Business Plan (?)

[thebeginning]

I'm about to apply for an Entrepreneurship degree (a rather selective one), and I'd like to have a business plan to show to be a step ahead.

I've never written one out before (at least a formal, long-term one), and I'm wondering if there are any Portrait/Wedding Studio-related specifics that would be important to have.

Anyone have any tips?


I sound like a total beginner, but I'm not completely clueless...just thought I'd ask here before I finish :)

Thanks!

[J Eddington]

See if this will help.
Commercial Photography Startup Business Plan
Executive Summary
o Mission or Vision Statement
o Concept (description of how the business will work)
o Costs and Capitalization (startup budget indicating amount of money requested)
o Current situation
o Key success factors (what will contribute to or lead to early profitability)
o Milestones
o Exit Strategy (how and when investors or lenders will be paid back)

Market Analysis
o Industry description
o Target Market and customers
o Customer characteristics
o Customer needs
o Customer buying decisions
Competitive Analysis
o Nature and number of competitors
o Changes in the industry (e.g., digital content vs film)
o Opportunities
o Key strengths
o Threats and risks
Marketing Plan
o Marketing Strategy
o Sales alliances
o Service
o Publicity
o Promotions and incentives
o Advertising
o Trade Shows
o Lectures and seminars
Overall Strategy and Execution
o Structure of business
o Operating timetable
o Ownership ( include partners or other investors)
o Management (if there are partners, or mentors, etc)
o Personal Resume
o Locations and facilities
o Employees
o Description of products and services (including portfolio)
o Growth: Future products and services
o Literature, Promotions and Brochures
o Implementation (how you will fulfill assignments and requests)
Financial Projections
o Assumptions and comments
o Starting Balance sheet (personal balance indicating what your assets and debts are, I.E. Net worth)
o Break-even analysis
o Profit and loss projection
o Cash flow projection
o Balance sheet projection
o Ration and analysis (including Return on Investment)
o Appendix ( contains your portfolio, press clippings and promo materials