BUSINESS PLANNING GUIDE
Agenda for [enter date] Meeting
1.
2.
Current Business (if applicable)
a.
Describe your current business - - products offered, location, hours of operations, distribution
network, etc.
b.
Describe your current customer base. How did you get customers? Any significant trends?
c.
Describe your current business volumes - - product volume, etc. Any significant trends?
d.
Describe your current competitors? Any significant trends?
e.
What is the estimated market size for the product? What is the market’s direction - - growing, flat,
or decreasing?
f.
What is your estimated % market share of the current market size?
g.
What does your current Profit and Loss Statement look like in terms of revenues, costs and profit
(revenue minus costs)?
h.
What does your current Balance Sheet Statement look like in terms of assets and liabilities?
New Business
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Describe your new business concept.
i. Overall description and vision for each business line. How do they relate to one
another if at all?
ii. Products and/or services offered within each business line
iii. Preferred location
iv. Hours of operation for each business line
v. Pricing structure for products/services within each business line
vi. Marketing plans.
Describe your target (customer) market for each business .
i. Who are they? What are their demographics
ii. Why will they be attracted to your business concept and related products/services?
Describe your industry market.
i. What is it? How has it been faring nationally/ regionally/ locally?
ii. What are the projections for growth at each level?
How will your company be structured – ex: LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.
i. Will each business line have a separate entity? Why have you selected this form or
these forms?
Who will be your competitors for each business line?
i. What businesses are competitive? What product/service is each one competing
against?
ii. What gives you the competitive edge?
Describe the major strengths, weaknesses, and risks for your business.
g.
h.
3.
i. What are the major competitive strengths that will make your business concept
succeed? What background experience, skills, and strengths do you bring to this new
venture?
ii. What are the major weaknesses to be overcome to make your business succeed?
iii. What are the major risks in starting this business and how will they be mitigated?
Describe your operational plans for each business line and for the overall concept .
i. General or specific location. Where is your preferred location? Why have you chosen
this?
ii. Hours of operation for each business line.
iii. Personnel requirements. How many people are needed? What skills sets are required?
Give an overview of your plans for hiring, training, and managing staff.
iv. Inventory and suppliers. How will inventory be handled? Where will products be
purchased (for example, will you go to market and if so, which one)? Who are your
suppliers?
Describe your financial plans for (1) each business line and (2) for the consolidated project.
i. What are your start-up costs? Include both capital expenditures as well as operating
costs for a specified time period.
ii. What will be your pricing structure for each business line? What mark-ups will you
apply for each product/service? What profit margins (both gross and net) do you
expect for each business line?
iii. Profit & loss (income) statement, cash flow statement, balance sheet (if applicable at
this point).
iv. Sources of funding for start-up capital, including operating costs for a specified time
period.
Next Steps