A business plan presentation i prepared in 2011 for a Young Entrepreneur Competition back in Ghana. I learned a lot especially about Financial planning and projections during this process and was my first complete business plan. It is, of course, far from perfect but i think it will assist any young entrepreneur in preparing that first presentation. Obviously you should try and use less structured language and ease in models and pictures. I would suggest you look through some presentations on how to make presentations...Yeah, i said that. Anyway, the competition fell through but the organizers were impressed with it and i hope you are too.

1. •
Mr Obafemi Akin-Laguda
• 21 – November – 2011
“Epitome Events is a event management service
aggregation firm”
•
Seeking loan facility to the tune of GHc50,000

2.  The Events Management industry
is on the rise in Ghana but still that
firm that excels primarily in
corporate or professional events
management does not exist yet.
 This void, of a “one-stop shop” for
all event management needs of a
professional event, will be filled by
Epitome Events.
 Our major market segments will be
Corporate Clients, Government
Departments and
Parastatals, Professional
organisations and Academic
institutions.
Epitome Events
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3.  Organisations that arrange events
but do not have the expertise to
adequately perform the task or do
not wish to be bothered with this
outsource the planning and
management od their event.
 A service provider who ensures
that this service is provided to a
high quality with efficient use of
resources is required to that up
this sort of jobs.
 Most event managers in Ghana
perform a wide array of services
that the expertise to best manage
high profile technical, professional
or corporate event is lacking within
the industry
Epitome Events
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4.  An events management firm that
caters to professional’s need for
information, knowledge, tools and
techniques by providing the
perfect learning experience.
 Major exceptions to the product
package will the one-stop process
of handling professional events
with its significant cost savings.
 HOW:
 Events management optimization through
strategic partnerships with both
professional organisations and event
subcontractors e.g. catering
services, hotel chains, event venues et
cetera
Epitome Events
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5.  Epitome Events will provide a timesaving, valuable event planning
services to companies who have a
lack of expertise, are understaffed
or unable to take on the time
consuming tasks involved in event
planning and management.
 With partners in Ghana and Subregion wide, the best fit for the
clients' needs will be found while
generating maximum revenue for
Epitome Events.
Epitome Events
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6. • The majority of the demand will be
from Corporate clients e.g. Banks and
Telecom companies
• Followed by Government Department
e.g. Ministries and Parastatals e.g. GCB
• Professional Organisations e.g. IEEE
and Academic Institutions like
Pentecost University College will make
up the rest of the market
• Projected Sales for our 3rd fiscal year is
stated conservatively at Gh₵567,500
Epitome Events
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7.  There are six key elements we will
accomplish to succeed:
 Continual and diligent client and partner
prospecting.
 Provide timely, reliable, money-saving service
option that best suit the needs of clients
 Maximizing revenue potential by creating
partnership and standard service contracts
with industry players.
 Utilize the unique expertise of a set specialist
event management team members.
 Maximize returns through service tariffs to
clients and profit sharing with sub-contractors
through commissions.
 Create innovative events through partnerships
with professional organization.
Epitome Events
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8.  The market for event management
firms is growing as companies are
utilizing outside providers for
event planning services instead of
paying permanent in-house
employees.
 An aggregated event
consultancy, planning and
management company with
partnership that provide expertise
in diverse fields can provide an
holistic service approach.
 The key to our service packages is
the high level of expertise brought
about through our partnership and
the resource savings that we can
deliver.
Epitome Events
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9.  Here are some reasons why
certain companies are chosen over
others:
 Timely follow-up.
 Leverage.
 Objectivity.
 Technical Knowledge.
 Advocacy.
 Integrity.
 Intelligence.
 Custom Solutions.
 Personal Service.
Epitome Events
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10.  There are three categories of
competitors, all of which have
distinct weaknesses compared to
Epitome Events:
 First, competition comes in the form
of event planning houses such as
Functions Ghana, Global Media
Alliance and EMS. These companies
provide a full array of services to the
client but are so large that the clients
are just numbers to them.
 The second type of competitor is the
hotel/resort representation firm.
These companies only work with one
or a few resorts/hotels, some of
which may not fit the client's needs.
 Small competitors, which are solely
owned and operated by one
individual, offer event planning and
management to the client.
Epitome Events
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11.  There are several competitive edges
that Epitome Events has over its
competitors.
 First, Epitome Events has the freedom
and ability to present any service
provider as a solution to the customer.
 Second, we can offer the services of a
big company but are still small enough
to offer great customer service.
 Third, we have the ability to help with
all aspects of the event; from planning
to completion.
 Fourth, our alliance with partners and
sub-contractor allows us access to a
wide array of experiences and
expertise in various fields.
 Overall, Epitome Events will offer the
best of both worlds – small company
service with big company expertise.
Epitome Events
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12.  Within the target marketing segments
the following situations may exist,
creating a need for the services offered
by Epitome Events:
 Companies and organizations who have
"downsized" and/or eliminated their event
planning department are prime prospects.
 Companies and organizations who have
administrative staff take on the
responsibilities of event planning will find
that utilizing the services offered by
Epitome Events to provide more
professional outcomes.
 Non-specialist planners who are searching
a new area and have little or no knowledge
about that area or segment.
 Event planners that need to concentrate on
internal meeting content and have little or
no time to complete the time consuming
task of planning and managing their events
Epitome Events
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13.  The owners' 4 years of experience in
the industry will bring a wealth of
contacts with whom to build a network
of referrals.
 We will utilize the marketing materials
that have been successful in the past .
 Partnership marketing with
hotels/resorts.
 Web marketing e.g. Google AdSense
 Social Networking e.g.
Facebook, Twitter
 Professional Networking e.g. LinkedIn
 Newsletters and journals of our
partners e.g. The IEEE Spectrum
Epitome Events
13

14. Start-up Costs
Requirements
Start-up Expenses
Incorporation Fees
Gh₵
150
Accountant
Gh₵
300
Office Equipment
Gh₵
2,500
Software
Gh₵
350
Communication Lines 3 per office - 6 total
Gh₵
400
Event Directories
Gh₵
700
Other
Gh₵
400
Total Start-up Expenses
Gh₵
4,800
Start-up Assets
Cash Required
Gh₵
50,000
Other Current Assets
Gh₵
0
Long-term Assets
Gh₵
0
Total Assets
Gh₵
50,000
Total Requirements
Gh₵
54,800
Epitome Events
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15. Sales Forecast
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Gh₵
162,160
Gh₵
280,500
Gh₵
459,500
Gh₵
42,000
Gh₵
72,000
Gh₵
108,000
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵
352,500
Gh₵
567,500
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Event Planning and Management
Gh₵
5,000
Gh₵
7,000
Gh₵
9,000
Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales
Gh₵
5,000
Gh₵
7,000
Gh₵
9,000
Sales
Meeting Management
Sub-Contractor Commissions
Total Sales
Direct Cost of Sales
Epitome Events
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16. Pro Forma Profit and Loss
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵
352,500
Gh₵
567,500
Direct Cost of Sales
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Other
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Total Cost of Sales
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵
352,500
Gh₵
567,500
100.00%
100.00%
100.00%
Payroll
Gh₵
60,000
Gh₵
70,000
Gh₵
86,400
Sales and Marketing and
Other Expenses
Gh₵
40,600
Gh₵
30,800
Gh₵
19,440
Sales
Gross Margin
Gross Margin %
Expenses
Depreciation
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Sales Telephone Cost
Gh₵
5,808
Gh₵
6,098
Gh₵
6,403
Service Telephone Cost
Gh₵
1,800
Gh₵
1,890
Gh₵
1,985
Sales On-line Service
Gh₵
264
Gh₵
264
Gh₵
264
Service On-line Service
Gh₵
264
Gh₵
264
Gh₵
264
Payroll Taxes
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Other
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Total Operating Expenses
Gh₵
108,736
Gh₵
109,316
Gh₵
114,756
Profit Before Interest and
Taxes
Gh₵
95,424
Gh₵
243,184
Gh₵
252,744
Interest Expense
Taxes Incurred
Net Profit
Net Profit/Sales
Gh₵
19,084.80
Gh₵
23,856
Gh₵
48,636.80 Gh₵
50,548.80
Gh₵
60,796
Gh₵
63,186
Gh₵
54,483.2 Gh₵
133,751.20
Gh₵
140,009.2
0
25.71%
37.94%
24.67%
Epitome Events
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17. Pro Forma Cash Flow
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Cash Sales
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵3
52,500
Gh₵
567,500
Subtotal Cash from Operations
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵3
52,500
Gh₵
567,500
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Received
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
New Current Borrowing
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
New Other Liabilities (interest-free)
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
New Long-term Liabilities
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Sales of Other Current Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Sales of Long-term Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
New Investment Received
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
204,160
Gh₵3
52,500
Gh₵
567,500
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Cash Spending
Gh₵
96,000
Gh₵
100,800
Gh₵
105,840
Bill Payments
Gh₵
16,524
Gh₵
26,506
Gh₵
51,229
Gh₵
112,524
Gh₵
127,306
Gh₵
157,069
Sales Tax, VAT, HST/GST Paid Out
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Principal Repayment of Current Borrowing
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Other Liabilities Principal Repayment
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
12,822
Gh₵
12,822
Gh₵
12,822
Purchase Other Current Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Purchase Long-term Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Dividends
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
125,346
Gh₵
140,128
Gh₵
169,891
Net Cash Flow
Gh₵
78,818
Gh₵
212,372
Gh₵
397,609
Cash Balance
Gh₵
128,814
Gh₵
341,186
Gh₵738,795
Cash Received
Cash from Operations
Additional Cash Received
Subtotal Cash Received
Expenditures
Expenditures from Operations
Subtotal Spent on Operations
Additional Cash Spent
Long-term Liabilities Principal Repayment
Subtotal Cash Spent
Epitome Events
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18. Pro Forma Balance Sheet
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Gh₵
128,814
Gh₵
341,186
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
128,814
Gh₵
341,186
Long-term Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Accumulated Depreciation
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Assets
Current Assets
Cash
Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Gh₵738,795
Gh₵
0
Gh₵738,795
Long-term Assets
Total Long-term Assets
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
128,814
Gh₵
341,186
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Accounts Payable
Gh₵
2,361
Gh₵
2,162
Gh₵
4,394
Current Borrowing
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Other Current Liabilities
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
0
Gh₵
2,361
Gh₵
2,162
Gh₵
4,394
Long-term Liabilities
Gh₵
37,178
Gh₵
24,356
Gh₵
11,534
Total Liabilities
Gh₵
39,539
Gh₵
26,518
Gh₵
15,928
Total Assets
Liabilities and Capital
Gh₵
0
Gh₵738,795
Current Liabilities
Subtotal Current Liabilities
Paid-in Capital
Gh₵
4,800
Gh₵
4,800
Gh₵
4,800
(Gh₵
4,800)
Gh₵
731
Gh₵
44,874
Earnings
Gh₵
54,483.20
Gh₵
133,751.20
Gh₵
140,009.20
Total Capital
Gh₵
54,483.20
Gh₵
201,903.80
Gh₵
549,111.80
Gh₵
128,814
Gh₵
341,186
Gh₵
54,483.20
Gh₵
201,903.80
Retained Earnings
Total Liabilities and Capital
Net Worth
Gh₵738,795
Gh₵
549,111.80
Epitome Events
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19. Net Present Value
Year 1
Year 2
Gh₵
204,160
Income
Gh₵
567,500
Gh₵
352,500
Gh₵
108,736
Expenditure
Gh₵
114,756
Gh₵
109,316
Gh₵
95,424
Net Value
Net Present Value
Year 3
Gh₵
252,744
Gh₵
243,184
Gh₵
95,424
Gh₵
218,865.60
Gh₵
204,722.64
Epitome Events
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20.  Obafemi Akin-Laguda is current
Vice Chairman of an IEEE Ghana
Section SB for last 2 years two year
and personally lauded for the
conception and organizing the PIRC
2011.
 His education includes a bachelor
of science in Information
Technology and several
certifications in Technology and
Business.
 He has also has been briefly
employed at Femi Johnson & Sons
ltd as Lead Project Analyst and
Developer
 HeteroGenious Systems Limited
(HGSL) as a Project Developer.
 Our other Founding owner wishes to
remain anonymous at the present time.
Epitome Events
20

21.  Epitome Events is looking to secure
a loan facility to the tune of
Gh₵50,000 from your firm.
 Looking at the figures from the last
chapter, you’ll notice that we
project that the facility will be
payable from the end of the first
fiscal year.
 However, we hope that the loan
facility will be available at an
interest rate of not more than 20%
annually over the next 3 years. This
deal will, therefore, earn your firm
a profit of over Gh₵30,000 in just 3
years.
Epitome Events
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22.  Epitome Events will provide a timesaving, valuable event planning
and management service to
corporate, professional,
government and academic
institution who require the perfect
event without any hassles!
 “www.Epitome Events.org” will be
online shortly.
 Thank you for you time.
 Any Questions?
Epitome Events
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