bizSimple

The simple way to start a business.

Sunday 7 September

“If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room”

Anita Roddick

Business planning

Start by asking yourself a few questions…

Can I sell enough to make a profit?
What will I need to do this properly?
Have I got the skills, money and motivation to do this?

… and most importantly…

What do I want to get out of running my own business?

These questions are key to any business and will form the basis of a business plan, should you decide to write one.

bizSimple Toolkits 01 and 02 are specifically designed to help you to research your business idea and ultimately write your own business plan, if you choose to do one. We also have a great business plan format and tools to help you to work out your own financial forecasts.

FAQs

Do I need a business plan?

In truth, no! BUT, there is an old saying – 'Fail to plan – plan to fail'.

Most people will have some sort of a plan in their heads, even if it is not written down on paper. If you want to persuade someone to lend you money, plan to grow the business in the future or possibly attract a key customer, then, yes, you will definitely need a business plan.

How long is a business plan?

A business plan can be two sides of A4 paper, or it can be many pages in length. Think about who the plan is for. If it's for you only then you need to ask yourself what you need to know – the bizSimple Toolkit 01 will help you with this; if it is for someone else you need to include what they will need to know – Toolkit 02 is extremely helpful here.

Basically the length of your plan will depend upon how big you plan your business to be and how much money you are trying to raise.

How long does it take to do a business plan?

This largely depends on who you are writing the plan for and how much you know before you start writing. Writing the plan can be quite quick; it's the research that takes the time.

Can I get any help to write my business plan?

bizSimple has designed a range of really useful, easy to follow Toolkits and templates that give you everything you need to know to do it for yourself!

There is also a wide range of help out there, from basic guidance via your local business support services, banks, books, accountants and the local library to the web, to name a few.

How much will it cost to do my business plan?

The cheapest way is to do the plan yourself – it's also the best way as it's your plan for your business. With a helping hand from the bizSimple toolkits and plans you can get exactly what you need for a minimal investment – and if you do go ahead you can right the cost off against tax as well!

Business support services in some parts of the country offer fully or partly subsidized services; banks will give you their own plan templates to complete yourself and accountants and other professional services will normally charge by the hour for their time.