The structure of an effective business plan
A readable business plan follows a narrative and quantified logic. It usually includes the following parts:
- The executive summary: the essence of the project on one page, to make the reader want more.
- The project and team: your offer, value proposition and the skills involved.
- The market study: demand, competition, positioning (from the dedicated module).
- The strategy: commercial, marketing, operational.
- The financial forecast: income statement, financing, cash flow, break-even point.
- The financing plan: what you ask for and how you will repay it.
Consistency between the narrative and the figures is what sets a credible business plan apart from an empty document.