Key Elements For Your Executive Summary And Business Plan

The following template covers the major elements that need to be covered in a business plan. The Executive Summary should contain the same elements in condensed form while highlighting the key messages. The structure and elements can vary depending on the nature of your business proposition.

Draft Business Plan Structure

Executive Summary
Elevator pitch and key messages from the plan.

Business Plan

1. Company Summary
Summary of company, its current situation and achievements to date.

2. The Business Proposition
Clear and concise definition of what the business will be/do - the vision and mission.

3. The Business Model
How the business will deliver to the customer, how the business will market the proposition, description of key sales channels, how these will be accessed, commercial feedback to date.

4. The Opportunity
Overview of the market and the gap that creates the opportunity for the business, including size of the potential market and its trend.

5. Competitor Analysis
Identification of existing and potential competitors, analysis of their positioning in the marketplace and how the proposed business will meet the competitive challenges. Description of how the business will develop barriers to entry in order to defend its market share from future competitors. An analysis of the company's current and future competitive advantages and how these will be developed or acquired. Confirmation of any IPR component and the extent to which it has been protected.

6. Technology
What the service, product or technological platform will look like and offer to the customer. Outline of disaster recovery procedures.

7. Key Partnerships
Identification of key partnerships and alliances (including suppliers) necessary to implement plan. Propositions to key partners and overview of progress, including statements of intent/details of contracts signed.

8. Risk Analysis
Identification of the critical success factors for the business to succeed, the key risks, and what the business will do to mitigate the risks.

9. Management
Brief description of the key management team in place or poised to join, their roles, and the key skills they provide. Identify any gaps and explain how these will be filled.

10. Financial Model
Summary financial projections with underlying assumptions, projected valuation, proposed exit route and timing.

HSBC is a proud sponsor of the Access to Finance Programme.

This project is being funded by South East Business Links and SEEDA