Writing a Business Plan

There are a wide variety of business plan templates available from financial institutions and the banks. An even greater selection is available on the Internet. Sometimes, a client has good reason for choosing a particular template. An example of this is when the bank you are dealing with requests that you use their template. However, most of the time it is a matter of personal choice.

At Local Enterprise Office - Dublin City, our mentors are happy to work with you using the template you have chosen. That said, we have developed the template set out below that we find easy to use for start up and micro businesses.

SECTION 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Detail the objectives of the business and the requirements of the business plan.

SECTION 2 - INTRODUCTION

Summarise the various aspects of the business, which will be later detailed under the headings below.

SECTION 3 - MARKET

Overview
Trend
Size and potential
Competition
Customers
Structure
S.W.O.T. Analysis

SECTION 4 - MARKET STRATEGY

Objectives
Product
Price
Place
Promotion

SECTION 5 - ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT

Management Overview
Staff Requirement

SECTION 6 - PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS

Premises
Plant and Equipment
Operations Overview

SECTION 7 - COSTINGS AND FINANCE

Financial Assumptions
Sensitivity Analysis

APPENDICES

Appendix A - Financial Projections - Yr.1 and Yr.2
      - Profit and Loss
      - Cash flow
      - Balance Sheet
Appendix B - Certificate of Incorporation.
Appendix C - Tax Clearance Certificate
Appendix D - Promoters’ C.V’s.
Appendix E - Equipment Schedule.
Appendix F - (Other)

Dublin City