(Optional) Identify the components of a business plan.
Identification should include the following:
- Executive summary
- Description of the business (e.g., location, customers, form of ownership)
- Problem
- Customer segments
- Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
- Solutions
- Channels-pathways to customers
- Revenue streams
- Cost structure
- Key metrics
- Competitive advantage
- Conclusion
- Appendix
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is it necessary to develop a business plan?
- How is a business plan a working document?
- What is the role of the business plan in obtaining financing?
- How can creating a business plan accelerate business growth?
- How can a business plan minimize risk?
- What are key metrics that should be included in the business plan?
- Would it be to the entrepreneur's advantage to read a competitor's business plan? Explain.
- Why is it important to chart the first five years of the company’s growth and goals within the business plan?
- Why might the executive summary be more important than the body of the business plan?
- What kinds of items might be included in the appendix of a business plan?
- What research should be done prior to developing the business plan?
- How does the business canvas model differ from the business plan?
- What role does a business model play in the development of a business plan?
Teacher Resources:
- DECA Competitive Event: Start-Up Business Plan Links to an external site.
- FBLA Competitive Event: Business Plan Links to an external site.
- Venture Lab Pitch Game Links to an external site.
- Write your business plan Links to an external site., U.S. Small Business Administration
- Is Growth Right for You? Links to an external site., Entrepreneurship Crash Course