What is a business plan?

A business plan is a written document that describes in detail what kind of business you intend to operate, how you intend to operate it, and why you believe you will succeed

___You understand that it is legal for a nonprofit group to make a profit

___You understand there are other ways to ensure your financial sustainability

Why should you have a business plan?

___To clarify your own thinking

___To raise confidence among group members

___To raise confidence among potential outside backers

When should you make a business plan?

___When you are seriously thinking about embarking on a business venture

___When you need clarity on the business details

___When you want expert feedback or advice on the specifics of your ideas

___When you need to attract outside help

How do you make a business plan?

___Include the following in your business plan:

• A cover page
• A table of contents
• An executive summary
• A description of your organization
• A description of your management
• A description of your product or service
• Information about your market
• Information about your competition
• Details of your operating plan
• Financial information
• Timelines
• Appendices

___Write the plan simply, clearly, honestly, and to the point

___Avoid common pitfalls such as:

• The writing is unclear
• The plan is too long
• The layout is poor and/or illogical
• An executive summary is omitted
• There is too much technical jargon
• There is insufficient detail
• The market is not defined, or a marketing plan is missing
• No mention or sketchy mention is made of the competition
• The financial information given is not straightforward
• The reader is given no compelling reason to invest in the plan

___Package the plan professionally by ensuring that it is:

• Printed it on high-quality paper
• Approximately 20 pages
• Printed in color with tasteful graphics
• Bound according to the standards of your readers
• Totally error-free

Community Toolbox

KU Center for Community Health and Development. (2023). Chapter 3, Section 1: Developing a Plan for Assessing Local Needs and Resources. Lawrence, KS: University of Kansas. Retrieved January 4, 2023, from the Community Tool Box: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-resources/develop-a-plan/main