general business plan guidance and advice
This is a PDF document titled "General Business Plan Guidance and Advice.pdf" created in June 2025. It contains detailed written guidance by Jon Down, Ph.D., from the University of Portland, on entrepreneurial success and how to write an early-stage business plan. The content includes practical advice on business planning, key components of a business plan, and principles for business success. It is a structured, instructional text rather than a conversation or dialogue.
Questions this document answers
An early stage business plan should include a description of the business and product/service, customer and marketing strategies, business model and revenue explanation, competitive advantages, competition analysis, operations plan, financial resource requirements, future plans, exit strategy, and information about partners and management. It should be concise and clear, usually not more than 5-10 pages.
Key components are Cover Page and Table of Contents, Executive Summary, Business Description and Model, Industry Background and Market Analysis, Competitive Advantage, Marketing Plan, Operations Plan, Management Summary, Financial Plan, and Appendices with Supporting Material.
Jon Down suggests being clear on how the business will make money, getting to market quickly and cheaply, developing and using a network, managing cash flow carefully, and writing a brief, clear business plan.
Jon Down proposes having passion, enjoying the work while accepting some stress, working hard, being a good partner, moving fast and learning, being honest, and being generous.
The key factors include having a clear money making strategy, launching to market quickly and cheaply, developing and using a professional network, careful cash flow management, writing a brief but clear business plan, having solid partner agreements, and being passionate about the business.