Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey begins with understanding how to write a business plan, a roadmap to success for every business. During the last few years, we have been seeing great shifts in the regional startup ecosystem with a huge focus and support from governments and ventures in the MENA region for startups and small businesses. A recent survey conducted by GoDaddy shows that 82% of small businesses in the UAE, 74% in KSA, and 67% in Egypt are optimistic about their business sector growing in 2023. In the UAE, 53% of businesses want to grow and increase revenue/funding by a substantial amount, while in KSA and Egypt, this figure stands at 49%. A significant number of businesses in the MENA region are prioritizing increasing their online marketing and developing their online presence to overcome challenges. However, as tempting as it may seem, starting a business isn’t a walk in the park. It is a decision with long-term implications that require passion, enthusiasm, and good planning skills. In this guide, we will help you learn how strategic planning works and how to build a solid and effective business plan.
But first, what is a business plan?
A business plan refers to a written document that comprehensively outlines what your business is, where it is going, and how it will get there. The business plan outlines in specific terms the nature of the business, the sales and marketing strategy, and the financial background, and contains a projected profit and loss statement, and how it will position itself to achieve those goals in the context of the current market environment. At its heart, a business plan is a plan for how your business is going to work, and how you’re going to make it succeed.
Tips for writing an outstanding one:
1. Keep it short
Your business plan should be a tool you use to build a new business or run and grow your existing business, you will need to use it over time and others will need to read it, an excessively long business plan is a huge hassle to revise.
2. Know your audience
Use a language that your target audience and potential customers will understand. For example, if you are running a chemical business and you are looking for partners or investors do not use chemical and scientific acronyms because most likely they will not understand it. You can try to simplify the scientific terms or explain them in simple words for non-scientific individuals.
If you're creating a plan for an existing business, include a brief history of the company and highlight any significant achievements or milestones.
3. Don’t be scared
The majority of business owners are not business experts. And they have never wrote a business plan before. Writing a business plan may seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. You know your business well, so you can do it!
And in case you’re hesitant or not confident in your business planning skills the below guide covers all that you need to write an effective plan for your business.
How to write a business plan?
First, you need to know the basic components of a traditional business plan.
- Business concept: The description of your business, its market, products, and organizational structure, and management.
- Market analysis: Where will your business operate? Which marketplace? Who are the target customers and customer persona (demographics, preferences, needs, and buying behavior), and who are your competitors?
- Financial analysis: If your business is new, this will include projected cash flows, capital expenditures, and the balance sheet. It will also include forecasts as to when the business will break-even.
- Business goals: Setting clear and achievable business goals is an essential part of your business plan. Continually update your business goals to reflect new opportunities, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences.
- Risk assessment and contingency plans: Risk assessment and contingency planning are crucial in demonstrating an entrepreneur's preparedness for uncertainties. Identifying potential risks and challenges helps to address issues before they escalate proactively. Developing contingency plans enables businesses to mitigate the impact of unforeseen events, ensuring stability and resilience. This thorough approach not only minimizes potential setbacks but also instills confidence in investors and stakeholders.
- Business models: Business models define how an entrepreneur creates, delivers, and captures value. There are numerous types, including subscription, freemium, and direct sales models. Selecting the right model involves analyzing your target market, product offering, and competition to ensure a sustainable and profitable approach
- Executive summary: The Executive Summary is a vital component, providing a concise overview of your business plan. It captures the attention of potential investors, partners, or lenders, highlighting key aspects like mission, vision, market analysis, and competition. A well-crafted summary sets the tone for the entire plan, so ensure it's engaging and informative."
Start by outlining your company's mission statement and the core values that guide your business operations.
Your mission statement should be a clear and concise expression of your business's purpose and the value it brings to your customers.
1. Executive summary
The executive summary gives an official overview of your business. It comes first in your plan and is ideally only one to two pages. Most people write it last, though. You can check this guide from Forbes to find out what should you include in the executive summary.
2. Company description/ opportunity
The business description section usually begins with a one-sentence overview of your business that sums up the essence of what you are doing. Then complete with the industry and the market size. You will need to do your homework and analyze the trends of the market first. Include references to new products, intellectual property, or developments that could benefit your business. And do not forget to cite your sources of information when necessary. Continue with information that answers these questions: What are you selling? How are you solving a problem (or “need”) for your market? What is unique and exciting about your company (Value Proposition)? What is your target market and who are your competitors?
Do you need help in writing your value proposition? Check this article from Hubspot on “How to write a Great Value Proposition”.
If your business plan will be used as a financing proposal, you’ll need to explain why the additional equity or debt you’re requesting will make your business more profitable.
Remember to keep your business description section to the point, describing the industry in one paragraph, the product in another, and the business and its success factors in two or three more paragraphs.
3. SMART goals
Setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals is essential for a successful business plan. Begin by outlining clear, concise objectives that directly relate to your company's mission and vision. Detail the steps required to achieve each goal, ensuring they're realistic and attainable given your resources and market conditions.
Ensure these goals are quantifiable, enabling you to track progress and make data-driven adjustments. Regularly evaluate your performance against established benchmarks, ensuring your business remains on track for success.
Assess the feasibility of your goals, considering resources, market conditions, and potential obstacles. Conduct thorough research and analysis to make informed decisions, mitigating risk and maximizing your chances of success.
Align your objectives with industry trends and customer needs, ensuring they remain relevant and adaptable to changing market conditions. Continually update your goals to reflect new opportunities, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences.
Establish a realistic timeline for achieving your goals, breaking them down into short-term milestones and long-term targets. Setting time-bound objectives instills a sense of urgency and accountability, driving progress and maintaining momentum.
SMART goals provide a clear roadmap for your business, driving growth and long-term success while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation.
Your business strategy should clearly communicate your business idea, its market potential, and your strategy for success.
4. Market analysis
The market analysis is a critical roadmap for your business, identifying key elements like demographics, segmentation, and competition. Understand pricing, distribution, and marketing strategies by analyzing market size, growth, trends, and sales potential. Utilize metrics, graphs and your know-how to define market research, focusing on the frequency of purchases and annual potential. Conduct a step-by-step guide to competitive analysis, noting strengths, weaknesses, and market positioning of both direct and indirect competitors.
This analysis forms the foundation for setting business goals and milestones, enhanced by tools like SWOT analysis to understand industry opportunities and challenges.
5. Company structure and management
Great ideas transform into successful startups through excellent execution and teamwork. Briefly describe your team, emphasizing their expertise and suitability for taking your startup idea to market. Highlight any significant industry experience or past successes, particularly for owners and managers. Detail the roles and responsibilities within your management team, assigning specific tasks to different divisions. Include an organizational chart if available. Keep in mind the implications on startup costs and operational dynamics.
When deciding on your business's legal structure, consider various options like a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or even a nonprofit.
6. Operational plan
An operational plan outlines the daily activities necessary to manage your business effectively, ensuring smooth operations and long-term success. It covers aspects such as production processes, facility requirements, equipment, and supply chain management.
Start by detailing your production processes, from raw materials to finished products. Describe the stages involved, the resources needed, and the quality control measures in place. Ensure your processes are efficient, cost-effective, and scalable to accommodate growth.
Next, outline your facility requirements, considering factors like location, size, layout, and any necessary permits or regulations. Choose a site that's accessible to suppliers, customers, and employees and one that meets your production and storage needs.
Identify the equipment needed for production, packaging, and distribution. Evaluate options for purchasing, leasing, or outsourcing, taking into account factors like cost, maintenance, and technological advancements.
Address your supply chain management, including procurement of raw materials, inventory control, and supplier relationships. Develop strategies to minimize disruptions, such as diversifying suppliers and maintaining adequate stock levels. Consider implementing inventory management software to streamline processes and reduce human error.
By carefully planning your daily operations, you'll be better equipped to handle challenges, minimize inefficiencies, and ensure the ongoing success of your business."
7. Marketing and sales plan
In this section, describe how you'll attract and retain customers, distribute your products and services, manage growth, and how the sales strategy will happen.
The marketing plan should be an integral part of your overall business plan. Your marketing plan will detail how to perform customer segmentation, and how you plan to reach your target audience whether it is online through social media or in traditional ways like leaflets and flyers, and how to differentiate yourself from competitors.
Be clear in defining your sales and marketing strategies, define which channels you will use, why, and how? Make sure to describe it thoroughly, as refer to this section later when you make financial projections.
Regularly review and update your marketing plan as your business grows and the market evolves.
8. Milestones and timelines
Establishing clear milestones and timelines is essential for keeping your business on track and measuring progress as you work towards your objectives. By breaking down your goals into smaller, measurable steps, you create a roadmap that guides your efforts and enables you to evaluate your performance along the way.
Begin by identifying key milestones, such as product launches, market expansions, or revenue targets. Be specific about what you aim to achieve and how it contributes to your overall goals. Next, assign deadlines for each milestone, ensuring they are realistic and achievable within the given timeframe. This helps maintain momentum and a sense of urgency as you work towards your objectives.
Monitor your progress regularly, adjusting timelines as needed to account for changes in market conditions, resources, or other factors that may impact your business. Celebrate achievements when milestones are reached, recognizing the hard work and dedication that contributed to your success.
Creating a visual representation of your milestones and timelines, such as a Gantt chart, can help you stay organized and maintain a clear overview of your progress. This also serves as an effective communication tool, allowing you to keep investors, stakeholders, and team members informed of your progress and expectations.
By outlining specific milestones and timelines, you establish a structure that supports the growth and success of your business, while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
9. Financial plan, components, and projections
The Financial Plan section of your business plan is pivotal for mapping out your financial forecasts and strategic planning. It should comprehensively detail the three core financial statements: the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. These documents are essential in illustrating your business goals and growth plans, especially when securing funding for your small business. It's crucial to clearly specify the amount of money needed and how it will be allocated, ensuring alignment with your long-term goals. Provide an itemized breakdown of capital usage, along with a funding and business loan timeline. Include detailed financial projections, such as projected cash flows for a minimum of 6 years or until a breakeven point. For the initial year, monthly and quarterly financial forecasts should be presented, and for subsequent years, annual statements.
A robust financial plan is key to managing cash flow effectively, making informed decisions, and attracting investors, thereby supporting the success and sustainability of your business.
Related: Startup Funding: How can you prepare your business to raise funds?
10. Appendix
That’s the final section and it includes documents that support claims made in other sections of the business plan. Such as your resume, contracts with suppliers, customers, or clients, letters of reference, letters of intent, copy of your lease and any other legal documents, and anything else relevant to your business plan.
There are many types of business plan templates available online, so find one that suits your needs and industry.
A business plan will help you avoid some common causes of business failure, it is your road map. Take time preparing it and never be afraid to ask for help.
You may download the following free business plan template for your business to follow in your pursuit.
If the appendix is long, you may want to consider adding a table of contents at the beginning of this section.
Conclusion: how to write an effective business plan
In conclusion, creating a comprehensive and well-thought-out business plan is crucial for any entrepreneur looking to launch a successful venture. By carefully considering your mission statement, business goals, and marketing plan, you'll be better positioned to achieve a competitive advantage in your market. Additionally, having a clear understanding of your product line, staffing needs, and the legal structure of your business will help ensure the viability of your enterprise. As you navigate the challenges and opportunities of starting a new business, always remember that strategic planning, adaptability, and a strong focus on your target audience are essential ingredients for lasting success. By following the guidelines and advice shared in this article, you'll be well on your way to creating a business plan that sets your company on the path to growth and prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions on how to write a business plan (FAQ):
Here are some answers to your most common questions on how to write a business plan:
What are the 7 steps of a business plan?
The seven steps of a business plan typically include:
- Writing an executive summary.
- Describing your company.
- Stating your business goals.
- Describing your products and services.
- Conducting market research.
- Outlining your marketing and sales plan.
- Preparing financial projections.
These steps form the framework of a business plan, guiding the narrative from a company overview to the specifics of operation and financial planning.
What are the 7 contents of a business plan?
The seven key contents of a business plan are:
- Executive Summary: A snapshot of your business plan.
- Company Description: Details about your business.
- Market Analysis: Research on your industry, market, and competitors.
- Organization and Management: Your business and management structure.
- Service or Product Line: What you're selling or offering.
- Marketing and Sales: Your strategy for market penetration.
- Financial Projections: Revenue and profitability forecasts.
Each section provides crucial information for investors and stakeholders to understand your business model and its potential.
How do you write a 10-year business plan?
Writing a 10-year business plan involves extensive long-term forecasting and strategic planning. It should encompass a vision for the future, including long-term goals, market evolution, and potential changes in consumer behavior. The plan should detail how the business will evolve, scale, and adapt over a decade. This includes outlining financial projections, growth plans, and potential challenges or opportunities that might arise. The plan should be flexible yet comprehensive, allowing for adjustments as market conditions change.
