I am currently enrolled in the California Program for Entrepreneurs, and we recently discussed business plans and models. I figured I would share the business plan outline we received, and also digitize it for myself, since we received a hard copy. As I write my own, I will go through and share my thoughts on how each section should be structured and what key points should be made in each section

  1. Industry, the Company, and its Products

    • Overview

      • The Company
      • The Company’s Products
      • The Industry
    • Critical Success Factor
    • Structural Analysis of the Industry
    • Description of Industry Evolution

  2. Market Research & Analysis

    • Customer Segments, Buyer Decision Making Issues
    • Target Market(s) Size and Trends
    • Competition
    • Estimate Market Share & Sales
    • Ongoing Market Evaluation

  3. Marketing Plan

    • Overall Marketing Strategy
    • Target Market Definition
    • Market Positioning (Price vs. Quality)
    • Competitive Advantage
    • Pricing (Economic Value to Customer)
    • Channel Plan
    • Marketing Communications Plan
    • Sales Plan to generate first six months of sales
    • Service & Warranty Policies
    • Advertising & Promotion Plans
    • Marketing Budget

  4. Design & Development Status

    • Development Status & Tasks
    • Difficulties & Risks
    • Product Improvement & New Products
    • Cost Management Plan

  5. Operations Plan

    • Geographical Location
    • Facilities & Improvement
    • Strategy & Plans

  6. Management Team

    • Organization
    • Key Management Personnel
    • Management Compensation & Ownership
    • Board of Directors
    • Supporting Professional Services
  7. Critical Risks & Problems

  8. The Financial Plan

    • Profit & Loss Forecasts
    • Pro Forma Cash Flow Analysis
    • Pro Forma Balance Sheets
    • Break Even Analysis

  9. Proposed Company Offering

    • Desired Financing
    • Securities Offering
    • Capitalization
    • Use of Funds

Exhibit 1: Pro Forma Income Statements (monthly for first year; annual for first 5 years)

Exhibit 2: Pro Forma Cash Flows (monthly for first year; quarterly for 2 years)

Exhibit 3: Pro Forma Balance Sheets (for startup & for end of year for first 3 years)

Exhibit 4: Break Even Analysis

Exhibit 5: Critical Success Factors

Exhibit 6: Structural Analysis of Industry