The document outlines the essential elements and purpose of a business plan, emphasizing its role as a dynamic roadmap for business growth and communication within a team. Key components include an executive summary, investment highlights, business strategy, product description, brand creation, and financial overview, each serving to attract potential investors and define the company's strategic position in the market. It also warns against common pitfalls in business planning such as inconsistent formatting and unrealistic assumptions.

1. ELEMENTS
OF A BUSINESS PLAN

2. Purpose of a Business Plan
1
Acts as a dynamic
roadmap for operating
and growing your
business
2
Keeps your team on the
same page at all times
3
A well-written business
plan is often one of the first
things investors want to
see

3. Key Elements
Executive Summary1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Investment Highlights
Business Strategy
Brand & Marketing Strategy
Company Structure
Industry & Regulatory Analysis
Financial Overview
Exit Strategy

4. 4
A concise description of the
company and the service or
product it aims to provide
Why the company was
founded and what specific
needs the product addresses
Where the company is located,
when it was founded, legal
structure, ownership info
This is often
the only read
section of the
plan. Keep it
concise but
informative.
!
Executive Summary

5. As the value proposition, this section highlights
reasons that investors should be interested in your
business. Examples include but are not limited to:
A strong growth market1
2
3
Novelty of the product or service
Flexible Execution Paths!
Think of this as
the “pitch” of
your business
plan. Highlight
everything that
would attract
prospective
investors.
4 Revenue Generation
Investment Highlights

6. Strategic Overview
This segment should be a high-level overview of
your company’s strategic position within its
industry.
o How the company’s service creates value
o Why your company will attract clientele
o Address whether there is a gap within the
industry that your company will be able to fill
o Potential risks and how you will overcome
them
Product Description
This section should elaborate on the product
overview included in the Executive Summary.
o Comprehensively break down and explain
the unique features of your product.
o Images should be used to give investors a
clear understanding of the product provided
by your company
1 2
Business Strategy

7. Describe the industry in
which your company
operates
o Market Size
o Historic &
projected growth
o Current Trends
o Potential evolution
Overview of primary
target market
o Size
o Demographics
Market Analysis Market Penetration
Describe major
competitors as well as
any barriers of entry
Strategic position of your
company
o Competitive
advantages
o Market opportunities
o Product pricing
(demand, competitive,
cost-plus, etc.)
Brand Creation
Explain how your
company will build
viewership, followers, and
engagement
o Client acquisition
strategy
o Conferences and
networking
o Social media
Brand Marketing

8. o This section is flexible and should
accurately reflect how your company
is organized
o Explain why the company is
structured the way it is
o Delineate the responsibilities and
functions of each team
o Highlight management team’s
experience
Position
Relevant Experience
Position
Relevant Experience
Position
Relevant Experience
Company Overview

9. Industry Regulations / Regulatory Hurdles
o Regulatory barriers to the company’s
entry
o Explain how your company will comply
with regulations
o Describe any operational or cost impact of
the compliance process
Regulatory Overview

10. Pro Forma Projections
o Forecasted income
o Historical financial data
o Drivers of revenue
o Forecasted balance
sheets
o Forecasted capital
expenditure budgets
Pro Forma
Projections
Exit Strategies
o Merger, acquisition, or
IPO
o Each strategy should
be thoroughly
explained and realistic
Financial Overview

11. What to Avoid
Poorly Written1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Inconsistent Formatting
Vague or Too Detailed
Unrealistic Assumptions
Inadequately Researched
Doesn’t Address Risks
Ignores Competition
Merely Describes Instead of Plans

12. @RoCSpeaks
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