Guidelines to writing a business plan     

Some details needed for inclusion in your business plan are:

The Promoter

• Background information on the promoter - Information on the promoter's background, qualifications, management experience (if any) and that of key personnel and advisors associated with your project.
• Benefits to the Promoter - Financial and other benefits

The Project

• Background information on the project - The history of the project, the origins of the idea.
• Project details/cost - Full details on the production process/service, the breakdown of costs, details of project location should be given. Any prototype development should also be detailed.
• Project funding - Details on own funds, Grant Aid, equity and loans etc.
• Job potential - The potential for full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs over a three year period.
• Benefits to the community - Jobs - Direct and indirect, financial benefits.

Markets and Marketing Strategy

• Market research - Results of market research including the size of the market, customer information - who are they, what will they buy, how much will they pay and where do they purchase etc.
• Competition - How unique is your proposal? Who are your competitors, where are they located and what products/services are they offering?  What is your unique selling point?
• Marketing - Plans for the promotion of the product/service and the budget. 

Finance

• Financial projections - Three years cash flow projections, projected Trading, Profit and Loss accounts and Balance Sheet.
• Timing schedule of events - When will the project commence, when will people be employed, expansion plans etc.  It is important to set out key dates in the development of the business.

Conclusion

• Summary on why the promoter feels this project should be grant aided.

It is important that the business plan be as realistic as possible.  It should be factual, written clearly, and have consistent cash flow projections.