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10 business plan examples for students.

Are you thinking of starting a business? Let’s take a look at some business plan examples for students. 

Starting a business as a student is exciting. But, like anyone else, students need support when venturing into entrepreneurship. One of the most important things to start with is learning how to create a strong business plan.

A business plan helps you set clear goals, strategies, and the necessary steps to succeed in the business world. However, not all business plans are the same. There are different types to consider, and choosing the right one depends on your specific business and goals.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a solid business plan and introduce you to different plan types. So, let's get started and explore the world of entrepreneurship with a well-structured plan for success.

Writing the Business Plan

Crafting a business plan is a crucial move when you're starting or expanding your business, whether you’re working on a business plan project for students or a fully-fledged business person. 

It helps you navigate your journey while also catching the attention of potential investors or lenders. In this guide, we'll break down every part of a business plan and share helpful tips.

What Goes in a Business Plan?

A good business plan typically has several important sections, each with its own job to do.

• Business Overview : Introduction and executive summary.
• Market Analysis : Understanding your target market and competition.
• Marketing and Sales : Strategies to reach and convert customers.
• Product/Service : Description of what you offer.
• Operations and Team : How your business operates and key team members.
• Financial Projection s: Future financial estimates and funding needs.
• Appendix : Supporting documents, if needed.

Now, let’s get into what these sections look like. 

Develop a Business Plan Worksheet

Before you start writing your business plan, it's a good idea to start with a business plan worksheet. Think of it as the foundation for your plan—a tool to gather information and get your thoughts organized. 

This worksheet will help you come up with your business vision, understand your target market better, and lay out your financial projections. It's the first step to building a solid plan that sets your business on the right track.

The Executive Summary

The executive summary is your business plan's attention-grabbing headline. It's a concise preview of your plan's most critical elements, designed to engage your reader. Here's what to include:

• Mission Statement : Clearly state your business's mission, describing the problem you solve and why your business exists. Define your core values and goals.
• Product/Service Description : Provide a brief, compelling description of your offering, emphasizing its unique features or benefits that set it apart.
• Leadership and Team : Introduce key team members and their qualifications, showcasing their expertise and their role in your business's success.
• Financial Information : Give an overview of your current financial status. Mention revenue and profits if your business is running. If you seek financing, explain how much you need and where you'll invest it.
• Growth Plans : Share your strategy for growth and long-term goals, outlining how you'll expand and achieve profitability.

The executive summary sets the stage for your business plan, making a strong first impression and sparking excitement for what follows.

The Products/Services 

In this part, we'll dig deeper into the heart of your business—your products or services. We're going beyond the basics to look at three crucial aspects:

• Benefits to Customers : Discuss how your products or services help your customers. Explain how they solve specific problems or fulfill the needs of your target market. What makes them stand out? What's the unique value they bring compared to what competitors offer?
• Product Lifecycle : Every product or service has a journey. Tell us about the expected lifecycle of yours. Are you planning updates, new versions, or related offerings in the future? Knowing this helps us understand how your business will evolve.
• Intellectual Property : If it applies to your products or services, include any intellectual property rights you have. This might include copyrights, trademarks, or patents. These rights protect your creations and can be valuable assets.

Remember, this section is all about offering the essence of what you're offering and why it's special.

Target Market

Knowing your target market is a cornerstone of business success. Let's simplify:

Who Are Your Customers?

• Demographics : Basic info like age, gender, income, and location helps you target effectively.

What Makes Them Tick?

• Psychographics : Understand their interests, lifestyle, and buying habits to connect personally and tailor your marketing.

Market Trends

• Stay Updated : Keep an eye on industry trends and market shifts. Adapt to capitalize on opportunities.

Why does it matter? Think of it like knowing the weather—it helps you plan. Understanding your target market is your key to getting ahead. 

The Marketing Strategy

Your marketing and sales strategies are crucial for attracting and retaining customers.

Marketing Mix

Here, we'll break down each element of your marketing mix—product, price, promotion, and place (distribution). 

• Product : Describe your product offerings in detail. What are their unique features and benefits? Why would your target customers choose your products over others in the market? Be clear about what sets you apart.
• Price : Explain your pricing strategy. Will you compete on price, offering lower costs than competitors? Or will you position your products as premium and charge a higher price? Detail any discounts, bundles, or special offers you plan to implement.
• Promotion : Outline your promotional tactics. How will you create awareness and interest in your products? This can include advertising, public relations, content marketing, social media campaigns, and more. Specify your marketing budget and the platforms you'll utilize.
• Place (Distribution) : Describe your distribution strategy. How will your products reach your customers? Will you sell directly to consumers, through retailers, or online? Highlight your distribution channels and logistics. Explain how you'll ensure your products are readily available where your customers want them.

Sales Process

Now it’s time to discuss how you plan to turn potential leads into paying customers.

• Direct Sales : If your strategy involves direct sales, explain how your sales team will engage with potential customers. Provide insights into your sales force, their training, and how they will approach prospects.
• Online Sales : If online sales are a significant part of your strategy, detail your e-commerce platform. Discuss the user experience, payment processing, security measures, and any online marketing tactics to drive traffic and conversions.
• Conversion Strategy : Highlight how you plan to convert leads into paying customers. Will you offer free trials, consultations, or samples? Describe your approach to closing deals and fostering customer loyalty.

By going beyond the surface and addressing these elements in detail, you'll have a marketing and sales strategy that can effectively attract and retain customers for your business.

Discuss Your Distribution Strategy

Your distribution strategy is how you get your products or services to your customers effectively:

• Distribution Channels : These are the paths your products or services take, like physical stores or online platforms.
• Logistics and Transportation : This is how your products move, whether you do it yourself or use other companies.
• Inventory Management : It's about keeping the right amount of stock without having too much or too little.
• Geographic Reach : It's where your customers are, whether nearby, across the country, or worldwide.
• Efficiency and Costs : It's about being fast and not spending too much money.
• Customer Convenience : It means making it easy for customers to buy from you.
• Technology and Automation : Using tools and systems to make things work smoother.
• Scaling and Adaptation : It's about being ready for more customers or changes in the market.

Having a good distribution strategy helps make sure your products or services reach the right customers the right way.

The Competition

It's essential to have a solid grasp of your competitors and strategically position your business to thrive. 

Competitive Analysis

To stay ahead of the game, make sure to conduct a thorough competitive analysis. This means rolling up your sleeves and diving deep into the strategies and operations of your rivals. 

• In-Depth Examination : Start by examining your competitors meticulously. Look into their products or services, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and customer base. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of what they do and how they do it.
• Strengths and Weaknesses : Highlight your competitors' strengths and weaknesses. What are they exceptionally good at, and where do they fall short? Identifying these aspects will help them identify opportunities to capitalize on their weaknesses and leverage their strengths.
• Success Insights : Share your insights into what makes your competitors successful. Understand their unique selling propositions, customer engagement strategies, and market positioning. This knowledge will provide you with a foundation for your own strategies.
• Outperforming Plans : Once you've dissected your competitors, outline your plan to outperform them. Whether it's through innovation, superior customer service, or better pricing, make it clear how you intend to gain a competitive edge.

Competitive Advantage

Every business has something that sets it apart from the rest – these are your competitive advantages. In this section, it's time to highlight why customers should choose you over the competition.

• Expert Team : If you have experts on your team, let people know. Customers trust businesses with knowledgeable professionals who offer excellent products or services. If you're new, focus on any relevant experience to build trust as your business grows.
• Unique Partnerships : If your business has forged unique partnerships or collaborations that give you an edge, make it known. These alliances can lead to exclusive offerings, cost advantages, or increased visibility in the market.
• Ideal Location : If your business benefits from an ideal location that attracts foot traffic or serves a specific target demographic, this can be a powerful competitive advantage. Explain how your location enhances your business prospects.

By underlining your competitive advantages, you're essentially telling your audience why you're not just another player in the market. 

The operations section is your day-to-day business plan. It helps your team understand how to make your business run smoothly. Here are the key parts:

• Objectives and Goals : State what you want to achieve, both short and long-term. Ensure they align with your overall plan.
• Procedures and Processes : Explain how things will get done, from making your product to customer service.
• Timeline and Milestones : Set dates and goals to track your progress.
• Resource Needs : List what you need to run your business, like equipment and people.
• Supply Chain : Describe how you'll get what you need and manage it.
• Quality Control : Detail how you'll ensure quality, whether through checks or testing.
• Regulations : Mention any rules you need to follow, like permits or licenses.
• Risk Planning : Identify potential problems and your backup plans.
• Growth Strategy : Explain how you'll handle growth, like hiring more people or expanding to new markets.
• Costs : Break down your expenses, both fixed and variable, and how you'll manage them.

By laying out these details, you'll be well-prepared to handle the challenges and growth opportunities that come your way.

The Management Team

In this section of your business plan, you'll want to cover a few key areas:

1. Personal Background : Start by introducing the key people in your management team, if there are any. If it’s just you—don't worry! Give some basic details like names, ages, where they live, their interests, and their educational background. Also, mention any special skills they bring to the table.

2. Business Experience : Talk about their history in the business world. Have they been involved in other businesses? Have they held important positions before? Share their past achievements and roles in previous companies.

3. Track Record : Highlight their successes, the responsibilities they've handled, and their capabilities. Show how their previous experiences have prepared them for the roles they'll play in your business.

4. Education : Mention their formal and informal education, like degrees, certifications, or courses they've taken that are relevant to your business.

5. Financial Standing : Include personal financial statements and supporting documents to demonstrate their financial stability and ability to contribute to the business if necessary.

6. Work History : Detail their direct experience in similar businesses and how it aligns with your current venture.

7. Roles and Responsibilities : Clearly define who does what on the management team. Explain why they're the right fit for their roles and who makes the final decisions.

8. Organization Chart : Create a simple chart that shows how your team is structured and lists each person's responsibilities.

9. Compensation and Benefits : Outline the pay and bonuses each management member will receive. Also, mention any benefits like health insurance or life insurance.

10. External Resources : Tell about any outside resources you can tap into, like lawyers, accountants, or support from organizations that help small businesses.

11. Board of Directors : If you have a board, introduce them and explain how they'll help guide your business.

12. Online Resources : Mention any useful internet resources you'll use for research and networking.

Including these details paints a picture of your team's qualifications and their role in making your business a success.

In this part of your business plan, focus on who will be working with you.

• Current and Future Needs : Start by saying how many people you have on your team right now, if any. Then, talk about how many team members you think you'll need in the near future (like the next year or two) and in the longer term (three to five years from now).
• Skills Required : Describe what skills your team members should have. Think about what makes them good at their jobs and what special skills might be needed for your business.
• Job Descriptions : Explain what each person on your team will be responsible for. This will help everyone better understand their roles. Keep in mind that your roles might change as your business grows.
• Finding People : Discuss how you plan to find and hire the right people. As students, you might use your school's resources and online job platforms or work with other students who have the skills you need.
• Pay and Benefits : Clarify if you'll be paying salaries, hourly wages, or both. You can also mention any extra rewards or bonuses based on performance. Since you're a student, you may not offer extensive benefits initially.
• Extras like Overtime : Say if you'll pay extra for overtime work and when that might happen. Being students, you'll want to manage your workload efficiently, especially during busy times.

By covering these points, you'll show that you've considered your team's needs and are ready to manage your business's human resources effectively, even as students.

Financial Analysis

Think of this section as the pulse of your business plan. It gives you a detailed look at your business's financial health and sustainability. This part is crucial for students because it helps them make informed decisions and attracts potential investors or lenders.

Balance Sheet

Get a certified public accountant (CPA) to help you create a balance sheet. This document paints a picture of your business's financial situation at a specific moment. It has three main parts:

• Assets : What your business owns ( cash, equipment, or inventory).
• Liabilities : What your business owes (such as loans or outstanding bills).
• Owner's Equity : The owner's stake in the business, which is assets minus liabilities. It's basically your business's net worth.

Break-Even Analysis

This is significant because it tells you when your business will start making money. It determines the minimum amount of sales revenue needed to cover both fixed costs (like rent and salaries) and variable costs (like materials and utilities). It's based on info from the income statement and cash flow projections.

Income Statement (Profit and Loss Statement)

The income statement gives you the lowdown on your business's financial performance over a specific time frame, usually monthly or annually. It shows how much money you made and how much you spent. Subtract the expenses from the income, and you've got your profit or loss. It's all about how well your business handles its cash.

Cash Flow Statement

Cash is king in business, and this statement forecasts how money will move in and out of your company. It predicts all cash coming in and going out, helping you ensure you have enough to cover day-to-day costs and investments and pay off any debts. A strong cash flow is crucial to keeping your business going.

As student entrepreneurs, having a CPA set up your accounting system is a smart move for accuracy. When you present these financial documents in your business plan, make sure they're clear and detailed. 

These numbers prove the worth and profitability of your business idea, which can be a big draw for potential investors or lenders. So, be thorough and get the figures right. 

Supporting Documentation 

You'll also want to include various documents that back up the information you've presented in the main part of your plan. Keep in mind that this list might change depending on how far along your business is. Here's what to include:

• Resumes : Put in resumes of the people who are key to your business. Show off their qualifications and experience to give confidence to potential investors or lenders.
• Credit Information (appendix) : If relevant, add credit reports for yourself or your team members. This will prove that you're financially responsible.
• Quotes or Estimates : Include any quotes or cost estimates you've received from suppliers or service providers. This helps prove that you've done your homework on expenses.
• Letters of Intent from Prospective Customers : If you have letters from potential customers saying they want to use your products or services, toss those in. It shows there's a demand.
• Letters of Support from Credible References : If you have supportive letters from mentors, professors, or industry experts, add those. They can vouch for your idea.
• Leases or Buy/Sell Agreements : If you're renting space or buying equipment, include the agreements. It proves you have the physical assets and responsibilities in place.
• Legal Documents Relevant to the Business : If there are any legal papers like incorporation documents, partnership agreements, or licenses, include them. It shows you're following the rules.
• Census/Demographic Data : If your business relies on specific data about people, include statistics or reports from trustworthy sources. This information will support your market analysis and target audience information.

Remember to keep these documents well-organized in the appendix. This list covers the basics, but tailor it to your specific student business plan's needs and stage of development.

Business Plan Program

Creating a strong business plan is essential for any entrepreneur, and with the help of business plan programs and tools, you can make it more effective.

• LivePlan : LivePlan is a user-friendly business planning software that guides users through creating business plans and offers financial forecasting.
• Bizplan : Bizplan focuses on startups and small businesses, providing step-by-step planning, financial tools, and pitch deck creation.
• Enloop : Enloop automates business plan writing using data inputs and offers financial projection tools.
• PlanGuru : PlanGuru is for in-depth financial analysis and creating detailed financial projections.
• Upmetrics : Upmetrics offers customizable templates, financial forecasting, and collaboration features for various business stages.
• Tarkenton GoSmallBiz : Tarkenton GoSmallBiz provides business planning tools, legal resources, and marketing guidance.
• Bplans : Bplans offers free business plan templates and samples for those starting from scratch.
• Canva : Canva provides pitch deck templates and design tools to enhance presentations.
• QuickBooks : QuickBooks aids in financial tracking and management, complementing business planning.

14 Types of Business Plans with Examples

In this section, we'll explore 10 types of business plan examples for student entrepreneurship.

1. Traditional Business Plans

These classic business plans , often prepared on paper, provide a comprehensive overview of the business, detailing its identity, goals, and strategies for success.

2. Standard Plans

Similar to traditional plans, standard business plans are created digitally, typically using software like Microsoft Word or Excel, making them easier to edit and share.

3. One-Page Business Plans

Incredibly concise, these plans condense all crucial information onto a single page, often using bullet points for clarity and brevity.

4. Annual Business Plans

Tailored for a specific year, these plans outline a business's objectives and actions for that particular period, providing a focused strategy. 

5. Lean Plans

Lean business plans are streamlined versions, intentionally omitting some details to protect confidential information while offering a concise yet informative summary.

6. Business Plans for Start-ups

Specifically designed for new ventures, these plans may incorporate surveys, customer insights, and visual aids to support their customized approach.

7. Feasibility Studies

These plans investigate the viability of new product or service ideas, helping businesses make informed decisions about their implementation by analyzing their potential success.

Understanding these various types of business plans is essential for your business management studies, as they serve different purposes and contexts within the business world.

8. Strategic Plans

Concentrating on marketing and branding strategies, these plans often involve extensive market research and prioritize effective brand promotion.

9. Operational Plans

Emphasizing practical steps, operational plans use data, charts, and graphs to guide a business's actions toward its goals, with a strong focus on execution.

10. Internal Plans

Highly detailed and meant exclusively for the company's internal team, these plans contain sensitive information and strategic insights for team members' use.

11. What-If plan

This type of plan explores various scenarios and their potential impact on the business. It helps a company prepare for unexpected situations by outlining strategies for different outcomes.

12. Expansion plan

An expansion plan outlines strategies for growing a business, whether through opening new locations, entering new markets, or diversifying product lines. It details the steps and resources needed for expansion.

14. Business Acquisition Plan

When a company intends to acquire another business, this plan outlines the acquisition strategy, financial considerations, and integration plans. It helps ensure a smooth transition and maximizes the value of the acquisition.

These plans cover a range of scenarios and goals, each serving a unique purpose in the world of business strategy. Hopefully, you can choose a business plan template for high school students that suits your needs. 

Final Thoughts

Starting and running a business as a student is a journey. A well-structured business plan is essential for success, helping you define your goals and strategies. To create one, feel free to use these business plan examples for students as a source of inspiration.

It’s your tool to guide your entrepreneurial journey and increase your chances of success. So, get started, create your plan, and get started on your path to entrepreneurship with confidence.

Business Plan Examples for Students

Ajay Jagtap

• December 29, 2023

26 Min Read

Do you know what’s the most common mistake students and rookie entrepreneurs make while preparing their first business plan?

Of course, it’s the first business plan we’re talking about; there’ll definitely be a few. However, overcomplicating things and failing to consider a business plan example still remain the most common one.

That’s why we decided to come up with a solution. We’ve curated this list of top business plan examples for students to help you get going.

So whether you need a business plan for a college project, start a side hustle, or win a business competition, these examples are just what you need to create business plans that stand out.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start by understanding the key elements of a business plan example:

Key Elements of a Business Plan Example

Business planning is not as complicated of a process as people think it is; they’re just overcomplicating things. (Don’t think so?)

Let’s simplify the key elements that make up a comprehensive business plan; you’ll understand it better that way.

• Executive Summary: A high-level overview or summary of your plan.
• Company Overview: A detailed description of your business idea, its fundamental elements, history, and future goals.
• Market Analysis: A study of your external business environment that includes details about your industry, competitors, and target market.
• Products and Services: Description of the products or services you intend to exchange for money.
• Sales and Marketing Strategies: A section outlining sales and marketing strategies your business will implement to achieve its financial goals.
• Operations Plan: A section outlining the business processes and daily activities involved in ensuring seamless business operations.
• Management Team: Introduction to your founders, key management, and their compensation plan.
• Financial Plan: Your financial plan is a detailed breakdown of your business’s financial projections and financing needs.

That’s pretty much it about the key elements of a business plan example. Next, let’s explore the best business plan examples for students.

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Top Business Plan Examples for Students

Now that you already know about the components of a business plan template, let’s review some of the best business plan examples for students.

1. Startup Business Plan Example

Upmetrics’ startup business plan example is the ideal solution for students planning to start up or participate in a business plan competition. This business plan template follows the SBA-approved business planning format used by thousands of successful entrepreneurs.

Whether your startup is about a new-age AI-based application, an online shopping site, or traditional IT consulting—this sample business plan is just what you need.

Unlike any traditional small business plan, this example of a startup business plan is lean and agile in approach, focuses on innovation, and emphasizes market validation.

2. Lean Business Plan Example

Since you’re transitioning from a student to an entrepreneur, you may not have enough time to spend on creating a detailed business plan. That’s where this lean business plan template can help.

It’s a condensed version of a traditional plan summarizing all its sections with a primary focus on covering only the critical aspects of the business.

This template is best for startups or businesses uncertain about business planning and student-turned-entrepreneurs with limited time and resources to prepare a business plan.

3. SBA Business Plan Example

Following an SBA-recommended business plan format is key to securing bank loans and business grants. Since it can be time-consuming to find a template that follows a similar outline as the SBA, this SBA-approved business plan example is the way to get started.

This SBA business plan template has nine primary sections, that include executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization, product description, marketing, funding request, and financial projections.

SBA business plan examples ensure you stay on track and don’t deviate from your funding needs.

4. One-Page Business Plan Example

As you may have already guessed, a one-page business plan is a one-page version of a traditional business plan. Since it’s a condensed version of a business plan, drafting it can be quite easy and quick compared to a lean or traditional plan.

Employees, partners, and vendors often use one-page business plans as a quick overview of your company and banks and investors as a summary of your operations.

While it may not be the ideal choice for entrepreneurs seeking investment or bank loans, students with side hustles and idea-stage startups can consider this option.

5. HBS Sample Business Plan

Harvard Business School’s new venture competition selected this sample business plan as a finalist in 2011.

This is a business plan of App Success, a collaborative web-based platform that connects low-income high school seniors with college students from top universities; this business will enable them to collaborate on college selection, college applications, and financial aid applications.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a mobile or web-based solution.

6. Kean University Sample Business Plan

Kean University organizes a business plan competition every year for its students where students prepare and present business plans to compete, and this is one of the sample business plans the University provides to participants to understand the format.

It’s a business plan of Blue Water Boatworks, Inc., a boat detailing and cleaning company specializing in servicing recreational fiberglass and aluminum watercraft.

This example can be a great reference for those planning to start a business related to housekeeping, cleaning, or maintenance.

7. UVM Sample Business Plan

If you are looking for a strategic business plan for a food business, the University of Vermont’s Fancy Foods Business Plan can be a guiding resource for you.

Despite the fact that it can be a good reference for detailed planning, it was written in 1998, so any statistics and numbers may not seem relevant to today’s market landscape. Make sure you keep that in mind.

You may closely follow this example as a reference if planning to start a food truck, restaurant, or any other business that serves food.

That was the list of best sample business plans for students. However, there’s more to talk about. You now have a business plan example, but what about pitching to investors? Let’s explore free pitch deck examples for students.

Free Pitch Deck Example for Students

Pitching to investors as a first-time founder can be exciting but also overwhelming at times. Worry not; we’ve got a solution—investor pitch templates. We’ve prepared a set of 8 investor pitch templates and examples for students and entrepreneurs to help create winning business pitches.

Whether you need a pitch to find an opportunity, ask for subject matter knowledge, or a problem-solving pitch, these investor pitch examples have got you covered. Download now.

How to write a winning plan for a business plan competition?

Creating a business plan is no different than creating one for a real business. Similar to how entrepreneurs prepare and present business plans to investors, Students in business plan competitions pitch to judges.

In short, the business planning process remains exactly the same. Let’s discuss how you can write a winning plan to help you win a business plan competition.

• Select a compelling business idea : everything starts with a compelling idea. Make sure you have a viable business idea to compete in the competition.
• Refer to winning business plan examples : Once you are sure about your business concept, refer to business plan examples from previous winners and how they planned the sections of their plan.
• Market Research & Industry Analysis : After referring to business plan examples, conduct industry research and market analysis to make your statistical and financial numbers accurate and realistic.
• Understand business model and revenue streams : Since you are preparing a business plan for a company that doesn’t exist, be sure about the business model and how the business will generate profit.
• Use AI business plan generator : Using an AI business plan generator like Upmetrics can be incredibly helpful in speeding up the business planning process. With industry-specific business plan templates and AI assistance to write your plan, you can write the first draft of your plan in literally no time.
• Presentation and visuals : Prepare visuals and graphs to make your business plan visually appealing and numbers digestible. You may not need to prepare these visuals if you use business plan software manually.
• Proofread and edit : Grammatical errors are the last thing judges want to see in a business plan. Make sure you proofread and edit your draft thoroughly before submitting it.

Easy as that, that’s the way to write a perfect business plan that can lead you to victory in any business plan competition on planet Earth. Let’s look at an example of a real-life business and financial plan.

Business and Financial Plan Example for Students

Having learned about business planning for students, let’s quickly discuss a coffee shop sample business plan and financial statements prepared using Upmetrics.

1. Executive Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will be a new cafe in Phoenix, Arizona. The 1,500 square foot café will be located in the newly constructed Market Square Plaza on the northeast corner of 135th Street and Mission Street. The anchor tenant, the Price Chopper grocery store, has already taken occupancy, and the excellent location brings more than 10,000 shoppers weekly.

The Cooper’s Cup, aptly named for the aromatic brown liquid that will fill the cup, fills the void of original cafes in the market and stands out from its corporate peers with its fast food concepts and prompt services. The Cooper’s Cup is the alternative to fast food/commercial/coffee shops and offers a much calmer, civilized gourmet coffee experience.

There are no televisions in the cafe, the background music is subtle, and work from local artists will hang on the walls. The restaurant is well-appointed, with overstuffed leather chairs and sofas in a library-like setting. The cafe is reminiscent of times gone by – yet is cutting edge technologically with WIFI and state-of-the-art espresso machines.

The Cooper’s Cup measures its financial success in terms of increased market share and earnings. This is a tremendous opportunity with a total local market of $54 million! The keys to success will be offering quality gourmet coffees, taking advantage of its small size, and relying on an outstanding barista staff.

To achieve these goals, the cafe will present some of the area’s finest gourmet beans from local distributors. Because of its small size, the restaurant can enjoy larger margins through lower overhead. The cafe will hand-select baristas and offer salaries comparable to the chains. The baristas will be trained to cross-sell and sell higher-margin products.

The primary objectives of the business plan for Cooper’s Cup are below:

• To increase revenues by $36,000 or 5% in Year 2 and $73,000 or 10% by Year 3
• Achieve a profit margin of 5.2% in Year 2 and 6.90% by Year 3
• Be the Cafe of Choice in the Phoenix area and the recipient of the Best Coffeehouse Award.

Guiding Principles

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to values such as excellence, passion, quality, integrity, and leadership, allowing them to navigate challenges and provide for future opportunities. These core beliefs start with their commitment to their products and their employees. Cooper’s Cup rewards excellence and cherishes loyalty. The cafe will work with its employees to build strong businesses and a secure future.

Mission statement

The Cooper’s Cup is committed to its products and employees, which they believe is the recipe for market success.

Key to success

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from the competition. Below are their Keys to Success:

• Great Products : providing exemplary products at market prices – will make customers want to return again and again.
• Hire Quality Baristas : Pay employees rates similar to the larger chains with opportunities for long-term careers and opportunities for advancement with long-term plans to open a second facility.
• Convert Customers to Connoisseurs : Only 40% of the nation’s coffee drinkers consume premium ground and whole bean coffee – this will aid in the continued growth.

Financial Summary

2. Business Overview

The Cooper’s Cup will be a coffee house/cafe located in Phoenix, Arizona. The cozy cafe will be located in the newly completed Market Square Plaza in the Arizona City area. The cafe will serve gourmet coffee, espresso, drip coffee, lattes, and smoothies. The simple pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls. All pastries will be supplied daily by a local bakery.

The cafe will be owned and operated by Owen Jones, a veteran restaurateur with several years of experience running and managing chain restaurants. The cafe will be open for business Monday – Thursday 7-10, Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11, and closed Sundays.

The Cooper’s Cup will be formed as an S-Corporation owned by Mr. Doe.

Start-Up Summary

The Cooper’s Cup will have seating for 40 patrons. The rent is $2,075 a month, with a three-five-year lease available. The site comprises 1500 square feet of leased space consisting of a dining room, a coffee bar, two restrooms, and a storage room in the back.

This storefront needs to be plumbed and wired appropriately to be used as a restaurant. Painting, new floors, and countertops are also needed. A custom coffee bar needs to be built. With materials bought on sale and volunteer labor, the cost to renovate will be $71,725.

The coffeehouse equipment will consist of two commercial espresso machines, air pots and urns, a commercial blender, a commercial brewer, top-loading coffee bins, barista syrups, cold drink dispenser, frothing equipment, a commercial refrigerator, microwave, and stainless steel prep bar.

The cost of the equipment is $38,275. The furniture will consist of leather couches and chairs (purchased at auction), coffee tables, bookcases, and window treatments. The artwork will come from local artists and be sold on a consignment basis. The books were secured via donations. The total cost to furnish is $14,000. Other startup expenses will be dishes, furniture, rent deposit, and marketing.

Location and Facilities

The new coffeehouse is located in the highly desirable Phoenix, Arizona, area at the northeastern intersection of 135th Street and Mission Street in the Newmarket Square Plaza. The property is situated in an excellent location, with an easy 6-minute drive time to I-435 and 69 Highway. 

The property is 95% leased with Price Chopper as the Anchor Tenant. Other tenants include LifeSpring Med Spa, Jane’s Canines (Pet Store & Boarding), Pride Cleaners Kahn Dental, and Swim U. 

Price Chopper brings more than 10,000 shoppers per week to the center. The location comprises a population of 9,420 within a one-mile radius, 61,102 within a 2-mile radius, and 149,550 within a 5-mile radius – with a median household income of $120,856. Sprint / Nextel’s corporate office is within 2 miles of the site.

3. Market Analysis

Phoenix, Arizona, is an award-winning place to live and work and is considered the leading business community in the Midwest. National publications and organizations recognize Phoenix for its business environment and livability. Here’s a sampling: 6th Place, America’s Best Places to Live Money, Top 50 Cities to Live and Play, National Geographic Adventure, 3rd Hottest Town in the U.S., Money, Among 20 Best Places to Live & Work Employment Review, One of only 72 Sterling Tree Cities in the U.S., National Arbor Day Foundation, Top 10 best Locations to Raise a Family, Southern Business and Development, 1st Place, Kid Friendly Report Card, Population Connection, 2nd Best City in America to Live Business Development Outlook.

Phoenix is at the core of one of the most dynamic local markets in the U.S. It offers easy access to the Arizona City region’s amenities, and, as part of the Arizona City metropolitan area, it is within the most centrally located major market in the nation. I-35, I-435, I-635, and U.S. Highway 69 all pass through Phoenix, and no point in the city is more than 3.5 miles from a freeway. The city maintains an excellent arterial street network and plans to construct additional lane-miles as the area grows. Three airports serve the region. Arizona City International Airport (MCI) is just 25 interstate highway miles north of Phoenix. Johnson County Executive Airport—the second busiest in Arizona—provides complete services for private business jets and general aviation. New Century AirCenter, just 12 miles southwest of the city, offers available aviation services and accommodates cargo or passenger jets of any size.

Phoenix supplies some of the most highly educated workers in the nation, with 97% of Phoenix adults over age 25 holding at least a high school diploma. Johnson County, where Phoenix is located, ranks first among the country’s 231 counties with populations greater than 250,000. The county ranks sixth in the percentage of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree and 16th with a graduate or professional degree.

The Phoenix area has a population of 175,265, based on the 2010 census. The median household income is $77,881, and the median age is 37.9. (2010 U.S. Census)

Industry Analysis

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Peet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. Coffee shops are part of the specialty eatery industry, including retail outlets specializing in bagels, donuts, frozen yogurt, and ice cream products. (First Research)

Competitive Landscape

Consumer taste and personal income drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on the ability to secure prime locations, drive store traffic, and deliver high-quality products. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by offering specialized products, serving a local market, or providing superior customer service. Specialty eateries, which include coffee shops, are labor-intensive: average annual revenue per worker is about $50,000. Coffee shops compete with convenience stores, gas stations, quick service, fast food restaurants, gourmet food shops, and donut shops. (First Research)

Market Size

The U.S. coffee shop industry includes about 20,000 stores with a combined annual revenue of about $10 billion. Major companies include Caribou Coffee, International Coffee & Tea (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf), Pet’s Coffee, and Starbucks. The industry is concentrated: the top 50 companies generate more than 70 percent of sales. (First Research)

Target Market and Segment Strategy

Most adult coffee drinkers said their lifelong habits began during their teenage years. 54% said they began drinking coffee between 13 and 19. Another 22% reported their coffee cravings started between 20 and 24. This means that 76% of adult coffee drinkers began drinking coffee by the time they were 24. So, despite a large amount of marketing and advertising directed at the younger age groups, savvy coffee shop owners will remember to cater some of their offerings to the adult and senior market. (National Coffee Drinking Study).

The Cooper’s Cup will offer a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts by providing a quiet, cozy, yet sophisticated cafe and a sense of refinement and peace in an otherwise hectic and fast-paced world. While other coffee shops cater to convenience with drive-throughs or loud music venues late into the night, the Cooper’s Cup will stand apart from its competitors with its quiet yet soothing ambiance, capturing a truly unique (and much-needed) market niche.

• Unique products (specialized roasts, local ingredients, locally-themed or named drinks, custom drinks by the star barista, etc.)
• Games, puzzles, mind benders, and other activities that encourage customers to linger over their coffee
• Hosting or sponsoring local events (entertainment, readings, book clubs, etc.)
• Using technology to creatively compete in marketing with big chains — services like FourSquare, Yelp, and Google Places can increase visibility in the local market.
• Delivering amazing service from knowledgeable baristas — spend lots of time training staff and utilizing online services like the American Coffee & Barista School.
• Selling coffee-related items (and tracking down any co-marketing opportunities with a local community college or another student-related group in the area)

4. Products and Services

Product/services descriptions.

The Cooper’s Cup’s primary offering is gourmet roasted coffees with mocha, carmelicious, white mocha, candy bar latte, and brewed coffee. Complementing the coffee will be a smoothie line including wild berry, strawberry, peach, mango, and lemonade. Rounding out the simple menu line will be pastries obtained from an outside supplier, freshly made and delivered daily. The pastry offerings may vary with seasonality, but the primary line will be muffins, bread, cookies, scones, and rolls.

Product/Service Sourcing

The Cooper’s Cup has negotiated supplier agreements with several local food-service wholesalers and coffee wholesalers in the Phoenix area that have a reputation for quality and reliability:

• Mean Beans Coffee Roasters
• Phoenix Brewers
• Healthy Harvest Bread Co.
• Mary’s Organics

If one of the abovementioned specialty suppliers cannot meet their needs, the following national suppliers can provide all the food-service products they require. In addition, the following wholesalers will supply the cafe with general restaurant supplies:

• Lawrence Food Products Corp.
• Gerry Food Supply Inc.

Future Products/Services

Young families, which comprise Phoenix’s third largest market share, are often overlooked in the coffee market. Coffeehouses traditionally have not been considered ‘kid’ friendly. To overcome this hurdle, Cooper’s Cup has long-term plans (5 years) to open a 2nd coffee shop: A combination indoor play area/coffee bar. This concept allows parents and caregivers to meet and relax with other adults while the children can enjoy the indoor playground amenities.

Additional future services will include in-store sales for home purchases and an online store.

The website will have the option to purchase a prepaid gift card program – Prepaid gift cards provide immediate cash, reduce credit card transaction charges, and draw new customers to the business.

5. Sales and Marketing Strategies

Swot analysis.

Unique Selling Proposition

The Cooper’s Cup stands out from a crowded sea of coffee chains and franchises. What sets it apart from the competition is primarily its smaller, cozier size combined with premium coffees served by knowledgeable baristas, providing so much energy and enthusiasm for its products.

Market Strategy and Positioning

The Cooper’s Cup utilizes a focus strategy on its Market. By specifically targeting three primary segments, they can cater specifically to their needs.

Senior Market (age 45+)

The Cooper’s Cup will target this Market simply by its well-selected location. Although this demographic group could readily drive downtown, they prefer a local cafe to unwind and relax and historically become some of the most loyal patrons.

Newly Hired Employees

The cafe will attract regular customers (weekly or more) – particularly the newly employed (first job) by providing free WIFI services and providing interesting games in the customer area.

Young Families

The third targeted Market, younger families, often find that coffeehouse is not ‘kid’ friendly. The company has long-term plans to create a combination coffee shop/play area so that parents and caregivers can meet with other adults while the children can enjoy the bounce houses, slides, and indoor playground equipment.

Pricing Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup primarily utilizes competition-based pricing. The cafe does not utilize coupons and discounts (other than opening promotions) because they believe that the most valuable customer demographic of daily coffee consumers is not influenced by discount programs or coupons.

Promotion and Advertising Strategy

• Online Advertising – The Cooper’s Cup will advertise regularly on popular social media sites like Facebook. Compared to traditional print advertising, this is a cost-effective tactic that will allow them to reach prospects in a highly targeted way (e.g., based on criteria such as age, gender, geography, etc.).
• Website – Cooper’s Cup will develop a simple Web site, which will provide basic information about the business, the menu, and links to their presence on the aforementioned social media channels.
• Radio Advertising – During the first six months of operation and the busy holiday shopping season, the business will advertise on local radio stations.

Sales Strategy

The Cooper’s Cup will use the following methods to increase sales revenue (as recommended by Andrew Hetzel on Better Coffee, Better Business):

• The menu will focus on the most profitable products sold. The cafe will always draw customer attention to the best products.
• As warranted, the cafe will raise prices to bolster its brand image. Prices communicate the perceived value of a product, so if set too low, the customers might assume that the beverages are inferior compared to the competition.
• Monitor flavoring inventory – Excess flavoring inventory ties up capital and valuable backroom space for storage. The cafe will utilize 4-6 varieties, including sugar-free offerings.
• Control waste and theft – audit sales and inventory reports to evaluate ingredient waste due to inefficient preparation, returned drinks, and employee consumption. Retail locations can easily waste 20% or more of their daily sales in these three key categories, which is a substantial and unnecessary loss.
• Monitor and evaluate hours of operation.
• Run employee sales contests – The baristas are the salespeople and have great influence over the customer ordering process. All baristas will have some form of sales and customer service training to make each transaction active rather than passive. Sales contests will emphasize high-margin items or cross-selling.

6. Operations Plan

Staffing and training.

An ongoing training and education program will ensure that each staff member learns and implements Cooper’s Cup’s exacting service and operational procedures standards. Staff meetings will reinforce service standards and principles. The Cafe will have detailed work descriptions and training programs for each position, from entry-level employees to the ongoing development of managers and owners. New employees will undergo an extensive training program. This ensures that each guest receives a quality experience from all employees, regardless of how long they have been employed. The Cafe embraces the concept of promoting from within. Excellence in one function typically leads to excellence in another. Regular staff evaluations and training will ensure motivation and address critical issues.

Inventory controls

The founder will be responsible for hiring and training managers who, in turn, will ensure that the day-to-day operations will comply with the standards set by Restaurant policy. Weekly management meetings will provide a forum to review and discuss financial and operational performance. Critical decisions related to purchasing, human resources, marketing, capital expenditures, and customer service will also be addressed.

Purchasing cost controls

Food preparation personnel will follow standardized recipes developed by the founders to control food costs and ensure consistency. The coffee shop will offer an innovative menu with nutritious food and beverages while achieving the most significant margin yield.

Customer Service

The hospitality business recognizes the client’s support experience is the critical driver to replicate business. The direction will Offer a superior degree of Professionalism by hiring individuals who deliver the ideal attitude to work and teaching them the skills required to accommodate guests. The restaurant will keep high levels of consumer satisfaction with talented, educated, and well-trained workers who understand and implement the fundamentals of fantastic service. Ongoing training will be provided to enable staff to perform their jobs with confidence and ability. Employees are well-spoken, well-versed, and trained to provide friendly, prompt, and professional service to each customer. This practice teaches employees who, by producing an exceptional customer experience, can optimize sales and raise their reimbursement. The team will have the knowledge and service required to create excellent daily service for every customer.

Technology & Software

While the quality of the cuisine and dining experience contributes significantly to a restaurant’s profitability, attention to business and financial details can transform small changes into significant returns. Critical sales, cost of sales, labor, inventory, marketing, and overhead metrics are monitored daily. Trends are evaluated, and constructive actions will be taken where improvement is needed. The management team will have access to the restaurant’s transactions and reports available in its real-time POS (point of sale) and accounting systems. Trends will be evaluated, and corrective action will be implemented as required.

7. Organization Structure

The Cooper’s Cup is formed as an S-Corporation wholly owned by John Doe.

Management Team

The Cooper’s Cup will be owned 100% by John Doe. Mr. Doe, a graduate of Arizona State University, has an undergraduate degree in business administration. During high school, he worked as a waiter in a local hospital coffee shop that purchased its beans from a local roaster. In addition to being an avid coffee drinker, this job allowed him to learn about the business first-hand. In college, Doe worked in a campus coffeehouse for four years, eventually becoming an assistant manager. Following graduation, Doe secured a business development position for a regional restaurant chain, which provided additional first-hand exposure to the food and beverage industry—especially the steps involved in establishing new locations.

Management Team Gaps

The Cooper’s Cup will rely on its POS (Point of Sale) system to generate daily accounting and cost activity reports. Mr. Doe will supply these to an outside bookkeeper for the preparation of annual income taxes.

Personnel Plan

Initially, the cafe will hire 1 manager, 5 baristas, and 2 part-time servers. In Year 2, the cafe plans to hire 1 additional full-time barista.

8. Financial Plan

Important assumptions.

• The sales forecast is conservative and assumes a 5% increase in Year 2 and a 10% in Year 3.
• The analysis accounts for economic seasonality – wherein some month’s revenues peak (such as holidays ) and wane in slower months.
• The analysis assumes the owner will not withdraw any salary till the 3rd year; at any time it is assumed that the owner’s withdrawal is available at his discretion.
• Sales are cash basis – nonaccrual accounting
• Moderate ramp-up in staff over the 5 years forecast
• Barista’s salary in the forecast is $36,000 in 2023.
• In general, most cafes have an 85% gross profit margin
• In general, most cafes have a 3% net profit margin

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash-Flow Statement

Projected Profit & Loss Statement

Break Even Analysis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a business plan for a college project.

As mentioned earlier in the article, business planning for a college project or competition is no different than for a real business. You can write your business plan using these step-by-step instructions.

• Select a compelling business idea
• Refer to business plan examples
• Prepare a business plan outline
• Create a company description section
• Conduct market research and industry analysis
• Describe your product and services
• Outline sales and marketing strategies
• Create an operations plan
• Introduce management team
• Prepare financial projections
• Summarize your plan with an executive summary

What is a business plan for students?

A business plan is a necessary business document that highlights its purpose,  business goals, product/service offerings, go-to marketing strategies, operations and financial plan, key people involved in the business operations, and other necessary details.

As a student, consider a business plan example as a document that helps you better understand business and industry dynamics and learn how a business operates inside out.

What is a business plan competition for students?

Business plan competitions are competitions mostly organized by universities for students passionate about entrepreneurship and the business world. These competitions offer students a platform to showcase their entrepreneurial skills while also providing opportunities for mentorship and networking.

How can I increase my chances of winning a business plan competition?

There cannot be a straightforward answer to this question, but there’s surely a method that can increase your chances of winning a competition—Using AI-powered business plan software.

Why? An AI tool will make you 10X more productive while writing a business plan and preparing financial forecasts. So you can spend more time researching the market and brainstorming business ideas.

Where can I find more business plan examples for students?

Upmetrics’ library of 400+ business plan examples could be an incredible source for students to find more industry-specific business plan examples. There are examples for almost every small business category, including real estate, retail, entertainment and media, food & beverages, and more.

About the Author

Ajay is the Head of Content at Upmetrics. Before joining our team, he was a personal finance blogger and SaaS writer, covering topics such as startups, budgeting, and credit cards. If not writing, he’s probably having a power nap. Read more

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Business Plan Development Guide

(6 reviews)

Lee Swanson, University of Saskatchewan

Copyright Year: 2017

Publisher: OPENPRESS.USASK.CA

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Kevin Heupel, Affiliate Faculty, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 3/4/20

The text does a good job of providing a general outline about writing and developing a written business plan. All of the important steps and components are included. However, the text is light on details, examples, and rationale for each element... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

The text does a good job of providing a general outline about writing and developing a written business plan. All of the important steps and components are included. However, the text is light on details, examples, and rationale for each element of the business plan. Some examples from actual business plans would be helpful.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

For the most part, the content is accurate. The content covers all important aspects of drafting a business plan. I thought the industry analysis could use more information about collecting primary and secondary sources; instead, this information was referenced in the marketing plan section.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Most of the content relies on cites as far back as 2006; however, when it comes to developing and writing a business plan nothing has changed. Thus, the content is current and there is no concern about it becoming obsolete in the near future.

Clarity rating: 4

The text is clear. There are no difficult terms used and the writing is simple. The text uses a lot of bullet points though, which gets tedious to read for a few pages.

Consistency rating: 5

The text does a good job of maintaining consistency in terms of framework and terminology. The text is organized where it's easy to find the information you want in a quick manner.

Modularity rating: 3

The text has a lot of bullet points and the paragraphs are dense. However, the use of subheading is excellent.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The book is organized as if you're writing a business plan from start to finish, which is helpful as a practical guide.

Interface rating: 5

There are no navigation problems, distortion of images/charts, or any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The text is free of grammatical errors. The sentence structure is simple with many bullet points, which helps to avoid any grammatical issues.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

This book was written by a Canadian professor and provides references to Canadian sources. However, the information in this text can be used for U.S. schools.

This book is very short and provides a good, general overview about the process of creating and writing a business plan. It won't help a reader if he/she is confused about a certain part of the business plan. The reader will have to find another source, such as "Preparing Effective Business Plans" by Bruce Barringer, Ph.D. The book provides links to good resources and a finished business plan that the reader can reference. I would recommend the book for undergraduate courses.

Reviewed by Kenneth Lacho, Professor of Management, The University of New Orleans on 6/19/18

1. Text is relevant to Canada. Not the United States 2. Needs to cover resources available to entrepreneur, e.g., federal government agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies. 3. Discuss local economy or... read more

1. Text is relevant to Canada. Not the United States 2. Needs to cover resources available to entrepreneur, e.g., federal government agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, economic development agencies. 3. Discuss local economy or economic area relevant to this proposed business. 4. Business model ok as a guide. 5. Suggested mission statement to cover: product/business, target customer, geographical area covered. 6. Need detailed promotion plan, e.g., personal selling, advertising, sales promotion, networking publicity, and social media. 7. How do you find the target market? 8. Chapter 6 too much detail on debt and equity financing. 9. Discuss how to find sources of financing, e.g., angels. 10. Expand coverage of bootstring, crowdfunding. 11. Chapter 4 – good checklist. 12. Chapter 3 - overlaps. 13. Chapter 7 – 3 pages of executive summary – double or single spaced typing. Number all tables, graphs. 14. Some references out-of-date, mostly academic. Bring in trade magazines such as Entrepreneur.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

In my opinion, the content is accurate and error free.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The material is relevant to writing a business plan. I wonder if the Porter, SWOT VRIO, etc. material is too high level for students who may not be seniors or have non-business degrees (e.g., liberal arts). Porter has been around for a while and does have longevity. The author has to be more alert to changes in promotion, e.g., social media and sources of financing, e.g., crowdfunding.

Clarity rating: 3

As noted in No. 9, the tone of the writing is too academic, thus making the material difficult to understand. Paragraphs are too long. Need to define: Porter, TOWS Matrix, VRIO, PESTEL. A student less from a senior or a non-business major would not be familiar with these terms.

Consistency rating: 4

The text is internally consistent. The model approach helps keep the process consistent.

Modularity rating: 4

The process of developing a business plan is divided into blocks which are parts of the business plan. Paragraphs tend to be too long in some spots.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

The topics are presented in a logical step-wise flow. The language style is too academic in parts, paragraphs too long. Leaves out the citations. Provides excellent check lists.

There are no display features which confuse the reader.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The text has no grammatical errors. On the other hand, I found the writing to be too academic in nature. Some paragraphs are too long. The material is more like an academic conference paper or journal submission. Academic citations references are not needed. The material is not exciting to read.

The text is culturally neutral. There are no examples which are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

This book best for a graduate class.

Reviewed by Louis Bruneau, Part Time Faculty, Portland Community College on 6/19/18

The text provides appropriate discussion and illustration of all major concepts and useful references to source and resource materials. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The text provides appropriate discussion and illustration of all major concepts and useful references to source and resource materials.

Contents of the book were accurate, although it could have benefited from editing/proofreading; there was no evidence of bias. As to editing/proofreading, a couple of examples: A. “Figure 1 – Business Plan… “ is shown at the top of the page following the diagram vs. the bottom of the page the diagram is on. (There are other problems with what is placed on each page.) B. First paragraph under heading “Essential Initial Research” there is reference to pages 21 to 30 though page numbering is missing from the book. (Page numbers are used in the Table of Contents.)

The book is current in that business planning has been stable for sometime. The references and resources will age in time, but are limited and look easy to update.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is written in a straightforward way, technical terms that needed explanations got them, jargon was avoided and generally it was an easy read.

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

Modularity rating: 5

The book lends itself to a multi-week course. A chapter could be presented and students could work on that stage of Plan development. It could also be pre-meeting reading for a workshop presentation. Reorganizing the book would be inappropriate.

The topics in the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion.

Generally, the book is free of interface problems. The financial tables in the Sample Plan were turned 90° to maintain legibility. One potential problem was with Figure 6 – Business Model Canvas. The print within the cells was too small to read; the author mitigated the problem by presenting the information, following Figure 6, in the type font of the text.

I found no grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way.

I require a business plan in a course I teach; for most of the students the assignment is a course project that they do not intend to pursue in real life. I shared the book with five students that intended to develop an actual start-up business; three of them found it helpful while the other two decided not to do that much work on their plans. If I were planning a start-up, I would use/follow the book.

Reviewed by Todd Johnson, Faculty of Business, North Hennepin Community College on 5/21/18

The text is a thorough overview of all elements of a business plan. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text is a thorough overview of all elements of a business plan.

The content is accurate and seems to lack bias.

Content seems relevant and useful . It does not help an entrepreneur generate ideas, and is very light on crowdfunding and other novel funding source content. It is more traditional. This can be easily updated in future versions, however. "Social Media" appears once in the book, as does "Crowd Funding".

The book is comprehensive, but perhaps not written in the most lucid, accessible prose. I am not sure any college student could pick this up and just read and learn. It would be best used as a "teach along guide" for students to process with an instructor.

The text seems consistent. The author does a nice job of consistently staying on task and using bullets and brevity.

Here I am not so certain. The table of contents is not a good guide for this book. It does make the book look nicely laid out, but there is a lot of complexity within these sections. I read it uncertain that it was well organized. Yes there are many good bits of information, however it is not as if I could spend time on one swathe of text at a time. I would need to go back and forth throughout the text.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 2

Similar to the above. I did not like the flow and organization of this. An editor would help things be in a more logical order.

Interface rating: 2

The interface is just OK. It is not an attractice interface, as it presents text in a very dense manner. The images and charts are hard to follow.

I did not find any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

I a not certain of the origins of Saskatchewan, but I do feel this is a different read. It is more formal and dense than it has to be. This would be a difficult read for my students. I do not feel it is insensitive in any way, or offensive in any way.

I would not adopt this book if given the chance. It is too dense, and not organized very well, even though the information is very good. The density and lack of modularity are barriers to understanding what is obviously very good information.

Reviewed by Mariana Mitova, Lecturer, Bowling Green State University on 2/1/18

Though this textbook has a prescriptive nature, it is quite comprehensive. The author strikes a good balance between presenting concepts in a concise way and providing enough information to explain them. Many every-day examples and live links to... read more

Though this textbook has a prescriptive nature, it is quite comprehensive. The author strikes a good balance between presenting concepts in a concise way and providing enough information to explain them. Many every-day examples and live links to other resources add to the completeness of the textbook.

Content seems accurate.

Since the content is somewhat conceptual, the text will not become obsolete quickly. In addition, the author seems to be updating and editing content often hence the relevance to current developments is on target.

The text is very clear, written in clear and straight-to-the point language.

The organization of content is consistent throughout the entire text.

The textbook is organized by chapters, beginning with overview of the model used and followed by chapters for each concept within the model. Nicely done.

The flow is clear, logical and easy to follow.

Overall, images, links, and text are well organized. Some headlines were misaligned but still easy to follow.

No concerns for grammar.

No concerns for cultural irrelevance.

Reviewed by Darlene Weibye, Cosmetology Instructor, Minnesota State Community and Technical College on 2/1/18

The text is comprehensive and covers the information needed to develop a business plan. The book provides all the means necessary in business planning. read more

The text is comprehensive and covers the information needed to develop a business plan. The book provides all the means necessary in business planning.

The text was accurate, and error-free. I did not find the book to be biased.

The content is up-to-date. I am reviewing the book in 2017, the same year the book was published.

The content was very clear. A business plan sample included operation timelines, start up costs, and all relevant material in starting a business.

The book is very consistent and is well organized.

The book has a table of contents and is broken down into specific chapters. The chapters are not divided into sub topics. I do not feel it is necessary for sub topics because the chapters are brief and to the point.

There is a great flow from chapter to chapter. One topic clearly leads into the next without repeating.

The table of contents has direct links to each chapter. The appearance of the chapters are easy to read and the charts are very beneficial.

Does not appear to have any grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive.

I am incorporating some of the text into the salon business course. Very well written book.

Table of Contents

Introduction

• Chapter 1 – Developing a Business Plan
• Chapter 2 – Essential Initial Research
• Chapter 3 – Business Models
• Chapter 4 – Initial Business Plan Draft
• Chapter 5 – Making the Business Plan Realistic
• Chapter 6 – Making the Plan Appeal to Stakeholders and Desirable to the Entrepreneur
• Chapter 7 – Finishing the Business Plan
• Chapter 8 – Business Plan Pitches

References Appendix A – Business Plan Development Checklist and Project Planner Appendix B – Fashion Importers Inc. Business Plan Business Plan Excel Template

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This textbook and its accompanying spreadsheet templates were designed with and for students wanting a practical and easy-to-follow guide for developing a business plan. It follows a unique format that both explains what to do and demonstrates how to do it.

About the Contributors

Dr. Lee Swanson is an Associate Professor of Management and Marketing at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan. His research focuses on entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, Aboriginal entrepreneurship, community capacity-building through entrepreneurship, and institutional-stakeholder engagement. Dr. Swanson’s current research is funded through a Social Sciences Humanities Research Council grant and focuses on social and economic capacity building in Northern Saskatchewan and Northern Scandinavia. He is also actively studying Aboriginal community partnerships with resource based companies, entrepreneurship centres at universities, community-based entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions. He teaches upper-year and MBA entrepreneurship classes and conducts seminars on business planning and business development.

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Provide real–world business plan examples for your students, inspire confidence in future entrepreneurs and easily create your class syllabus using industry–best business plans., liveplan gives students access to actual business plans so they can practice business planning in and outside of the classroom., it's not just a classroom project. it's your students planning for their futures..

Teach by example

LivePlan's examples of actual business plans show students how they can identify opportunities, meet challenges, and plan their path to profits. Just like real-world entrepreneurs.

No spreadsheets necessary

With all–in–one spreadsheet–free forecasting and pitching tools–students can use LivePlan to build a realistic business plan with accurate projections and compelling pitches. Analyze scenarios. Track progress. Set goals. All in LivePlan.

Works seamlessly with your classroom setup

With LivePlan you can simplify syllabus creation. LivePlan can also be used alongside classroom tools such as Blackboard and Canvas. LivePlan's optional instructional resources can enhance your syllabus with materials that introduce lean planning principles, growth metrics, financial forecasting, and more.

Instructors looking for a great tool to help students develop business plans need to look at Live Plan. The step–by–step process walks students through the entire process from Pitch to Financials. As the Instructor you can also have online access to their plan and provide feedback and comments as the plan develops.

Mike Allen Business Instructor, North Idaho College, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Bring out the best in every student

LivePlan's business plan examples help students turn ideas into top–notch business plans for class projects and startups. The tools, features, and instructional content allow you to focus on bringing out the best in your students for every plan and project.

Before using LivePlan, my students were intimidated by the business planning process. LivePlan breaks it down into manageable steps and takes the mystery out of developing a business plan.

Amy Schulz NACCE Vice President of Education, Membership and Associate Faculty, Feather River College, Quincy, CA

I used LivePlan to develop a business plan for a class project. Turns out, the project became part of a business plan competition where I placed second out of over 200 entries.

Sheila Austin Student

LivePlan provides your students with the tools to

Know the competition

No business operates in a vacuum. LivePlan incorporates real–world industry data, so students can better understand competitors, plan businesses around industry realities, and confidently execute data–driven strategies.

Build business dreams together

From sharing feedback and engaging in discussions, to simultaneously working on different parts of the plan, students can easily collaborate in groups using LivePlan.

Create a plan that fits their needs

Whether small or big, LivePlan can build out the right–sized business plan for your classroom projects. In LivePlan, students can develop a simple lean plan that focuses their ideas, or create a full business plan with all the details and steps necessary to persuade investors, attract partners, and turn their idea into a profitable reality.

With so much happening in the classroom, you need a tool that works with you, not one that makes you do extra work. Used by educators, consultants, entrepreneurs, and students all around the world, LivePlan has been regularly improved and streamlined so it's easy to use.

Develop confidence in their plan and themselves

It's one thing to plan a business. It's another thing to know how to talk about a business plan. Students can develop talking points and practice their pitch in LivePlan so they can discuss their enterprise with confidence and authority.

With LivePlan your students exceed expectations

With LivePlan, students create business plans that:

• Guide them from concept to actionable plan
• Build the confidence necessary to be entrepreneurs
• Combine pitching, forecasting, and collaboration

LivePlan streamlines projects for educators

LivePlan eases project management in the classroom, so instructors can:

• Pinpoint feedback and suggest improvements
• Monitor project progress
• Teach business planning instead of managing multiple apps

Go beyond business plan examples

LivePlan easily integrates into business courses, includes all materials and curriculum to support classroom business projects, and comes with free phone, email, and chat technical support.

The students very much appreciate the guidance the LivePlan program offers. I love the ability to act as a contributor to their plans. The help resources are phenomenal and easy to navigate.

John Shaw Assistant Professor of Management, Davis College of Business – Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FL

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LivePlan really facilitated communication between students who were in a team on the business plan project. Students could comment on sections of their business plan and collaborate on what to change in their plan without having to meet face–to–face.

Amy Valente Assistant Professor of Business, Cayuga Community College, Auburn, New York

LivePlan helped us easily set up the business plan for our startup during our MBA. As soon as the other students saw it, they also wanted LivePlan. The time we saved on planning we could use for operational tasks. It was the ideal solution for us.

The product we produced by using Live Plan was exceptional, far exceeded our expectations, and came out so much better than we could have ever done on our own.

This product is a game-changer. It allows the non–MBA founder to unleash their potential through strategic planning and beautiful design. Highly recommended.

Answers Neuroscience

LivePlan is simply awesome.

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Sample Business Plans

• Business Plans Handbook 2024 Actual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses. Presents sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries
• Free Sample Business Plans Over 500 example business plans. Choose the category that is closest to your own business or industry.

Business Plan Templates

• Business Plan Development Guide Provides practical and easy-to-follow guides for developing a business plan
• SCORE: Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery Nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and growth and success of small businesses. Includes templates for business planning, finance, marketing and sales, and management.
• SBA Guide to Writing a Business Plan This guide provides information on the most common parts of a business plan with details on what is included in each part.

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EMBA Final Project

Sample business plans.

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• Business Plans Handbook (free) Provides a variety of sample business plans and business plan template.
• Business Plans Handbook (Gale) Great source for sample startup costs and financial plan. Be sure to click the radio button "all volumes" to search all available volumes of Business Plans Handbook. CSUS authentication required. Additional volumes available in print in the library at 2 North Reference HD 62.7 .B865
• Writing a Business Plan This Small Business Administration site includes information on starting or expanding a business. Includes links to example business plans.
• How to Write a Business Plan The library has many ebooks available on starting a business, writing a business plan, etc.

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• Business Planning Template Gallery SCORE provides downloadable templates for business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management.
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MBA 541 - Global Business Plan Project Resource Guide

• Phase One: Choosing a Company and Global Business Opportunity
• Phase Two: Planning the Global Enterprise
• Phase Three: Organizing Global Business Activities
• Phase Four: Implementing the Global Marketing Plan

Phase Three: Organizing for Global Business Activities

This phase is designed to help you research and design the organizational structure for your global enterprise. Each section in this guide contains a research component or goal that will help you build your Global Business Plan for MBA 541. Resources to accomplish these goals are recommended. The guided "Pro-tips" will help you navigate some of the highlighted databases and websites.

As always, if you have any questions about the content in this guide, please  a sk a librarian. For more information about this project, please refer to your online course shell. Please direct any questions about assignment expectations or requirements directly to your instructor. 

Section One

Selecting a company structure.

Suggest objectives and an organizational framework for global business operations.

Recommended Resources:

Refer to information found in your Module 7 readings.

Section Two

Financing sources for global business operations.

Project start-up costs and funding sources for international operations

• International Trade Administration Country Commercial Guides US perspective
• Canada Trade Commissioner Service Country and Sector Information Canadian perspective

Pro-tip: 

On the International Trade Administration’s website, financing information can be found in the Country Commercial Guides under "Selling US Products and Services." This should also include websites for additional research. 

Section Three

Creating a global management information system.

Identify needed databases and information systems to facilitate international business activities.

Refer to information found in your Module 8 readings.

Section Four

Identifying human resources for global business activities.

Gather information on needed personnel for operating an international enterprise

Previous course readings, as well as the following databases--

Articles analyzing industries, countries, economies, and markets

Articles from 1,400+ business, law, and I.T. journals plus 27,000+ videos from industry leaders

When searching in EBSCO and ProQuest Databases (like those listed above) it is best to use keywords. Here are some keywords that will help you search this topic: “human resources” or HR ; global or international ; business ; culture ; employee. You can combine these terms with your country name, industry, or product to perform a narrower search

Section Five

Managing international financial and business risks.

Identify methods for reducing global business risks

Previous course readings, along with the following databases--

If you have been following the guidance in this research template so far, you should have identified a number of risks or issues associated with doing business in your chosen country. Use the risks you’ve identified in these assessments and apply them to a broader search about managing global business risks. When searching, combine search terms with concepts and ideas you’ve learned in your course readings.

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20+ SAMPLE College Business Plan in PDF | MS Word

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In this comprehensive guide, we explore the essentials of creating an effective Nursing Care Plan. Whether you are a nursing student, a new graduate, or an experienced nurse, this…

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University Project Proposal

Proposal maker.

Students, as well as professionals, make proposals. It’s one way of preparing them to write good project proposal samples that can make a significant difference in the community. It’s also advantageous for them because they’ll be doing the same thing in their future jobs. You might also be interested in proposal samples.

9+ University Project Proposal Examples

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What Is a Project Proposal?

A Project Proposal serves as the starting point for defining an internal or external project. The proposal is divided into sections that include a title, start and end dates, objectives and goals, requirements, and a description of the proposed solution.

How To Write a University Project Proposal?

Time and research are required when writing a student project proposal. It is not a task that can be completed in a short period. It should be well-thought-out and well-planned to gain the necessary persuasive power. You can also look at sample project proposal templates . The steps to writing a student project proposal are as follows:

1. Make a cover letter

The cover letter should include the proposal’s title, your name, and contact information. The title should be enticing and engaging enough to pique the reader’s interest. Additionally, it should be memorable and written in plain language. This is the first thing your teachers will see when you submit your project proposal, so it should be succinct. Protracted titles cause readers to lose interest in the proposal.

2. Create an Introduction

After the free cover letter, the proposal’s introduction is written. You inform the readers about your proposed project in this section. Give the proposal’s description most shortly and concisely possible. It doesn’t have to be a member of either. State a few key points, and you’re good to go.

3. Discuss the Problem

Following the introduction, you must state the problem in the community and is the subject of your research.  Explain why the issue needs to be resolved and how the panel can assist. You can also look at proposal templates that have been used in the past.

4. Plan your vision and goals

In this section of the proposal, describe how you envision your project. This will assist you in determining the objectives of your proposal. In the end, you’ll know what you want to accomplish. Also, include the objectives you hope to achieve with your proposal. Include a set of goals that you want to perform at the end of the study. These will serve as your roadmap for taking the steps necessary to achieve your objectives. You can also check the writing proposal templates .

5. Make a Schedule

It will help if you create a realistic timeline for completing the project proposal. Tell the panel that you’ll be able to finish it in the time you’ve set. Dissect each stage of the manufacturing process. Calculate how many days or weeks each phase will take to complete. It must be thorough and well-organized for the panel to believe in your production process. Templates for academic proposals are also available.

6. Proofread and Cite Sources

Remember to proofread and edit your proposal before submitting it. It’s too much of a pain to read one with errors. To the readers, make sure it appears professional and businesslike. Proposals don’t just appear out of nowhere. The evidence used and reported in the proposal should be duly referenced, or an allegation of plagiarism should follow. You can also check Research proposal templates and proposal outline templates.

What is the definition of a proposal template?

The template includes deliverables, quantifiable targets, deadlines, and cost breakdowns. You can also have conditions for transforming the template into a contract for a job proposal.

What is a written proposal?

The proposal outlines the project’s implementation strategy, including detailed information on the project’s goals, methods of implementation, and expected outcomes.

What exactly is a project report?

A project report is a document that outlines the planned business’s overall image, and it also summarizes the project proposal to determine the feasibility of the proposed plan/activity.

Several ideas can be converted into proposals for student projects. You must know, as a student, who is right for you. You must also consider the budget and the feasibility of the project before starting with the proposal. You can see the grant proposal as well.

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What Is a Business Plan?

Understanding business plans, how to write a business plan, common elements of a business plan, the bottom line, business plan: what it is, what's included, and how to write one.

Adam Hayes, Ph.D., CFA, is a financial writer with 15+ years Wall Street experience as a derivatives trader. Besides his extensive derivative trading expertise, Adam is an expert in economics and behavioral finance. Adam received his master's in economics from The New School for Social Research and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in sociology. He is a CFA charterholder as well as holding FINRA Series 7, 55 & 63 licenses. He currently researches and teaches economic sociology and the social studies of finance at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem.

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• Marketing in Business: Strategies and Types Explained
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• Business Plan: What It Is, What's Included, and How to Write One CURRENT ARTICLE
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• Best Startup Business Loans
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• What is an LLC? Limited Liability Company Structure and Benefits Defined
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A business plan is a document that outlines a company's goals and the strategies to achieve them. It's valuable for both startups and established companies. For startups, a well-crafted business plan is crucial for attracting potential lenders and investors. Established businesses use business plans to stay on track and aligned with their growth objectives. This article will explain the key components of an effective business plan and guidance on how to write one.

Key Takeaways

• A business plan is a document detailing a company's business activities and strategies for achieving its goals.
• Startup companies use business plans to launch their venture and to attract outside investors.
• For established companies, a business plan helps keep the executive team focused on short- and long-term objectives.
• There's no single required format for a business plan, but certain key elements are essential for most companies.

Investopedia / Ryan Oakley

Any new business should have a business plan in place before beginning operations. Banks and venture capital firms often want to see a business plan before considering making a loan or providing capital to new businesses.

Even if a company doesn't need additional funding, having a business plan helps it stay focused on its goals. Research from the University of Oregon shows that businesses with a plan are significantly more likely to secure funding than those without one. Moreover, companies with a business plan grow 30% faster than those that don't plan. According to a Harvard Business Review article, entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to achieve viability than those who don't.

A business plan should ideally be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect achieved goals or changes in direction. An established business moving in a new direction might even create an entirely new plan.

There are numerous benefits to creating (and sticking to) a well-conceived business plan. It allows for careful consideration of ideas before significant investment, highlights potential obstacles to success, and provides a tool for seeking objective feedback from trusted outsiders. A business plan may also help ensure that a company’s executive team remains aligned on strategic action items and priorities.

While business plans vary widely, even among competitors in the same industry, they often share basic elements detailed below.

A well-crafted business plan is essential for attracting investors and guiding a company's strategic growth. It should address market needs and investor requirements and provide clear financial projections.

While there are any number of templates that you can use to write a business plan, it's best to try to avoid producing a generic-looking one. Let your plan reflect the unique personality of your business.

Many business plans use some combination of the sections below, with varying levels of detail, depending on the company.

The length of a business plan can vary greatly from business to business. Regardless, gathering the basic information into a 15- to 25-page document is best. Any additional crucial elements, such as patent applications, can be referenced in the main document and included as appendices.

Common elements in many business plans include:

• Executive summary : This section introduces the company and includes its mission statement along with relevant information about the company's leadership, employees, operations, and locations.
• Products and services : Describe the products and services the company offers or plans to introduce. Include details on pricing, product lifespan, and unique consumer benefits. Mention production and manufacturing processes, relevant patents , proprietary technology , and research and development (R&D) information.
• Market analysis : Explain the current state of the industry and the competition. Detail where the company fits in, the types of customers it plans to target, and how it plans to capture market share from competitors.
• Marketing strategy : Outline the company's plans to attract and retain customers, including anticipated advertising and marketing campaigns. Describe the distribution channels that will be used to deliver products or services to consumers.
• Financial plans and projections : Established businesses should include financial statements, balance sheets, and other relevant financial information. New businesses should provide financial targets and estimates for the first few years. This section may also include any funding requests.

Investors want to see a clear exit strategy, expected returns, and a timeline for cashing out. It's likely a good idea to provide five-year profitability forecasts and realistic financial estimates.

2 Types of Business Plans

Business plans can vary in format, often categorized into traditional and lean startup plans. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) , the traditional business plan is the more common of the two.

• Traditional business plans : These are detailed and lengthy, requiring more effort to create but offering comprehensive information that can be persuasive to potential investors.
• Lean startup business plans : These are concise, sometimes just one page, and focus on key elements. While they save time, companies should be ready to provide additional details if requested by investors or lenders.

Why Do Business Plans Fail?

A business plan isn't a surefire recipe for success. The plan may have been unrealistic in its assumptions and projections. Markets and the economy might change in ways that couldn't have been foreseen. A competitor might introduce a revolutionary new product or service. All this calls for building flexibility into your plan, so you can pivot to a new course if needed.

How Often Should a Business Plan Be Updated?

How frequently a business plan needs to be revised will depend on its nature. Updating your business plan is crucial due to changes in external factors (market trends, competition, and regulations) and internal developments (like employee growth and new products). While a well-established business might want to review its plan once a year and make changes if necessary, a new or fast-growing business in a fiercely competitive market might want to revise it more often, such as quarterly.

What Does a Lean Startup Business Plan Include?

The lean startup business plan is ideal for quickly explaining a business, especially for new companies that don't have much information yet. Key sections may include a value proposition , major activities and advantages, resources (staff, intellectual property, and capital), partnerships, customer segments, and revenue sources.

A well-crafted business plan is crucial for any company, whether it's a startup looking for investment or an established business wanting to stay on course. It outlines goals and strategies, boosting a company's chances of securing funding and achieving growth.

As your business and the market change, update your business plan regularly. This keeps it relevant and aligned with your current goals and conditions. Think of your business plan as a living document that evolves with your company, not something carved in stone.

University of Oregon Department of Economics. " Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Business Planning Using Palo Alto's Business Plan Pro ." Eason Ding & Tim Hursey.

Bplans. " Do You Need a Business Plan? Scientific Research Says Yes ."

Harvard Business Review. " Research: Writing a Business Plan Makes Your Startup More Likely to Succeed ."

Harvard Business Review. " How to Write a Winning Business Plan ."

U.S. Small Business Administration. " Write Your Business Plan ."

SCORE. " When and Why Should You Review Your Business Plan? "

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How to build the perfect construction logistics plan.

So, you’ve done the research and constructed an airtight management plan for your next construction project. Now it’s time to put pencil to paper and start fleshing out the details. How will you move and deploy your workforce, equipment and materials to get the job done? Taking the time to think through your construction logistics plan will help you answer questions like these.

Where construction management plans deal with the larger picture, logistics plans zoom into the finer points of a project, ultimately allowing you to stay on schedule and avoid bottlenecks. We’ll tackle the basics of crafting construction logistics planning and how it can benefit your business.  

What Should Your Construction Logistics Plan Include?

In construction logistics planning, the goal is to take the “what” behind a job and synthesize it into the “how.” For example, how are the trades going to move materials, and how will the work be done? It’s about taking all the small things that won’t necessarily make it into the master schedule and making sure they’re accounted for in a way that doesn’t require a full-time site manager, logistics manager or supply chain manager — and doesn’t depend on dedicated procurement or inventory management software.

Here’s an example: You’re about to work a job in the city that includes the replacement of a rooftop HVAC unit. The job will likely require a lane closure on a major road. You’ll not only need to choose a lane to close, but also figure out how long it will be closed and plan a new traffic pattern. Once you have the lane closure nailed down, you need to make sure the HVAC contractor has the access they need to get the rooftop unit delivered.

You’ve helped to coordinate access routes to the site to avoid low clearances, and you’ve coordinated the delivery window with the trucking company. You’ve verified that the location of the crane will allow both the pickup from the truck and the placement on the roof. All of this had to happen just to put a large, heavy box on a roof, but there are a lot of considerations that go well beyond construction documents and are broader than just supply chain management. Getting a bit more granular in your planning stage is crucial to keeping all the moving parts of your project on track during the construction phase.

If you’re worried about more paperwork, the good news is that construction site logistics plans don’t often need to be formalized beyond an email or a couple of paragraph additions on a contract. The essential part is that you’ve thought through the details.

Here’s a (nonexhaustive) list of what a typical construction logistics plan includes:

Crane and heavy equipment schedule

Hoist schedule

Access routes and traffic flow

Materials deliveries and laydown

Materials storage

On-site parking and transportation

Safety and security

Jobsite cleanliness

Phases for relocation/reconfiguration

Temporary office

Environmental requirements

How to Build the Perfect Logistics Plan

When building out your plan, the project schedule is your best friend. This is your go-to document for visualizing what’s going on, when it’s happening and which people will be needed. By proactively looking ahead, you’ll have a better idea of when certain tasks need to be completed to avoid delays.

Speaking of being proactive, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your jurisdiction, whether that’s city or county, along with any permits you need. Additionally, know your specific area’s building codes. Any construction site is potentially disruptive, especially in larger towns or cities. Knowing these requirements ahead of time is just one part of being a good “neighbor” to civilians and a good partner to your stakeholders.

Common Logistics Issues

Knowledge sharing — One common issue in logistics planning is simply getting the word out. You might have done the homework to design the perfect fence and gate layout with a delivery schedule to match, but if the vendors and subs don’t know about it, then it’s not worth much.

Adaptability — Since your construction logistics plan is specific to each unique project, it might require thinking outside the box. For example, the logistics plan for One World Trade Center included a Subway sandwich shop at the top of the tower to make for more efficient lunch breaks for employees. Any logistics plan you make should be flexible enough to adapt to the project’s unique location and change as construction progresses.

One-sided plans — Any good logistics plan will be put together by sourcing feedback from the stakeholders on the team. The client might have specific wants or needs, and the trade contractors might have specific needs depending on the nature of the work. Be sure to consult with your whole team, and offer the plan up for comment to ensure it will work well for everyone.

One last piece of advice here: Make sure all the costs involved with logistics are accounted for. When in doubt, always double check your budget and schedule.

A good plan isn’t worth anything if you don’t know how you’ll put it into practice. When made intentionally, a construction logistics plan can not only give you more control over your schedule and costs, but will also offer boosts in safety and quality control to help you deliver the best results for your clients.  

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on CrewCost in January 2024.

Tom Jodeit is a seasoned innovator dedicated to leveling up the construction industry. With a robust background in project management at Turner and Skanska, and experience in owner’s representation, he now focuses on developing software tools to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Visit crewcost.com.

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COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK

Business Services Coordinator

• Dermatology
• Columbia University Medical Center
• Opening on: Sep 24 2024
• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule: 9AM-5PM (Monday-Friday)
• Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assoc Director, Budget & Finance, and Business Services, the Business Services Coordinator will coordinate business transactions and other related accounting activities for the Department of Dermatology/Finance.  The Business Services & Medical Education Coordinator is a key member of the Dermatology Finance team and works closely with faculty, managers, and staff to develop an efficient, high-functioning financial, accounting, and reporting infrastructure to support the Department’s research, education, and clinical care missions. This position will also coordinate the department’s Medical Education program, in collaboration with the Program manager for UME/GME.

Responsibilities

Procurement and Accounts Payable: 

• Initiates and processes routine financial transactions, including Pcard, purchase orders, change orders, invoices, travel and business expense reports, vendor registration, and maintenance.
• Audits transactions initiated by end users across the department for accuracy and compliance.
• Reconciles Pcard transactions. Performs budget checks, where applicable.

Accounting Operations: 

• Journal Entry Details: Responsible for managing internal transfers and journal entries relating to malpractice charges, revenue transfers and NYPH funding allocations
• Financial Management: Oversight for managing overdraft allocations with the Associate Director of Budget and Finance.
• Medical Education Expenses – Oversee medical education expenses and track resident and fellows’ funds.

Compliance and Controls:

• Prepares and reviews transactions for compliance with Department and University policies.
• Assists end users in troubleshooting transaction issues.
• Assists with implementing and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures.

Human Resources:

• In collaboration with the Departmental HR team, process all personnel transactions relating to the onboarding and off-boarding process of all CUIMC short-term visitors/observers and student internship appointments throughout our clinical and research divisions.

Undergraduate Medical Education: 

• Responsible for working with the Department Chair and Resident Program Director on UME-related Human Resource functions and Grand Rounds.
• Assist with honorariums and reimbursements.

Administrative Support- Dermatology Fellowship Programs

• In collaboration with the Program coordinator for UME & GME and under the direction of the Dermatology Fellowship program directors organize and prioritize the activities of the clinical fellows; monitor work progress status and ensure compliance with deadlines.
• Serve as contact person for the interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and program guidelines. Troubleshoot discrepancies and determine appropriate corrective actions to be taken.
• Manage, monitor, and document the clinical fellowship and faculty evaluation process.
• Develop, distribute, and update fellowship rotation schedules, vacation and leave schedules in electronic systems according to duty hour requirements with oversight of Program Director
• Organize various lectures and meetings
• Perform all fellowship match responsibilities and correspond with newly matched fellows about requirements and process for appointment to the hospitals. Ensure all fellows are credentialed before starting any rotation. In applicable programs, assist with quota review and rank list entry and certification.
• Maintain the fellowship curriculum, including competency-based goals and objectives for each assignment and each level of training.
• Maintain recruitment database and oversee the application processes during the fellowship recruitment season.
• Provide both administrative supervision and support to fellows. Act as a liaison between fellows and hospital administration when necessary. Establish relationships and act as a liaison to other hospitals, internal departments, and divisions regarding fellow recruitment, orientation, annual program affiliation agreements, and external rotations.
• Cross covers other related financial and administrative positions and performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

•  Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, training and experience, plus at least three years of experience.

Other Requirements

• Experience in an academic/higher education setting in a finance/accounting area.
• Must be able to work independently and accurately in a fast-paced environment, action-oriented environment.
• Must develop and maintain effective relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators at all levels within and outside the department
• Excellent written/oral communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are needed.
• Must be proficient with computers including MS Excel, data warehouse and reporting tools, queries, and report preparation.

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