Business plan
Keep it short and specific. A funder reads the summary first and the numbers second — make both count.
1. Executive summary
Write this last. One page: what the business does, who it serves, why it will work, how much money you need and what it is for.
Business name:
Registration number:
Owners and shareholding:
Location:
Amount needed and use of funds:
2. The business
- What you sell, and the problem it solves for customers
- Stage: idea, started, trading (since when), growing
- Legal form: sole proprietor, (Pty) Ltd, partnership, co-operative
- B-BBEE level or EME status
3. The market
- Who your customers are — be specific (type, size, location)
- How many of them there are, and how you know
- Competitors: who they are, what they charge, why customers would choose you
- Trends that help or threaten you
4. Marketing and sales
- How customers will find you (channels)
- Pricing and how it compares
- Sales process: from first contact to payment
- Sales targets for the first year
5. Operations
- Premises, equipment and suppliers
- How the work gets done, day to day
- Licences, permits and registrations you need
- Key risks and how you will manage them
6. Team
- Owners and managers: experience relevant to this business
- Staff you have and will hire
- Advisers: accountant, attorney, mentor
7. Financials
- Start-up costs (once-off)
- 12-month cash flow forecast (use the cash flow template)
- Projected income statement for 3 years
- Break-even point: how much you must sell to cover costs
- Your own contribution, and the funding you are asking for
8. Attachments
- CIPC registration documents
- SARS tax compliance status
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months)
- CVs of owners
- Quotes for equipment you plan to buy