This document provides an overview of how to build an effective business plan in 8 weeks. It explains that a business plan is a document that describes all aspects of a business from sales to strategy. The goals of a business plan are to raise money, get partners, generate interest in the idea, and keep key staff focused. It then outlines the various sections that should be included in a business plan such as an executive summary, introduction, product/service definition, market analysis, sales strategy, management plan, financial analysis, and supporting documents. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of building a team of advisors and connecting with resources to help develop the business plan.

1. Building A Business Plan
Gener8! Business Ready in 8 Weeks

2. What Is A Business Plan?
• Document that describes the nature of
a business, from sales to strategy.
– A roadmap or plan
– Describes where you were, are, and going
– Convincingly demonstrates that your
business can make satisfactory profit to
potential backers
– A selling document
Building A Business Plan 2

3. Goals Of A Business Plan
• Raise money
• Get partners
• Get interest in the idea
• Keep you and key staff on track
Building A Business Plan 3

4. Start By Evaluating Your Business Idea
• What product or service are you selling?
• Benefits to customer
• Why choose to do business with you?
• What is different about your product/service?
• What is your level of expertise?
• Who are your customers and/or primary
market?
• What is the profile of your customer
(demographics)?
• Where is your product/service sold?
Building A Business Plan 4

5. Promoting Your Business
• How will you promote your business to
potential customers?
• What promotional activities will you
conduct?
• Research target market to understand
what is in demand and how to compete
so you can:
– Reduce business risk
– Spot current and upcoming problems in your
industry
– Identify sales opportunities
Building A Business Plan 5

6. Examine Your Competition
• Who are your top 5 competitors
(consider San Antonio & beyond)?
• What do they offer?
• What do the not offer?
• What makes you different?
Building A Business Plan 6

7. Conduct A SWOT Analysis
Building A Business Plan 7
Strengths Weaknesses
ThreatsOpportunities
Internal
External

8. Framework Of A Business Plan
• Executive summary
• Introduction
• Product & Service Definition
• Market Analysis
• Sales Strategy
• Management Plan
• Financial Analysis
• Supporting Documents
Building A Business Plan 8

9. Build A Team To Succeed
• Business advisor/mentor
• Attorney
• Banker
• Insurance agent
• CPA/Bookkeeper
Building A Business Plan 9

10. Get Connected & Learn More
www. mygenfcu.org
Email: smallbiz@mygenfcu.org
Sign Up for our business classes
Connect with us via social where we talk personal and small
business tips to help you reach your money goals