Business Plan Template for Micro-Enterprise

The Business Plan is useful to:

• Communicate your intentions for the business
• Raise finance / grants
• Act as a tool against which future performance can be assessed

Charactistics of a good Business Plan

• Write it yourself
• Be realistic
• Be comprehensive
• Clarity is vital

Suggested content of Business Plan for Micro Enterprise

1. Description of Business Proposal
   - What business are you setting up and what market do you intend servicing?
   
   
2. Promoters Backgound
   - Qualifications.
   - Work Experience.
   - Current Status.
   
   
3. Operational Plan
   - Describe the product / service to be supplied.
   - Describe the process (in general terms) and raw materials required.
   - Where will you operate the business from and will it be leased / purchased?
   - Has planning permission for the operation of your business been obtained?
   - What is the cost of producing your product / services?
   
   
4. Marketing
   Detail the following:
   1. Any market research findings (formal or informal).
   2. What market sector are you targeting?
   3. What potential customers you approached and the feedback attained. Did you get any orders?
   4. What is the competition and where is it based - how will it respond to you entering the market?
   5. What is unique about your product / services? Why will customers purchase it?
   6. What is the pricing structure? Will you be VAT registered?
   7. Customer Base
      - Can you identify your potential customers or a typical profile of them?
      - How much are you going to sell to your top 6 customers in the first year?
      - How do you expect sales to grow in years 2 and 3?
   
   
5. Finance Required
   - What investment is required to set up the business?
   - List any equipment and building costs. Is the equipment new or second-hand?
   - How much of your own funds are you investing in the business?
   - How much will you need to borrow?
   - What amount of grant can you realistically seek?
   
   
6. Financial Projections
   - Include a cash flow forecast for the first two years of operation in the case of a start up business.
   - Existing businesses should prepare a two year cash flow forecast and include historical financial statements.