Government business plans by department are not truly business plans per se; different agencies governed by the US government do operate in a fashion similar to a for-profit business, but there are important differences. The US Postal Service, for example, can only raise base rates for postal delivery on a set timeline, with Congressional approval, and with an end goal of shortening the budget shortfall. As a taxpayer-funded body of the government, USPS is not designed to maintain an operating profit like a traditional private sector business is. A department plan will however include:
• An operating budget
• An organizational chart
• A personnel plan
• A pro forma P&L with proceeds reinvested
• An operational strategy
These are the ingredients of a good business plan, to be sure. That doesn't mean the government published "business plans" by department, but certainly each agency is run in a fashion similar to a business that does need a working business plan. A full business plan for a private sector business should include a use of funds table, a revenue forecast and break-even analysis, a profit and loss statement, cash flow tables, and a running balance sheet. It also needs a thorough market analysis, service description, and a marketing plan. If you have questions about a document like this, you can call the business plan development experts at MasterPlans. (877) 453-2011, toll free.
