Business Plan (DP IB Business Management)

Revision Note

Flashcards

Business Plan

  • A business plan sets out key aspects of a business and how the owners intend it to develop

  • The main aim of producing a business plan is to reduce the risk associated with starting a new business and help the owners raise finance

    • Producing a business plan forces the owner to think about every aspect of the business before they start, which should reduce the risk of failure 

Diagram: elements of a business plan

Common Elements of a Business Plan 
Common Elements of a Business Plan 
  • Having carried out research to support the plan, the business will be well-informed about the potential problems and chance of success and can select the most appropriate source of finance based on this information 

  • A well-written business plan can help a business obtain finance

    • Lenders (e.g. banks) and other investors will be able to explore the plan and make an informed decision about whether the business is credible and worth the financial risk

    • Investors (e.g. venture capitalists) will use the business plan to explore whether there is an opportunity to increase the value of their investment and make a worthwhile profit

    • The business, having carried out research to support the plan, will be well-informed about the potential problems and chance of success and can select the most appropriate source of finance based on this information

  • A business plan should be a regularly-updated working document

    • As the business grows plans are likely to change as it faces new threats and opportunities

Key Elements in a Business Plan

Element

Explanation

Executive Summary

  • This section provides an overview of the business idea, its unique selling proposition, target market, and financial projections

    • It should be concise yet compelling enough to grab the reader's attention

Company Description

  • A description of the business mission, vision, and values
    Information about the legal structure, location and any unique advantages or intellectual property the business may have

Market Analysis

  • A thorough analysis of the target market, including its size, growth potential and key trends

  • Identification of target customers and their needs

  • A competitor analysis to understand their strengths and weaknesses

Products or Services

  • A detailed explanation of the products/services the business will offer, highlighting their features, benefits and any competitive advantages they may have

Marketing & Sales Strategy

  • A description of the intended marketing and sales approach, including marketing channels, pricing strategy and promotional tactics

  • A description of how customers will be attracted and their loyalty captured

Organisation & Management

  • An overview of the organisational structure of the business and the key members of the team, including their qualifications, experience and responsibilities

Operations & Implementation

  • A description of how the business will operate on a day-to-day basis, including the production process, stock management and any key partnerships or suppliers

Financial Projections

  • A detailed financial forecast for the business, including projected income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements

  • An outline of funding requirements and any existing or potential sources of finance

Risk Analysis

  • A consideration of the potential risks and challenges the business may face and the intended strategies for mitigating them

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