idea is worth it - being able to express your idea and prospects for growth 9. creating a business plan that can actually be successfully implemented 61 Self-Assessment 3 This learning outcome (LO) has a little quiz at the end. I recommend you take this whole quiz without looking back for any of the answers. This will help you determine how well you have understood this learning outcome. Now assess yourself with the questions below. 1. Imagine you are an entrepreneur planning to start a new business. Outline the key components you would include in preparing your business plan ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………….… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………...…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2. To ensure the completeness of a business plan, you use a checklist as a guide. Outline the items you would include in a checklist to determine the completeness of a business plan. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………….… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………...…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 62 ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………...………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3. You have been asked to present your business plan to your classmates. Outline any five (5) elements you will cover in your PowerPoint presentation slides ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………….… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………...…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Preparing a business plan comes with some challenges, state five (5) challenges of preparing a business plan. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………….… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………..…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………...…… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… We believe that you have gained a skill in preparing a business plan. END OF UNIT 3 63 LO 4. Demonstrate knowledge of Business Plan Pitching new This LO is developed to help you acquire skills in Business Plan Pitching as per PC’s (a) – (d). PC (a) Explain business plan pitching A pitch is verbally presenting a version of your business plan that is meant for potential investors. Business plan pitching is the process of presenting your business plan to potential investors, lenders, partners, or other stakeholders with the aim of persuading them to support or invest in your business. A successful business plan pitch should effectively communicate your business idea, its feasibility, and its potential for growth and profitability. For example, you may pitch your startup business to potential investors or your products to potential customers. A business pitch needs to give your audience a clear understanding of your plan or goals to gain the approval of your investors. To do this, you must gather and share relevant research or provide a compelling vision. When you pitch effectively, you can motivate and persuade your audience to follow your idea and make it a reality. A pitch typically takes a short time for the entrepreneur or group of entrepreneurs to present or describe their ideas to prospective investors. There are other forms of business pitches namely: i. Sales pitch: A sales pitch is the shortest, most basic type of pitch. It is a brief message that outlines your business plan to attract your audience's attention. The goal is to make the audience invest in your business. Because the sales pitch is a short message, it is also known as the "Elevator pitch" because the presentation should last as long as an elevator ride. Imagine you are in an elevator with the richest man in Ghana, in one minute or less, how do you convince him to invest in your company? ii. Pitch deck: A pitch deck is a slide presentation that outlines your business plan to potential investors. iii. Video pitch: This is done via a short video rather than in person. 64 PC (b) Explain business plan pitching process. 1. Know Your Audience: Understand who your audience is and what they are looking for in an investment or partnership. Tailor your pitch to address their specific interests and concerns. 2. Develop a Compelling Story: Craft a narrative that engages your audience and conveys the problem your business solves, your solution, and why it matters. Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors. 3. Elevator Pitch: Start with a concise and attention-grabbing elevator pitch that sums up your business in a sentence or two. This should arouse interest and encourage your audience to want to learn more. 4. Presentation Materials: Create a visually appealing pitch deck or presentation that complements your verbal pitch. Include slides that cover key aspects of your business plan, such as market analysis, product/service details, financial projections, and team profiles. 5. Structured Presentation: Structure your pitch into clear sections, including an introduction, problem statement, solution, market opportunity, business model, marketing and sales strategy, financial projections, and ask (what you're seeking from investors). 6. Market Opportunity: Emphasize the market size, growth potential, and target audience. Explain how your business addresses a significant need or gap in the market. 65 7. Economics of Business: Describe how you will generate revenue, pricing strategy, and sales channels. Highlight any competitive advantages, such as intellectual property or proprietary technology. 8. Financial Projections: Present a concise overview of your financial projections, including revenue, expenses, profit margins, and cash flow. Be prepared to discuss your assumptions and growth strategies. 9. Team and Expertise: Introduce your team members and their relevant skills and experience. Convey why your team is well-equipped to execute the business plan successfully. 10. Address Questions and Objections: Anticipate and be prepared to address potential questions or objections from your audience. Show that you've considered and mitigated risks. 11. Practice and Rehearse: Practice your pitch multiple times to ensure you can deliver it confidently and within the allotted time. A successful business plan pitch not only conveys the details of your business plan but also showcases your confidence, passion, and ability to execute the plan. It's essential to be wellprepared, clear, and persuasive in your presentation to increase your chances of securing the support or investment you need for your business. PC (c) Explain Business Pitch Evaluation criteria Investors have criteria for evaluating business plan pitches. Remember you are not the only entrepreneur seeking their attention to invest in your business other entrepreneurs are doing the same. It is therefore important to know the criteria investors use to assess various aspects of the pitch to make an informed decision. Listed below are some key evaluation criteria used by investors, lenders, or potential partners to evaluate business plans: 1. Clarity and Communication: investors consider how effectively the entrepreneur communicated the business concept, value proposition, and market opportunity. 66 2. Market Opportunity: investors consider whether there is a clear and substantial market need or opportunity for the product or service. 3. Problem-Solution Fit: investors will look at the specific problem the business is addressing and how well the proposed solution solves this problem. 4. Profitability: investors consider evidence of potential profitability 5. Competitive Advantage: Investors will look at what sets your business apart from competitors. 6. Team and Expertise: investors will assess whether the team possesses the necessary passion, skill, and experience to execute the business plan successfully 7. Financial Projections: investors will assess whether the financial projections are realistic 8. Risks and Mitigations: whether potential risks and challenges have been identified and addressed. 9. Legal and Compliance: investors will assess the level of compliance with all relevant laws and regulations PC (d) Outline Business Pitch PowerPoint items As an entrepreneur, you should be able to present your business idea to investors and convince them to invest in your Business. Outline below are the items to cover in a PowerPoint presentation slide. 1. Your product/service and your ability to deliver it. 2. The problem your product/service is solving 3. The target market 3. The experience of the team to carry out the business 4. The growth potential of the business 5. Revenue and pricing strategy 6. Financial projections 7. How much funds do you need from the investor 8. How the fund will be used 67 Self-Assessment 3 This learning outcome (LO) has a little quiz at the end. I recommend you take this whole quiz without looking back for any of the answers. This will help you determine how well you have understood this learning outcome. Now assess yourself with the questions below. 1. An entrepreneur has developed a comprehensive business plan for his startup venture and is preparing to pitch the business to potential investors. Explain business plan pitching to this entrepreneurs ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. You are an upcoming entrepreneur preparing to pitch your business plan to potential investors. Explain the business plan pitching process ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 68 3.. As an experienced investor participating in a startup pitch event, you are tasked with evaluating several business pitches from diverse industries. State any five (5) crteria factors you would use to assess and rank these pitches. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………3 4. You have a chance to meet a potential investor in your school. Outline any five (5) items that your PowerPoint presentation slides should cover. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………… We believe that you can now explain Business Plan pitching and its process and present your business plan to investors to gain funds END OF UNIT 4 69 References 1. Barringer, B. R., and Ireland, R. D. (2012). Entrepreneurship, 4th ed., United State of America: Pearson Educational Limited. 2. Bessant, J. and Tidd, J. (2015). Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 3rd ed., United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd 3. Buame, S. (2012) Entrepreneurship, Big Mikes Publication Ltd. 4. Scarborough, N.M. & Cornwall, J.R. (2016). Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 8th ed., U. S. A.: Pearson Educational Limited. 5. Szycher, M. (2019). Practical Handbook of entrepreneurship and innovation, United States of America: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC 6. https://chat.openai.com/ 70 71
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