How to write a business plan (and what to include):

HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN:

Are you wondering how to write a business plan?

Start with our handy guide below, outlining all of the sections and content you need to include in your business plan. 

WHAT SECTIONS TO INCLUDE IN A BUSINESS PLAN:

1. Executive Summary:
   Write this last. It summarises the key points from the rest of your business plan (this shouldn't include new information not mentioned elsewhere). 
   
   
   
2. About Us:
   Introduce the reader to your business. 
   
   
   
3. Product(s) and/or Service(s):
   Explain what your business sells.
   
   
   
4. Revenue Model:
   How does your business make money? How viable is it?
   
   
   
5. Route to Market:
   How will you get your product to market? What is your strategy? What are the key timelines?
   
   
   
6. Sales & Marketing:
   Who are your target customers? How will you reach them?
   
   
   
7. Market Overview:
   Help readers understand the opportunity. How big is the market?
   
   
   
8. Competitors:
   Who do you compete with? How will you win customers? (There is no such thing as a business with no competitors. If no one does exactly what you do, what is the alternative that your target customers use now?)
   
   
   
9. SWOT Analysis:
   Explain to readers the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with your business. 
   
   
   
10. Team:
    Demonstrate to readers why you and/or your team are best placed to execute your business. Focus on relevant experience.
    
    
    
11. Financials:
    Provide readers with a solid understanding of your business model and forecast financials. Ensure these are realistic and credible.