Write a business plan: step-by-step
Introduction
It is essential to have a realistic, working business plan when you’re starting up a business.
A business plan is a written document that describes a business, its objectives, its strategies, the market it is in and its financial forecasts. It has many functions, from securing external funding to measuring success within your business.
This guide will show you how to prepare a high-quality plan using a number of easy-to-follow steps, including what a business plan should include, your business markets and competitors and marketing and sales. There is also a downloadable business plan template.
Free business start-up support
Access free start-up business support from your local council. They will organise one-to-one mentoring sessions with your local business adviser and provide tailored guidance to develop your business plan.
In this guide:
Introduction
The audience for your business plan
What a business plan should include
Business plan executive summary – the dos and donts
Your business, its products and services
Your business markets and competitors
Business plan: marketing and sales
Business plan: your team’s skills
Business plan: your operations
Financial forecasts for your business plan
Tips for presenting your business plan
Business plan template
Business plan: dos and donts