Business plan template for creative industries and cultural organizations
Below is a suggested outline for a completed business plan. Every plan will vary as each
business opportunity is unique. In particular the distribution, promotion, social media and
operations sections will differ. For example, if only direct distribution is planned, then no
information needs to be provided on indirect distribution. Likewise, not all promotional methods
may be used by the creative entrepreneur.
The plan is a verbal picture of the business that should be well organized and well written. The
purpose of the business plan is to ‘sell’ the entrepreneurial idea to possible investors. It also
provides a roadmap that the entrepreneur will follow as the business is built.
Using the completed information from the relevant end-of-chapter exercises will help to
complete the plan. Follow the three ‘C’s’ of business writing – be clear, correct and concise.
Clear – have someone else read the plan to determine if what you have written is what you meant
to say.
Correct – proofread to ensure that there are no errors, as readers will assume that the quality of
the plan will reflect the quality of the business.
Concise – edit to remove any wordage that is unnecessary, as people do not have time to read
long documents.
Business plan outline
Title sheet
Name of entrepreneur, business name, contact information
One-sentence passion in life – Chapter 1
Introduction to plan
Mission, vision and value statement – Chapter 2
Description of product and customer – Chapter 1
Goal, objectives and tactics – Chapter 2
Personal bio including paid/unpaid work experience, professional training – Chapter 1
Situational analysis
Internal: financial, people, organization skills – Chapter 2
External: competitors, socio-cultural, technological, economic factors – Chapter 2
SWOT grid – Chapter 2
Research plan
Research question – Chapter 3
Research subjects and method – Chapter 3
Research findings – Chapter 3
250
Product description
Product description – Chapter 4
Product benefits – Chapter 4
Competitive advantage – Chapter 4
Copyright protection – Chapter 12
Customers targeted
Targeting strategy – Chapter 5
Target market segmentation description – Chapter 5
Benefits motivating purchase – Chapter 5
Financial standing
Price structure – Chapter 6
Yearly revenue and profit projections – Chapter 6
Tax obligations – Chapter 12
Startup funding source – Chapter 6
Name of bank – Chapter 12
Pro forma financial statements – Chapter 10
Distribution plan
Description of distribution strategy – Chapter 7
Direct distribution channels – Chapter 7
Method of payment processing – Chapter 10
Indirect distribution channels – Chapter 7
Alternative distribution methods – Chapter 11
Rent/lease arrangements – Chapter 12
Promotion plan
Description of brand image – Chapter 8
Marketing message – Chapter 8
Plan for using advertising – Chapter 8
Plan for using sales promotions – Chapter 8
Plan for using networking for personal sales – Chapter 8
Plan for using public relations – Chapter 8
Social media plan
Integrating traditional promotion into social media – Chapter 9
Types of social media utilized – Chapter 9
Posting calendar – Chapter 9
Operations plan
Suppliers – Chapter 11
Production plan – Chapter 11
Employee job description – Chapter 12
Sources of employees – Chapter 12
Name of financial advisor, accountant, insurance company – Chapter 1
251