Starting up a new business is fraught with risk, since most of them fail. Formulating a business plan is a good way to analyze the potential failings of a business concept, which can trigger the decision to proceed - or walk away. In the How to Write a Business Plan course, we cover every aspect of the planning process, including selecting the right type of business, evaluating risks, identifying the best marketing options, and deciding which type of legal entity would be the best fit. In short, this course is intended to walk the aspiring entrepreneur through every step of writing a business plan.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
Identify the contents of a business plan.
Specify the topics of a planning self-assessment.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of a SWOT analysis.
Identify some of the barriers to entry that may be found in an industry.
Specify the key measurements to use when evaluating a business plan.
Identify the circumstances under which a decline in sales would be especially troubling.
Recall the elements of a marketing campaign for a start-up business.
Specify the different types of sales promotions for a start-up business.
Describe the sources of an organization's culture.
Specify the characteristics of the different components of the cost of goods sold.
Specify the considerations when budgeting for capital spending.
Recall the flaws that can appear in a business plan financial projection.
Recall the legal issues associated with a cosigning arrangement.
Specify the options for funding a start-up business.
Identify the requirements of angel investors and venture capital firms.
Recall the disadvantages of working with a money broker.
Recall the contents of a personal financial statement.
Specify the requirements for each component of a business plan.
Identify the most appropriate page length for a business plan.
Recall the advantages and disadvantages of each form of organizational structure.
Major Topics
Business Plans
The Writing Process
Identify the Business Type
Marketing Considerations
Personnel Considerations
The Projected Income Statement
Projected Startup Expenses
Business Financing
The Lender's Perspective
The Investor's Perspective
Other Cash Sources
The Structure of the Business Plan
Types of Business Entities