BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION GUIDELINES

 

Business Plan Requirements

The body of the Business Plan (excluding cover page, table of contents and appendices) should be no more than 20 numbered pages in length including all tables, graphs, photos, references, and summary financial information.  No compressed type; No more than 12 characters per inch; one inch margins all around. The complete performance financials should be included in the appendices with the exhibits.

Each Business Plan must have a cover page listing your company name, contact person, address, telephone, and e-mail information. Remember to make 3 copies of your Business Plan and include a copy of the original entry form with each copy.

Content

The Business Plan is a detailed expansion of the executive summary. It should include market research and growth projections for the next two to three years. The necessary function of a business plan is to achieve the following:

• Present the organizational structure of the business, including procedure for necessary restructuring due to growth, merger etc.
• Present the resources needed to accomplish day-to-day business.
• Explain the market for the goods or services presented. This must include a detailed result of a profound market research. The market research may include market size, anticipated growth, key changes, driving forces of the market, detailed research on the competition, unique capabilities of your company, market penetration, etc.
• If applicable, present the findings of thorough patent research.
• Determine and prepare for the risks and benefits of the operating business.
• Include detailed information about key individuals in your organization and the ability your team has of working well together.
• Present a positive reason for investors to take interest.

The business plan should be easily readable, concise, and interesting. It should address specific strategies, goals, prospective markets and investors and the actions needed to accomplish or obtain them. It is to the point and contains no unnecessary information.

 

Financial Information

The function of the finance section in your business plan is to indicate the percentages of particular costs as well as gains. It should indicate how much money is going where and for how long. It should include any planned investments, savings, and necessary expenditures. It should address a simple projection of sales and revenues.

It, like the business plan should be concise and easy to follow. Charts and graphs are an exceptional manner of presentation. It should support and defend all information presented in the Business Plan.