Step 3 Business Plan Template

business.gov.
au
Business Plan template
A good business plan can help you secure finance, define the direction of your business
and create strategies to achieve your goals. The business.gov.au Business Plan template
steps you through the process of creating a solid, well-structured plan tailored to your
business.
Copies of the latest version of this template and the guide can be downloaded from
www.business.gov.au/businessplan.
If you need further information, assistance or referral about a business issue, please
contact business.gov.au on 13 28 46.
Using this template
Before you complete this business plan template and start using it, consider the
following:
1. Do your research. You will need to make quite a few decisions about your
business including structure, marketing strategies and finances before you can
complete the template. By having the right information to hand you also can be
more accurate in your forecasts and analysis.
2. Determine who the plan is for. Does it have more than one purpose? Will it be
used internally or will third parties be involved? Deciding the purpose of the plan
can help you target your answers. An assessment panel is involved, what are they
interested in? Although don’t assume they are just interested in the finance part of
your business. They will be looking for the whole package.
3. Do not attempt to fill in the template from start to finish. First decide which
sections are relevant for your business and set aside the sections that don’t apply.
You can always go back to the other sections later.
4. Use the [italicised text]. The italicised text is there to help guide you by
providing some more detailed questions you may like to answer when preparing
your response. Please note: If a question does not apply to your circumstances it
can be ignored.
5. Download the Business Plan Guide. The business plan guide contains general
advice on business planning, a complete overview of the business plan template
and a glossary explaining the main terms used throughout this template.
6. Get some help. If you aren’t confident in completing the plan yourself, you can
enlist the help of a professional (i.e. Single Business Service, Business Enterprise
Centre, business adviser, or accountant) to look through your plan and provide you
with advice. For example Business Enterprise Centre NT:
http://www.becnt.com.au/
7. Actual vs. expected figures. Include actual figures in the plan. If an element of
your business is just starting out and you are using expected figures for turnover
and finances you will need to clearly show that these are expected figures or
estimates.
8. Write your summary last. Use as few words as possible. You want to get to the
point but not overlook important facts. This is also your opportunity to sell yourself.
But don’t overdo it. You want to be able to quickly read your plan, find it realistic
and be motivated by what they read.
9. Review. Review. Review. Your business plan is there to make a good impression.
Errors will only detract from your professional image. So ask a number of impartial
people to proofread your final plan.
For advice and examples on how to complete this template, please download the
business.gov.au Business Plan guide from www.business.gov.au/businessplan.
Scan to watch our business planning video:

[INSERT YOUR BUSINESS LOGO]
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Business Name]
[Main Business Address]
ABN: [ABN]
ACN: [ACN]
[Business Name]
Business Plan
Prepared: [Date prepared]

Contents
Business Plan template.......................................................................................1
Using this template.............................................................................................2
Business Plan Summary......................................................................................5

The Business.................................................................................................5
The Market....................................................................................................5
The Future.....................................................................................................5
The Finances..................................................................................................6
The Business.......................................................................................................7
Business details.............................................................................................7
Registration details.........................................................................................7
Business premises..........................................................................................7
Organisation chart..........................................................................................7
Management & ownership...............................................................................8
Key personnel................................................................................................8
Project Slate..................................................................................................9
Innovation...................................................................................................10
Insurance....................................................................................................10
Risk management.........................................................................................11
Legal considerations......................................................................................11
Operations...................................................................................................11
The Market........................................................................................................13
Market research...........................................................................................13
Market targets..............................................................................................13
Your customers/audience...............................................................................13
S.W.O.T. analysis.........................................................................................14
Your competitors..........................................................................................15
Advertising & sales.......................................................................................16
The Future........................................................................................................18
Vision statement..........................................................................................18
Mission statement.........................................................................................18
Goals/objectives...........................................................................................18
Action plan to achieve Goals/objectives...........................................................18
The Finances.....................................................................................................19
Key objectives & financial review....................................................................19
Assumptions................................................................................................19
Business Costs for [YEAR]..............................................................................20
Balance sheet forecast..................................................................................21
Profit and loss forecast..................................................................................22
Expected cash flow.......................................................................................23
Supporting documentation................................................................................25
Business Plan Summary
[Please complete this page last]
[Your business summary should be no longer than a page and should focus on why your
business is going to be successful. Your answers below should briefly summarise your
more detailed answers provided throughout the body of this plan.]
The Business
Business name: [Enter your business name as registered in your state/territory. If you
have not registered your business name, add your proposed business name.]
Business structure: [Sole trader, partnership, trust, company.]
ABN: [Registered Australian business number.]
ACN: [Registered Australian company number, if applicable.]
Business location: [Main business location]
Date established: [The date you started trading.]
Business owner(s): [List all of the business owners.]
Relevant owner experience: [Briefly outline your experience and/or years in the
industry and any major achievements/awards.]
Products/services: [What products/services are you selling? What is the anticipated

demand for your products/services?]
The Market
Target market:
[Who are you selling to? Why would they buy your products/services over others?]
Marketing strategy:
[How do you plan to enter the market? How do you intend to attract customers? How
and why will this work?]
The Future
Vision statement:
[The vision statement briefly outlines your future plan for the business. It should state
clearly what your overall goals for the business are.]
Goals/objectives:
[What are your short & long term goals? What activities will you undertake to meet
them?]
The Finances
[Briefly outline how much profit you intend on making in a particular timeframe. How
much money will you need up-front? Where will you obtain these funds? What portion
will you be seeking from other sources? How much of your own money are you
contributing towards the business?]
The Business
Business details
Products/services: [What products/services are you selling? What is the anticipated
demand for your products/services?]
Registration details
Business name: [Enter your business name as registered in your state/territory. If you
have not registered your business name, add your proposed business name.]
Trading name(s): [Registered trading name(s).]
Date registered: [Date business name registered.]
Location(s) registered: [State(s) you are registered in.]
Business structure: [Sole trader, partnership, trust, company.]
ABN: [Registered Australian Business Number.]
ACN: [Registered Australian Company Number, if applicable.]
GST: [Are you registered for Goods and Services Tax? Date registered?]
Domain names: [Registered domain names.]
Licences & permits: [List all the licences or permits you have registered]
Business premises
Business location: [Describe the location and space occupied/required. What is the size
of the space you occupy/require? Which city or town? Where in relation to
landmarks/main areas? If you have a retail business, where are you in relation to other
shops? What is the retail traffic like?]
Buy/lease: [If you have purchased a business premises or are currently leasing, briefly
outline the arrangements. If you are still looking for a lease, outline your commercial
lease requirements and any utilities/facilities required.]
Organisation chart
[Outline your business structure in an organisation chart.]
Figure 1: Example Organisation Chart.
Management & ownership

Names of owners: [List all of the business owners.]
Details of management & ownership: [As the owner(s), will you be running the
business or will a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) be running the business on your behalf?
What will be your involvement? If it is a partnership briefly outline % share, role in the
business, the strengths of each partner and whether you have a partnership
agreement/contract in place?]
Experience: [What experience do the business owner(s) have? How many years have
you owned or run a business? List any previous businesses owned/managed. List any
major achievements/projects/awards. What other relevant experience do you have?
Don’t forget to attach your resume(s) to the back of your plan.]
Key personnel
Current staff
[List your current staff in the table below.]

Job Title Name Expected staff Skills or strengths
turnover
[e.g. Marketing/ [Insert [12-18 months] [Relevant qualifications in

Sales Manager] name] Sales/Marketing. At least 5 years
experience in the industry. Award
in marketing excellence.]


Job Title Name Expected staff Skills or strengths
turnover

Required staff
[List your required staff in the table below.]

Job Title Quantity Expected Skills necessary Date required
staff
turnover
[e.g. [1] [2-3 years] [Relevant credits in [Month/Year]

Developme narrative content. At
nt least 4 years experience.]
Manager]
[e.g. [1] [2-3 years] [Relevant qualifications in [Month/Year]

Production Office Management. At
Co- least 2 years experience.]
Ordinator]
Recruitment options
[How do you intend on obtaining your required staff? Advertising in the local paper,
online advertising, and/or training current staff members?]
Training programs
[Are there any training programs you will be organising in the event you cannot find the
required skills? Are these in-house or external providers? What training will you as the
business owner/manager undertake to keep your skills current?]
Skill retention strategies
[What procedural documentation will you provide to ensure the skills of staff are
maintained? Do you have an appropriate allocation of responsibilities? How are
responsibilities documented and communicated to staff? What internal processes will you
implement to regularly check that the current skills of staff members are still appropriate
for the business?]
Project Slate
Product/Project Description Budget
[Product/service [Brief product/service description] [Price including

name] GST]

name] GST]
Product/Project Description Budget

name] GST]

name] GST]
Market position: [Where do your products/services fit in the market? Are they high-
end, competitive or budget? How does this compare to your competitors?]
Unique selling position: [How will your products/services succeed in the market where
others may have failed? What gives your products/services the edge?]
Anticipated demand: [What is the anticipated quantity of products/services your

customers are likely to purchase? For example, how much will an individual customer
buy in 6 months or 12 months?]
Pricing strategy: [Do you have a particular pricing strategy? Why have you chosen this
strategy?]
Value to customer: [How do your customers view your products/services? Are they a
necessity, luxury or something in between?]
Growth potential: [What is the anticipated percentage growth of the product in the
future? What will drive this growth?]
Innovation
Research & development (R&D)/innovation activities
[What R&D activities will you implement to encourage innovation in your business? What
financial and/or staff resources will you allocate?]
Intellectual property strategy
[How do you plan to protect your IP? Do you have confidentiality agreements in place?
Entertinmain Lawyer?]
Insurance
Workers compensation: [Provide details if you have workers compensation insurance?
This is mandatory if you have employees.]
Public liability insurance: [Provide details if you have public liability insurance? This
covers any third party death or injury.]
Professional indemnity: [Provide details if you have professional indemnity insurance?

This covers any legal action taken out as a result of your professional advice.]
Product liability: [Provide details if you have product liability insurance? This covers
any legal action taken out as a result of injury, damage or death from your product.]
Business assets: [Provide details if you have insured your business assets in the event
of a fire, burglary, or damage? For example: building, contents, motor vehicles.]
Business revenue: [Provide details if you have insured your business in the event of
business interruption where you cannot trade because of a particular event and are
unable to make money?]
Risk management
[List the potential risks (in order of likelihood) that could impact your business.]
Risk Likelihood Impact Strategy
[Description of the risk [Highly Unlikely, [High, [What actions will you take
and the potential impact to Unlikely, Likely, Medium, to minimise/mitigate the
your business.] Highly Likely] Low] potential risk to your
business?]
business?]
business?]
business?]
Legal considerations
[List the legislation which will have some impact on the running of your business. For
example: consumer law, business law, or specific legislation to your industry.]
Operations
Production process
[What is the process involved in producing your products or services. This process will
vary depending on your product or service. Here are some examples of questions you
may consider. Is there a manufacturing process? Who is involved in the process? Are
there any third parties involved? What is involved in delivering the service to your
customers?]
Suppliers
[Who are your main suppliers? What do they supply to your business? How will you
maintain a good relationship with them?]
Equipment Purchase date Purchase Running
price cost
[e.g Personal Computer] [eg. [e.g $2100] [e.g $100 a

20/03/2010] month]

20/03/2010] month]

20/03/2010] month]

20/03/2010] month]
Inventory
[List your current inventory items in the table below. If you have a substantial inventory,
you may prefer to attach a full inventory list to the back of this business plan.]
Inventory item Unit price Quantity in Total cost
stock
[e.g flour] [e.g [e.g Five [e.g

$5.00kg] kilograms] $25.00]



Technology (Software): [What technology do you require? For example: website,

point of sale software or accounting package? What will be the main purpose for each?
Will they be off-the-shelf or purpose built? What is the estimated cost of each technology
solution?]
Trading hours: [What are your trading hours? What are your expected peak trading
times? Which times do you expect to be more profitable? How will this change over
different seasons? How do your trading hours accommodate these changes?]
Communication channels: [How can your customers get in contact with you? These
channels can include: telephone (landline/mobile), post box, shopfront, email, fax,
internet blog or social media channel.]
Payment types accepted: [What payment types will you accept. cash, credit, cheque,
gift cards, Paypal etc]
Quality control: [Describe your quality control process. What checks or balances do you
have in place to ensure the product or service you offer is produced to the same
standard of quality? What steps do you take to meet product safety standards?]
Memberships & affiliations: [Is your business a member of any particular industry
association or club? Do you have any affiliations with any other organisation?]
The Market
Market research
[What statistical research have you completed to help you analyse your market? Did you
use a survey/questionnaire? If so, you may like to attach a copy of your
survey/questionnaire to the back of this plan.]
Market targets
[Outline your planned sales targets. What quantity of your products/services do you plan
to sell in a planned timeframe? Are they monthly or yearly targets?]
Your customers/audience
Customer/audience demographics
[Define who your target customers are and how they behave. You can include age,
gender, social status, education and attitudes.]
Key customers (include broadcasters, distributors etc.)
[Identify your key customers. (These can be large consumers of your products or
individuals whose satisfaction is key to the success of your business.) How will you target
your products/service to them?]
Customer management
[How will you maintain a good relationship with your customers? What techniques will
you use? How will you keep your customers coming back? Have you introduced customer
service standards? Do you follow any particular code of practice?]
[Business Name] Business Plan [YEAR]
S.W.O.T. analysis
[List each of your businesses strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats in the table below and then outline how you plan to address
each of the weaknesses/threats.]
Strengths Weaknesses
[e.g High rental costs]
Opportunities Threats
[e.g Cash flow problems]
Page 14
Your competitors
[How do you rate against your competitors? How can your business improve on what they offer?]
Competitor details
[List at least 5 competitors in the table below.]

Competitor Established Size Market Value to Strengths Weaknesses
date share (%) customers
[Competitor [When were [Number of [Estimated [Unique value to [What are your [What are your
name] they staff and/or percentage customers. E.g. competitor's main competitor's main
established?] turnover] of market convenience, strengths?] weaknesses?]
share] quality, price or
service?]
service?]
service?]
service?]
service?]
Page 15
Advertising & sales

Advertising & promotional strategy
[What strategies do you have for promoting and advertising your products/services in the next 12 months?]
Planned promotion /advertising type Expected business improvement Cost ($) Target date
[Print media advertising, online [How do you expect it will improve your business success?] [$] [Month/Year]
advertising, mail-out, giveaway, media
release, social media campaign or event.]
Sales & marketing objectives
[Who makes up your sales team? What sales techniques will they use? What tools/material will they use to help sell your
products/services? What sales goals/targets will they meet?]
Unique selling position
[Why do you have an advantage over your competitors? How will your products/services succeed in the market where others may have
failed?]
Sales & distribution channels
ie. International and domestic - theatrical distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, SVOD, online etc.
Page 16
Channel type Products/services Percentage of Advantages Disadvantages

sales (%)
[e.g. International [List all the [What percentage [What advantages are there of [What challenges do you
and domestic products/services sold of overall sales do using this channel for these expect to face using this
theatrical distributors, via this channel] you expect to sell products?] channel? How will you
sales agents, via this channel?] overcome them?]
broadcasters, SVOD,
online etc.]
broadcasters, SVOD,
online etc.]
broadcasters, SVOD,
online etc.]
broadcasters, SVOD,
online etc.]
Page 17
The Future
Vision statement
[What is your business' vision statement? It should briefly outline your future plan for the business and include your overall goals.]
Mission statement
[What is your business' mission statement? I.e. how will you achieve your vision?]
Goals/objectives
[What are your short & long term goals? Should be consistent with your Mini Strategic Plan. What activities will you undertake to meet
them?]
Action plan to achieve Goals/objectives
Milestone Date of expected Person responsible

completion
[What are the business milestones that you need to complete starting from [When do you expect [Who is responsible for
today?] to complete them?] delivering this milestone?]
Page 18
The Finances
Key objectives & financial review
Financial objectives
[List your key financial objectives. These can be in the form of sales or profit targets. You could also list your main financial management
goals such as cost reduction targets.]
Finance required
[How much money up-front do you need? Where will you obtain the funds? What portion will you be seeking from Business Enterprise,
loans, investors, business partners, friends or relatives, venture capital or other government funding (ie. Screen Australia Enterprise
fund)? How much of your own money are you contributing towards the business?].
Assumptions
The financial tables on the subsequent pages are based on the assumptions listed below:
 [List your financial assumptions. These can include interest rates etc.]
Page 19
Business Costs for [YEAR]

[Double-click the table below to enter your details or attach your own \ costing.] Add in additional line items as required.
Page 20
Balance sheet forecast

[Double-click the table below to enter your details or attach your own profit & loss sheet at the back of this business plan] Add in
additional line items as required.
Page 21
Profit and loss forecast

[Double-click the table below to enter your details or attach your own profit & loss sheet at the back of this business plan]
Page 22
Expected cash flow

[Double-click the table below to enter your details or attach your own profit & loss sheet at the back of this business plan] Add in
additional line items as required. Please include Enterprise Grant funding noting that Enterprise Grant funding cannot be utilised for
Capital purchases.
Page 23
Supporting documentation
Attached is my supporting documentation in relation to this business plan. The attached
documents include:
 Slate/Project Details
 Past Awards/Accolades
 2+ years of past financials
 Partnerships/Strategic Relationships/Letters of Interest
 [List all of your attachments here. These may include resumes, inventory list and
any other relevant information].
Page 24

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Scan to watch our business planning video:

Prepared: [Date prepared]

Using this template.............................................................................................2

Business Plan Summary......................................................................................5

Business structure: [Sole trader, partnership, trust, company.]

ABN: [Registered Australian business number.]

ACN: [Registered Australian company number, if applicable.]

Business location: [Main business location]

Date established: [The date you started trading.]

Business owner(s): [List all of the business owners.]

Products/services: [What products/services are you selling? What is the anticipated

Trading name(s): [Registered trading name(s).]

Date registered: [Date business name registered.]

Location(s) registered: [State(s) you are registered in.]

Business structure: [Sole trader, partnership, trust, company.]

ABN: [Registered Australian Business Number.]

ACN: [Registered Australian Company Number, if applicable.]

Domain names: [Registered domain names.]

Management & ownership

[List your current staff in the table below.]

[e.g. Marketing/ [Insert [12-18 months] [Relevant qualifications in

[e.g. Marketing/ [Insert [12-18 months] [Relevant qualifications in

[e.g. Marketing/ [Insert [12-18 months] [Relevant qualifications in

[e.g. Marketing/ [Insert [12-18 months] [Relevant qualifications in

[List your required staff in the table below.]

[e.g. [1] [2-3 years] [Relevant credits in [Month/Year]

[e.g. [1] [2-3 years] [Relevant qualifications in [Month/Year]

Skill retention strategies

[Product/service [Brief product/service description] [Price including

[Product/service [Brief product/service description] [Price including

[Product/service [Brief product/service description] [Price including

[Product/service [Brief product/service description] [Price including

Anticipated demand: [What is the anticipated quantity of products/services your

Intellectual property strategy

Professional indemnity: [Provide details if you have professional indemnity insurance?

[e.g Personal Computer] [eg. [e.g $2100] [e.g $100 a

[e.g Personal Computer] [eg. [e.g $2100] [e.g $100 a

[e.g Personal Computer] [eg. [e.g $2100] [e.g $100 a

[e.g Personal Computer] [eg. [e.g $2100] [e.g $100 a

[e.g flour] [e.g [e.g Five [e.g

[e.g flour] [e.g [e.g Five [e.g

[e.g flour] [e.g [e.g Five [e.g

[e.g flour] [e.g [e.g Five [e.g

Technology (Software): [What technology do you require? For example: website,

Key customers (include broadcasters, distributors etc.)

[e.g High rental costs]

[e.g Cash flow problems]

[List at least 5 competitors in the table below.]

Advertising & sales

Sales & marketing objectives

Unique selling position

Sales & distribution channels

Channel type Products/services Percentage of Advantages Disadvantages

Action plan to achieve Goals/objectives

Milestone Date of expected Person responsible

Business Costs for [YEAR]

Balance sheet forecast

Profit and loss forecast

Expected cash flow