This is an important stage where your business project starts to take concrete shape. You have a vision, a clear idea of what you want to build… but there may still be a few details to refine. Still have questions? Need to dig deeper on certain aspects? That’s completely normal. And remember — SADC+CAE professionals are your allies, ready to support you through this important process.
Before diving into writing your business plan… take a step back.
Before putting pen to paper, take the time to reflect on the foundations of your project. Do you have a clear understanding of your value proposition? What makes your business unique? What specific needs are you meeting for your customers? And most importantly: why should they choose you over someone else?
These questions are essential — and yet, often overlooked. But answering them thoroughly can make all the difference. It helps you make better decisions, clarify your offer, and position yourself more effectively in the market.
To support you, we’ve created a simple yet powerful tool: our free Business Model Matrix. With just a few key sections to fill out, you’ll gain a clear overview of your project, assess the strength of your business model, and pinpoint areas that need refining.
Your business plan will be used to rally investors, lenders, business partners, financiers, shareholders, etc. around your project. It will also be useful to you when the time comes to apply for grants or join government programs.
An effective, relevant, and comprehensive plan lets you establish your credibility and that of your business project with these third parties. Even more importantly, writing a business plan is an essential exercise in reflection and strategic planning. It will help you implement your ideas and identify—from this stage—findings regarding the next actions to be taken.
There isn’t just one way to put the outlines of your business project down on paper. The templates may vary, and ideally, they are tailored to the specifics of your project. That said, certain elements are essential in order to present a clear image of your project to your partners. Think about including them.
Example of a business plan structure.
- Summary:
- Summary of the project;
- Project:
- Presentation of the company;
- Mission or mandate;
- Short-, medium, and long-term objectives;
- Products or services offered;
- Sponsors:
- Curriculum vitæ;
- Personal balance sheet;
- Organizational structure;
- Legal form;
- Market:
- Identification of the target customers;
- Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the potential market;
- Evaluation of the competition;
- Pricing strategy;
- Advertising and promotion strategy;
- Marketing strategy;
- Operations:
- Production;
- Procurement (potential suppliers);
- Development;
- Labour requirements;
- Financial forecasts:
- Financial requirements (startup expenses and project cost);
- Sources of funding;
- Projected financial statements
(this tool is available is french only)
