2015 Business Plan Outline The Business Plan should address the sections in the outline as relevant to your business. Not every item may be applicable to your business. The PowerUP! class which covers each section is identified. The Business Plan Document shall fit these Guidelines: • The Plan should be compiled in 2 Parts. 1. Cover Page + Table of Contents + 20 page (maximum) Business Plan Narrative + Appendix. 2. Financial Projections Excel Spreadsheet • Use 10, 11 or 12 point font size. Recommended fonts include: Times New Roman, Arial and Helvetica. • Margins no less than .75 • All pages must have the name of the business at the top or bottom. • The plan narrative should be no more than 20 one-sided pages with no less than 1.5 line spacing. • The Appendix and the Financial Projections do not count toward the 20 page limit. • Use the excel cash flow spreadsheet provided in the Financial Class. • Submit one 8 1/2” x 11” hard copy of the plan and one electronic copy on a USB Drive. The electronic copy should include Part 1 in PDF format and Part 2 as an Excel Spreadsheet. PDF Sources: pdfonline.com, primopdf.com Cover Page – Template provided. Include the names of all team members, their street addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. The business name, and if applicable, street address and web address. The date the plan was completed. Table of Contents – List page numbers for each section. Number all pages after the table of contents page. 1. Executive Summary (One to Two Pages) – Business Plan Class • Summary of all sections, best written after the plan is complete. 2. Business Description – Business Plan Class • Business concept and opportunity; why are you likely to be profitable? • Description of product or service; what exactly will you be paid for? • Financing requirements; start up costs plus an explanation of how you will use the $5000. 3. Market Research – Marketing Class Demonstrate that there is a market or opportunity and that your business can capture a share of it. • Fully describe your target market; where are they located, what are their characteristics, are they individuals and/or businesses? If individuals, include demographic information. • How large is the market, how much money do they spend, what are their buying habits and what is the potential for growth? • Your business is part of an industry; describe your industry, its size and potential for growth • Identify the opportunities in this industry and identify any barriers to entry • What are the trends for your industry or type of business? Are there new developments or other forces that will impact your business, such as technology, seasonal factors, regulatory or economic issues? • Identify your competitors and their strengths and weaknesses. • Identify your company’s strengths and how you will differentiate your company. • SWOT Chart (internal Strengths & Weaknesses, external Opportunities & Threats). 4. Marketing Strategy – Marketing Class • How will you promote your product to your target audience – what is your mix of marketing media, public relations, advertising? What will each cost? • Describe your sales force and structure; describe any strategic partnerships. • Pricing – what is your policy based on costs, your competition and your target market? This section must tie into Cash Flow statements. 5. Operations – Business Plan Class This section will vary depending on the business, but it must demonstrate you understand the day to day implementation of your business. • How will you manufacture your product or provide your service? • Special equipment or key suppliers, if applicable. • Describe your space requirements and, if applicable, your location. • How will you get your product or service to your customer; describe the distribution process. 6. Management and Organization – Business Plan Class • Job descriptions or duties, experience, skills, salaries, and resumes of the staff, including the owner. • Resumes, organization charts may be included in the appendix. 7. Financial Projections –Template provided in Financial Class Translate the above details into realistic financial projections. 1. START UP COSTS & FUNDS o What are the costs before you open? Include any expenses you have incurred already. o Source of funds, including prize money, personal savings, family & friends, loans. 2. CASH FLOW STATEMENTS for the first two years Year One - Every month for year one. Year Two - A summary of every quarter. 3. NOTES & ASSUMPTIONS explain financial projections if necessary. Appendix – Supporting documents, resumes, brochures, organizational chart, etc. The appendix should not exceed an additional 10 pages. Submit Your Plan by 6:00 pm on August 3, 2015 to: PowerUP! KREYOL Business & Career Library 280 Cadman Plaza West Brooklyn NY 11201