Creating a Business Plan - Global Ecovillage Network

Description of Challenge

Many businesses fail before completing the first 2 years of existence, often becuase of a lack of
clarity relating to purpose, structure, management and overall planning.

“If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan not the goal.” Author unkown.

Solution

Create a Business Plan that is as simple or as complicated as desired.
The main aim of a business plan is to create a clear view of the objectives of the business and
how to attain them. This will ensure that everyone who is collaborating with its implementation has
a clear view of the direction.
There are many examples and templates of Business Plans online. Pick the one you feel is most
appropriate for your organization.
Social enterprises tend to be resourceconstrained organizations, so they can particularly benefit
from a business plan to communicate effectively with their stakeholders, including funders or
investors, customers, community, board, employees and volunteers.

References:
https://www.gov.uk/writebusinessplan Retrieved March 27, 2015.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessplan/index.html Retrieved March 27, 2015.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_plan Retrieved March 27, 2015.
http://www.marsdd.com/marslibrary/businessplansforsocialenterprisesseandsocialbusiness
es/ Retrieved March 27, 2015.
http://www.candocareersolutions.ca Retrieved March 27, 2015.
Handout: Business Planning questionnaire
Business Plan Template

Submitted by Nara