Planning - fitforfunding.uk

Introduction: What is a Business Plan?

Today, groups like community associations must be more open and organized, like businesses. Funding organizations often ask for a business plan.

Simply put, a business plan shows how you will turn your goals (vision) into reality.

There's no single perfect format. You should customize your plan to fit your organization and the specific requirements of the people who might fund you.
This guide gives you a basic template that you can adjust.

Building Your Business Plan

A business plan concentrates on the actions, systems, and abilities needed to reach your organization's mission and goals.

The Main Questions Your Plan Should Answer:

A typical business plan will provide the answers to these key questions:

Who are we?
What is our purpose?
What do we do, and how do we do it?
Where are we now, and what is our goal?
How will we get to our goal?
What resources (money, people, etc.) do we need, and where will we find them?
How will we know if we are successful or on the right path?

Why Write a Business Plan?

A business plan serves several important purposes17:

It shows funders/partners that you have a clear plan, know how to achieve it, and understand the resources you need18.
It lets your group think through your activities, methods, and resource needs together19. The planning process itself can help generate ideas, solve problems, and build better working relationships.
It helps you plan for growth and change.
It offers a framework to guide your development.

Tip: It is most useful and productive to develop the plan as a group, as this promotes group ownership and knowledge of the plan.

Preparing to Write the Plan

Before writing, an organization should ideally conduct a feasibility study for any new development. This study gathers information on the need for the development and its likelihood of success.
The information from a good feasibility study will directly feed into the business plan and help you explain why there is a need for your project when applying for funding.
You should gather existing documents like your constitution (for objectives), accounts (for financial forecasts), and feedback/monitoring data (for evaluation and service changes).

Key Points About the Content

Planning is a continuous process of setting goals, not a restriction.
The business plan is the main way to convince funders or partners that your proposal can work.
The content should be easy and quick to understand.
The main text should be no longer than 8-10 pages, with extra details in appendices.
Think of the plan as a marketing tool for prospective funders. It must be honest, clear, and deliver information briefly.
The plan focuses on the 'how' (the next steps), not the 'why' (the big vision).
The core structure includes the executive summary, an action plan, and the financial forecasts.

What to Include in Each Section

Heading	Guidance (What to Ask)	Content (What to Write)
Executive Summary	Write this section last.	A clear, simple summary of your strengths, expected income/profit for year one, and the main focus of your activities, including any fundraising.
The Business	What are the organization's goals and values? How did it start? What services exist now? What is motivating this new step?	A clear statement of your aims, purpose, and values (check this matches your constitution). A brief history. A description of current services (who they are for, who provides them, how they are funded).
	What is the legal setup? What will the income/profit be? What assets do you have? What funding is/will be available?	Details on your legal structure (e.g., progress with Companies House or the Charity Commission). Summary financial figures (details like Profit & Loss go in appendices).
The Product	What are you selling? Avoid technical language. Why would customers buy it? What are the key features and benefits? Who are the customers?	Simply describe the product(s) or service(s) you plan to offer. Explain the customer needs you are meeting.
The Market	Who will buy the service? What research did you do? Who is the competition? What makes you special (Unique Selling Point)? Are there challenges to entering the market?	Explain your target audience (direct and indirect buyers). Present research (primary and secondary), estimate demand, and justify your estimate. Detail your competitors and your Unique Selling Point. If there are market challenges, explain what they are and how you will overcome them.
Marketing Plan	What are your marketing goals (quantifiable, measurable, achievable)? How will you use the 4 Ps (Product, Place, Price, and Promotion) to meet these goals?	A plan for reaching your objectives, using the elements of Product, Place, Price, and Promotion.
Management and Organisation	Do you have the right management structure and skills in place?	Outline the key points that show you have the people, strengths, experience, and skills to make the business work.
Service Provision	How will you deliver the services?	Describe the method of providing/delivering the services.
Premises	What buildings/spaces will you need?	Describe the premises and include details on licenses, health & safety, planning permission, and any required building work.
Financial Requirements	How much money is needed, and where will it come from?	Cash flow forecasts to prove the business can survive, cover costs, and eventually reach the point where income equals costs (break even).
Risks		A table listing the risks, their importance (high/medium/low), and your plan to reduce them. You may also include a 'Sensitivity analysis' (asking 'what if' questions).
Implementation plan		An action plan or schedule with timescales and assigned tasks. This should also include a commitment to an annual review of the business plan.
Appendices	Keep these brief!	You must include: legal documents like your constitution and key policies (e.g., Health & Safety, Safeguarding). Quotations for equipment and building work. You may also include a copy of your primary research questionnaires and photographs.