ASSISTANCE DEVELOPING BUSINESS PLANS A business plan is your road map to success. It identifies: The product or service you will be providing Your customers The competition Your marketing strategy A description of the operations Your management team The action plan Financial information and projections Anyone thinking of starting a business or expanding their business should complete a business plan. It is a useful tool that serves many purposes: Helps you to obtain financing Organizes your ideas, thoughts, and goals on paper Forces you to think about all aspects of running your own business An easy way to explain your idea to others Can be used to measure progress and success once your business is running A few things to keep in mind when writing a good business plan: Market niche: How is your business unique from your competition? Viability: Show that your customers want or need your product or service. Profitability: Show that your business can and will make money. Industry Trends: Examine the industry you are in - is it growing? How will technology and other factors affect your business in the long term? Write Clearly and Concisely: Keep your business plan clear, simple and to the point so that it can be understood by anyone reading it. ALWAYS have someone proofread your work! There are many guides and sample plans available to help you write your business plan. North Red can provide you with a business plan guidebook and workbook and assist with your plan. If you'd prefer to do your business plan online, the Canada Business Service Centre has a secure, Interactive Business Plan.  Back to Program Services