During this course, you will learn to develop all the essential elements of a Business Plan, it can either be an existing company on the NASDAQ exchange which is the “American stock exchange, which is located at One Liberty Plaza in New York City known as the New York Stock Exchange” or “a company that you would like to start one day”. Some of your plans will be hypothetical, as access to certain information in the company is restricted, but you can focus on the actual existing customers and products or services the company offers to the public. If you are developing your own company it will be made up so just answer the questions that are being asked. 

This section is due between weeks 1-2.

Student Instructions:

1 Complete these sections of the Business Plan.

2 Consider it a research assignment.

3 You are not to leave the question you need to answer in the Business Plan. Make sure to answer them in paragraph form.

Vision/Mission Statement and Goals

A. Vision Statement

The vision/mission statements are clear summaries of where the business is headed. It describes what the business produces, who the products are produced for, and unique business characteristics. It will reflect the values of the management team and the type of business culture you are trying to create.

B. Goals and Objectives

What do you want your business to achieve? Be specific in terms of financial performance, resource commitments (time and money) and risk.

When will various milestones be achieved?

C. Keys to Success

What do you need, or must happen, for you to succeed?

Company Summary

The material in this section is an introduction to the firm.

A. Company Background

What does your business do?

Who were the founders of the business?

What were the important milestones in the development of the business?

B. Resources, Facilities, and Equipment

With what do you produce your products or services?

What are the land, equipment, human and financial resources?

Who provides them?

How are resource providers rewarded?

C. Marketing Methods

What is your annual sales volume in dollars and units?

Explain how you work with others to improve returns. This may include a strategic alliance with suppliers or customers that you can leverage.

Do you use forward contracting, options, or futures? If so, how?

How much does it cost to produce and deliver your products and services?

How is contracting used?

D. Management and Organization

Who is currently on the management team?

How have management responsibilities been divided among the management team?

What are the lines of authority?

Who acts as the president/CEO? spokesperson? Chief Financial Officer?

Who determines employees’ salaries and conducts performance reviews?

What is the educational background of the management team members?

What is the management team’s reputation in the community?

What special skills and abilities does the management team have?

What additional skills does the management team need?

Who are the key people and personnel that make your business run?

Who do you go to for advice and support?

Do management and employees have avenues for personal development?

Sketch a diagram of lines of authority for your operation.

E. Ownership Structure

Who are the primary stakeholders in your business?

Describe the legal form of your company, such as partnership, proprietorship, or corporation.