I believe I have a great idea for a business but no idea how to get it off the ground. I constantly have the phrase “Business don’t plan to fail they fail to plan” ringing in my ears. So with that in mind how do I write a business plan? Are the people/places that can help me write a business plan? Where do I start!?!?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers,
Chris.
Hey Chris
I’ve bought several books that help with the subject – can’t think of the titles at the moment though, look in the Business/management sections of the bookstores.
Also the http://www.ebc.com.au Entrepeneurs Business Centre (something like that) have all sorts of software and folders full of info that they will sell you to help out.
Cheers
MelHi Richo,
Yep, there is plenty of information on the net. Just do a Google search. I am currently using an excellent book called “Writing your plan for small business success” by Ian Birt, publishers are Pearson Education Australia, Unit 4, Level 2, 14 Aquatic Drive, Frenchs Forest NSW 2086; ISBN 1 7400 9301 1. It takes you through the process step by step.
Cheers,
David [
]OPM – use Other People’s Money and learn from Other People’s Mistakes
[email protected]Hmmm seems like we have a few budding entrepeneurs amongst us! Thanks for the responses and I had actaully already stumbled across the Entrepeneurs Business Centre website. Seems like some smart entrepeneur has made a business out of getting other entrepeneurs started! melbear have you bought anything from the EBC website? If so was it worth it? Seemed a little pricey to pay $280 for a guide to writing a business plan… but then again I don’t mind paying if it’s worth it.
Comsol thanks for the book idea, I’ll have a look at that! I also found another website http://www.sbcs.org.au (Small Business Counselling Service). From the website “The SBCS is an Independent non-profit organisation providing experienced volunteer business counsellors, mentors and coaches to Victorian businesses”. Anyone had experiences with them?
Ideally I would like a mentor, someone to bounce ideas off which is why the SBCS option appeals to me. Even before I go there though I still need to draft a business plan, so I guess I’ll pick up a book.
Cheers,
Chris.
Chris
I would start with a book. I must admit, I bought the business plan manual for a friend who was starting in the computing industry. When I read it, I found it hard to fit their example to my situation, but they had some good points. I lent it to another friend – a singer – and i have no idea if she used it or not – I can’t even remember if I got it back. I think I did.
Go the books, at least to start with.
Cheers
MelRicho,
I think a book is the best idea as well. I’ve also come across software that purports to step you through the process and then produce a wonderful business plan at the end but I haven’t actually used any of these. Usually in the $200 to $300 range. I’ve written a couple of business plans now and I know that they require a lot of work and thought. I am happy to offer any assistance I can from my own experiences. If you would like to chat about it, email me on [email protected].
Cheers,
David [
]OPM – use Other People’s Money and learn from Other People’s Mistakes
[email protected]Richo
Here is a great government website http://www.businessaccess.vic.gov.au/web/sbv/sbvsite.nsf/pages/sbvhome
Cheers
Stu
Books are good, however everyone always fails to mention the local library. I don’t know about you but my library (in a small rural town) has books for free and I’ve even found a few that do business plans. (Suprising in a town with about half the population on welfare)
It will give you a starting guide from wich you can then purchase books that may be more topic specific that you know you are interested in.
Josh
Richo,
Here is a great book:
Enterprise & Venture Capital by Chri Golis. Chris runs a VC firm called Nanyang Ventures based in Sydney.
If you want some more ideas, email me directly and i can help you out.
cheers
Hi Chris,
Most states and territories have a business office for people starting up a business for the first time. They will help you with creating a business plan, taxes and also advise you on any grants or fundings that may be available. Another avenue to check is Centre link who run schemes for long term unemployed who want to start a small business. I’ve been on ebc mailing list for a long time and have found their resources quite good. Their prices are hefty and they are also a little too specific in some areas, so choose wisely. Your local or university library will have excellent resources as well.
C2
“Is it true the more you owe the more you grow until the bank steps in?”Hi Richo,
I have exactly what you need. When I started my business I was provided a business plan from a wonderful woman at a business enterprise centre.
The plan includes:Complete business plan and notes on exactly how to complete it.
Financial worksheet with full instructions on how to complete that also.
The plan is in ms word and the financials are in excel and are so easy to use.You don’t want to get this wrong especially if you are looking to apply for business finance.
Email me at [email protected] and I will send it to you.
I got it for free and will pass it on to anybody who needs it.
Good luck with your business.
Scott Leary
http://www.homebuyerconnections.com.auIf you are studying at Melb uni OR you know someone who is studying there, you can try the MUEC (Melb Uni Entrepreneur’s Challenge) which is held annually. When I last checked you need I think at least 30% to have come from uni.
It’s run by the MUE and is sponsored by various companies as well as the state government.
Basically, it’s a competition where you will be allocated mentors to develop a business plan There will also be workshops for the theory side of entrepreneur (entry is free).
If your idea is really good (and i’m sure it is), the first prize is $30,000 + in kind. It’s also an opportunity for venture capitalists to help get your business off the ground. In 2000, the winner (the company sells hearing aids for the deaf, think the company is called Cochrane) actually went public and listed on the ASX.
Unfortunately, the event is over for this year but if you are willing to wait, go join up next year. the website is http://www.muec.org
There’s another competition similiar to this that is held by RMIT but I don’t know much about that competition.
Anyway, hope this helps
Martin
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