Establishing a Nursery in Alberta: Business Plan

In the business plan the following components should be included:

• Title Page
• Table of Contents
• Executive Summary - a brief summary of the main topics covered in the plan.
• Business Objectives - this should include a mission statement, and long-term and short-term goals and objectives of the company.
• Description of the Business - describe whether it is wholesale or retail, location, and why. What permits or licenses will be required
• Industry and Market Analysis - provide an overview of the industry. Describe short-term and long-term trends with evidence, i.e. What are the consumer needs that are not already being met? Describe the characteristics of the market targeted including size and geographic locations. Analyze the competitive forces and what are the competitive advantages of the business. List the suppliers and their reliability.
• The Marketing Plan - describe the product and how it is unique. Describe the pricing strategy and that of the competitors. Outline how the product is distributed and promoted.
• Production Plan - describe the production plan, targets for the first few years, and how quality will be controlled. Identify costs of production.
• Management - describe the members of the management team.
• Personnel - describe staffing needs and availability
• Financial Data - include financial assumptions, cost of goods sold statements, income statements, statements of retained earnings, balance sheets, net present value analysis and financial ratios.
• Plan of Action Schedule
• Risk Assessments - describe the risks involved and a contingency plan.
• Supporting Documents
  This is a very brief description of the business plan. The business plan must be prepared by the parties starting the business, but professional advisors are available for assistance and may become a valuable resource in helping with the process.

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