4 Reasons for Developing a Business Plan A business/organisation may develop a business plan for the following reasons:
1. To raise finance: A business will need a plan when applying for a loan or a grant.
2. To identify strengths and potential weaknesses: A business will need to assess their strengths, e.g. their product, or weaknesses, e.g. location.
3. To communicate: A business will need to communicate important information to the various stakeholders.
4. To measure success: A business will need to measure how well the business is achieving its objectives.
Who Looks at a Business Plan?
1. Financial institutions: When the business is looking for a loan, the financial institution would check their business plan to see if they have done their research on their target market and checked financial viability.
2. Government agencies: Government agencies which promote entrepreneurship require business plans, especially if the business is seeking a grant.
Examples:
• Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) – support small businesses.