A 30 day business plan – could this be all you need? Not likely, as most full plans demand 5 year projections (for investors or venture capitalists), or at least 3 year models (for the SBA and the banks they work with). But a LOT happens in the first 30 days… particularly the first 30 days after you get funded, and the model comes alive with “actuals.” So what does a business plan of this variety look like? You'll most likely what to identify precisely what you will be doing during this time – how you will spend the capital you get, what the early customer engagements look like, who will be doing what operationally, and where the money flows as it comes in the door. The plan ought to set the tone for the remainder of the business lifecycle, or at least the critical first year. Include:
• A list of early-stage marketing initiatives
• An operational roadmap
• A list of likely early customers
• A complete product list and description
• All of your Year One objectives (business, operational, and financial)
The plan should also show at least a year's worth of financial data, starting with any past performance you might have. Use past sales or citable industry averages as your baseline assumptions, and show a steady monthly growth. Since most business plan models demand a Year One breakdown by month in the appendix, you might as well include that as your primary financial set. The plan should also talk about the 60- and 90-day views and objectives, even if those aren't the crux of the document, just so the reader or any audience you present to can understand what the near-term vision will be as you expand. Want help with this document, or one like it? MasterPlans can direct you. Our team of experts can develop the entire business plan draft for you in as little as 10-14 days. Call (877) 453-2011 to learn more!
