About this lesson
If you intend to start a business, you should write a business plan. It will help you flesh out your ideas, and will be required by your bank and other lenders before they extend you credit, business loans, or overdraft protection.
And if you already run a business, then you will know planning is crucial but chances are you have little time to sit down and write one.
Why you should do it
This lesson provides a way to quickly outline the main points before you create your final plan and will give you and others a clear snapshot of your business idea, or where your business is heading. Completing the Quick Start plan will also help you to create your complete plan by sharpening your ideas about your business concept.
Who should complete it
Anyone who does not have a lot of time for a lengthy business plan, but needs a short plan that provides enough information and evidence to provide the foundation for a business strategy.
If you show your Quick Start Business Plan to a stranger, they should understand your business idea without getting bogged down in details.
What you will end up with
Once you are done, you'll have a better idea of whether you want to proceed with or delay your idea. If you decide you need a more comprehensive business plan, then you can download the business plan template, which covers a range of business issues in more depth.
We'll also give you some useful templates to help you assess how financially viable your idea is, including:
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Quick start business plan action plan
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An Excel cashflow template
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Chargeable hours template
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A Market Research Questionnaire