I want to sustain and implement by launching or growing what I do.

Business Plan

Download

INSPIRED BY : Gov.uk (2013) Write a Business Plan.

Level of Involvement

Requires some dialogue with colleagues/peers. Plan for some time to interact and fill out in collaboration over a day maybe.

Download Worksheet

English Version

中文版本 (Chinese Version)

User Rating

5

Share It

Tags

What is it & why should I do it?

 

A Business Plan is just that: a structured description of how you do what you do. The plan needs to articulate the problem the business proposes to solve, a vision for how that will be accomplished, and what uniquely qualifies you to do that. Writing a Business Plan is often essential when trying to convince potential funders who want to know where their money will be going. The plan should also include an introduction to the management team, a marketing plan, an operations and financial plan, and any other requirements. This means covering all the different aspects that a funding partner might be interested in, using the kind of language they will be looking out for.

 

While a tool like the Business Model Canvas provides an overview of what you want to do (as well as why and how you want to do it), a Business Plan is a way of providing more detail on the operational and economic foundation of how you will make this a reality. The structured worksheet of the Business Plan helps you describe what makes your idea for social impact a viable endeavour.

How do I use it?

Business Plan-htu

This worksheet points out the key aspects that you need to keep in mind as you develop your Business Plan.

 

It is easiest to first write a quick draft of your Business Plan and then keep re-writing. Don’t spend too long getting the draft and even the next versions ‘just right’ because it is very likely you will re-write the plan numerous times. During the process you’ll come up with much better ways of explaining of what makes your idea for social good feasible.

 

Writing up the business overview is a good place to start. This includes a few paragraphs about the main idea, the need and market for it. This will be followed up by your plan for action and what makes your team strong for this task. While approaching funders or donors, a key component of the Business Plan is to have a clear statement of why you need the money, how the money will be spent and how it can be earned back.

 

An important element in the Business Plan is the executive summary. This usually sits at the start of the document, but it is seldom written as the first section. It is easier to write it after you have completed a first draft of your Business Plan.

 

Once you’ve written your Business Plan, get someone to read it for you. It helps to get a fresh perspective to identify any issues you might have missed out on.

Share your experience

Latest User Experience

  1. Abdullahi Sh. Abukar

    Somali Human Rights Association(SOHRA)

    User Rating: 5

    I have gone through DIY-Toolkit- Particularly Business Plan Topic I gained more Skills and techniques in which was really satisfaction sessions

    Reply

  2. Perley-Ann Friedman

    Lanta Animal Welfare, Koh Lanta, Thailand

    User Rating: 5

    This is such a great tool for introducing a broad but brief overview Lanta Animal Welfare to other organisations and groups. Thanks for the template.

    Reply

  3. Philip Holmes

    ChoraChori

    User Rating: 5

    Business planning made simple! Very clearly presented and extremely useful in focussing my thoughts. Thanks.

    Reply

  4. Etienne Ayuk Ayuk Ndip

    Foundation for Community Development Association, Camerron

    User Rating: 5

    A great resource tool with direct practical and working example with the case of James.com.
    main structures explained with focus on the Executive Summary as being very important and should always be written last. Also importance of business plan such as used to request funding from investors .
    Will have to share this with my team members.

    Reply