(Name of Business) Business Plan
(Name of Business) Business Plan
BUSINESS PLAN
The information contained in this business plan is confidential and proprietary to [NAME OF BUSINESS]
(the “Business”) and is intended only for the persons to whom it is transmitted by the Business or its
representatives. Any reproduction of this document, in whole or in part, or the divulgence of any of its
contents without the prior written consent of the Business, is prohibited.
This is a business plan. It does not imply and shall not be construed as an offering of securities. Persons
interested in pursuing an investment should contact their professional advisors.
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2
Confidentiality Agreement
agrees not to disclose any of such information without the express written permission of
[NAME OF BUSINESS].
this business plan is in all respects confidential in nature (other than such information
which is already in the public domain through other means) and that any disclosure or
use of same by the undersigned may cause serious harm or damage to [NAME OF
BUSINESS].
Signature
Print Name
Date
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Confidentiality Agreement........................................................................................................................................1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..........................................................................................................................................1
The Business.....................................................................................................................................................1
Goals ............................................................................................................................................................1
Target Markets..................................................................................................................................................1
Competition......................................................................................................................................................1
Purpose of the Business Plan............................................................................................................................1
I. BUSINESS INFORMATION......................................................................................................................2
1.1 History................................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Goals & Objectives............................................................................................................................2
1.3 Mission...............................................................................................................................................2
1.4 Keys to Success..................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Risk Factors........................................................................................................................................2
II. THE BUSINESS............................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Background & Structure.....................................................................................................................3
2.2 Facilities & Operations.......................................................................................................................3
2.3 Equipment & Fixtures Required........................................................................................................3
2.4 Outside Consultants and Strategic Alliances.....................................................................................3
2.5 Suppliers.............................................................................................................................................3
2.6 Licenses & Permits.............................................................................................................................3
2.7 S.W.O.T. Analysis..............................................................................................................................4
III. DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTS & SERVICES.....................................................................................6
3.1 Products & Services...........................................................................................................................6
3.2 Future Plans & Opportunities.............................................................................................................6
IV. MARKET ANALYSIS & MARKETING PLAN......................................................................................7
4.1 Industry Analysis................................................................................................................................7
4.2 Target Market.....................................................................................................................................7
4.3 Competitors........................................................................................................................................7
4.4 Competitive Edge...............................................................................................................................8
4.5 Marketing & Promotional Strategy....................................................................................................8
4.6 Pricing Strategy..................................................................................................................................8
4.7 Milestones..........................................................................................................................................9
V. ORGANIZATION OF THE BUSINESS.................................................................................................10
5.1 Management & Staffing...................................................................................................................10
5.2 Accounting & Bookkeeping.............................................................................................................10
VI. FINANCIAL PLAN....................................................................................................................................11
6.1 Important Assumptions....................................................................................................................11
6.2 Start-Up Requirements.....................................................................................................................12
6.3 Sales Forecast...................................................................................................................................13
6.4 Projected Profit and Loss.................................................................................................................13
6.5 Detailed Pricing Strategy.................................................................................................................14
6.6 Projected Cash Flow.........................................................................................................................15
6.7 Projected Balance Sheet...................................................................................................................16
6.8 Business Ratios................................................................................................................................17
APPENDIX “A” [support documents]..................................................................................................................18
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[NAME OF BUSINESS]
BUSINESS PLAN
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
(NOTE: The Executive Summary is the section of the Business plan in which you give an overview of the Business
and highlight the key points and the purpose of your business plan.)
The Business
The Proprietor has targeted _________ as the opening date for the shop. The location of the Business is
_____________. This location is an excellent choice, as it is located near _____________ and allows easy
access and plenty of parking for potential customers.
Besides the Proprietor, the Business will employ ______ full-time employees, and will retain additional
outside contractors as required.
Goals
The Business’s goals are (i) to provide high quality services to our customers; (ii) to generate a profit; and
(iii) to grow at a steady and manageable rate.
Target Markets
Through the Proprietor’s ______ years in the industry, s/he has developed an established clientele who
have indicated that they intend to use the Business for their tailoring needs.
The Business will target professional business people, university and college students, and families and
individuals in the area, with a particular emphasis on special occasions such as weddings and
graduations.
Competition
Competition in the area is limited. The Business’ competitors have failed to meet the public’s demand for
high quality at a fast turnaround rate. The Business can meet this market need, and will leverage this into
a successful business operation.
The purpose of the Business plan is to secure a loan in the amount of $____________________. The loan
proceeds will be used to ____________________ [briefly describe, e.g. to purchase necessary equipment, to lease
suitable space, etc.].
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I. BUSINESS INFORMATION
1.1 History
The Business is a new business registered on ___________ [date] to serve the tailoring and alterations
needs of the __________________ area. The Business has no prior business history.
The Business’s long-term goals are (i) to provide high quality tailoring services to our customers in an
efficient and expedient manner, so as to encourage repeat business and create a loyal customer base; (ii)
to generate sufficient profits to finance future growth and to provide the resources necessary to achieve
the other objectives of the Business and its owner; and (iii) to grow at a steady and manageable rate.
The short-term objective is to start up the Business in time to meet the projected opening date.
1.3 Mission
The mission of the Business is to provide the ____________ area with high quality tailoring and clothing
alteration services, at a reasonable price and with a faster turnaround time than our competitors. In this
way, the Business will provide customer satisfaction and generate enough repeat customers to provide a
stable client base and generate sufficient profits to meet the needs of the Business and the financial goals
of the owner.
The Business has identified the following risk factors which could hamper its success:
The Business will be a sole proprietorship, owned and operated by ___________, the Proprietor, who has
______ years experience as a tailor / seamstress. While initially a sole proprietorship, incorporation may
be explored as a later option. The Business will operate under the trade name “_________”.
The tailoring and alterations business entails custom tailoring, mending and altering clothing, and sewing
of non-clothing items such as draperies, bedding, linens, etc.
The Proprietor has targeted _________ as the opening date for the shop. The location of the Business is
_____________. This location is an excellent choice, as it is located near _____________ and allows easy
access and plenty of parking for potential customers.
The Business will occupy approximately ________ square feet in the ________ Building. The premises will
require some remodeling before the Business can open, including the construction of two dressing rooms.
Remodeling is expected to take approximately ____ weeks. A blueprint of the completed premises is
included in the Appendix.
Business hours will be ______ AM to _______ PM Monday to Friday, and _____ AM to _____ PM on
Saturdays. The Business will be closed Sundays and holidays.
The Business requires certain equipment, including ___ regular sewing machines, a serger, a hemming
machine, dress forms, and a heavy-duty sewing machine. The Proprietor currently owns
_________________ [list equipment owned], and will contribute these to the Business.
The operation will also require a cash register, a computer system, a telephone system with ___ incoming
lines, fax machine, furniture for the reception area, an office desk and chair, filing cabinets, _____________
[list other equipment and furniture required].
As the Business grows, the Proprietor will hire an outside consultant to handle the bookkeeping.
Accounting will be done by ________________, Chartered Accountant(s). The Business’ legal counsel is
_____________.
[Describe any strategic alliances the Business has developed, such as with suppliers, which are advantageous to the
Business.]
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2.5 Suppliers
The Business will obtain its sewing supplies from ________________________, a sewing supply company
which the Proprietor has dealt with for _____ years.
The following licenses and permits must be obtained before the Business can commence operations:
The following S.W.O.T. analysis sets out the key strengths and weaknesses within the Business, and
describes the opportunities and threats facing the Business.
Strengths
• The Proprietor has ____ years of experience, and already has a customer base of ______
customers. The competitive edge of the Business is our speedy turnaround and high quality
work.
• The Proprietor has an established long-term relationship with __________, the major supplier to
the Business.
• Another strength is the location of the Business, near to a number of retail clothing outlets, with
plenty of parking and easy access from _____________ [name(s) of major street(s)].
• [set out any other strengths the Business has – in covering your strengths be sure to place at least as much
emphasis on marketing as on your products and services, if not more]
Weaknesses
• One weakness of the Business is the Proprietor’s lack of business management experience.
• Another weakness is the fact that the Business is a start-up, and has not established a clientele nor
created brand awareness in the public. The Business has very little collateral, which could
hamper efforts to raise start-up capital.
• The Business will rely heavily on the Proprietor. If the Proprietor becomes ill or is injured, or
otherwise hampered from working for any length of time, the Business may not recover.
Opportunities
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• There is a high demand for quality tailoring and alterations with fast turnaround in the ________
area, and there is currently no business that fills this demand. The competition cannot do the job
in a timely fashion.
• If the Business proves its quality, speed and reliability to customers, this will provide growth
opportunities for the future. The Business could expand its products and services, such as adding
a pick-up and delivery system, or selling unique clothing lines or accessories.
• The Business has the opportunity to contract with other businesses, such as retailers, for
outsourcing their tailoring / alterations to us.
Threats
• The Business faces a threat from its competitors, some of whom offer lower prices. Our prices
reflect a higher level of quality and a faster turnaround time, however, as several of our
competitors are larger established businesses, they may seek to drive customers away from our
door to theirs by offering cut-rate prices.
• The financial plan must be well thought out and organized or the Business could fail. This risk is
amplified due to the fact that the Proprietor will primarily run the business, and is currently
lacking in business management skills.
The Business will offer the following products and services, which will initially be provided exclusively
by the Business’ owner, and will be reasonably but competitively priced:
The Business does not currently offer pick-up or delivery. Customers are responsible for dropping off and
picking up all items. For guaranteed turnaround jobs, items must be dropped off by a specified time and
date.
[discuss how you plan to expand in future, and what you see as future opportunities for the Business to expand,
grow and develop]
The Business plans to add a pick-up and delivery service, for an additional fee, in future.
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[you will need to do some market research to determine the state of the industry, and to give an overview of the
current market and factors which could affect the market, either positively or negatively (such as consumer buying
patterns, seasonal fluctuations, economic factors, etc)]
According to __________ [quote your sources], the national average annual spend on laundry and garment
services in _______ [year] was approximately $_________ per household. This has increased by _____%
per year over the last ___ years. Recent surveys have found that in general, women are more likely to pay
for alterations than men.
The population of __________ is currently ________ permanent residents, with ____% of the population
having an average household income of $__________ per year. About _______ students attend local
colleges and universities.
[again, market research is a valuable source of information for identifying and profiling the demographics of your
target market, and for determining the growth factors of each market segment in your target market]
The Business will target five market segments: professional people, businesses, students, organizations,
and weddings.
Professionals. This segment includes business professionals who purchase high-end clothing and who are
typically in a higher income bracket. Professionals require a full range of services. Premium service rates
will be offered when speed is essential. This is the segment that will provide the most steady business for
custom tailoring.
Businesses. This segment is comprised of businesses that sell clothing, offer alterations, or need clothing
repaired, and will include (i) competitors who need to outsource jobs due to heavy workloads, (ii) tuxedo
rental shops, and (iii) high-end clothing stores that require additional help.
Students. This segment includes high school, college and university students who attend formal events
and require fittings, tailoring and alterations for evening wear.
Organizations. This segment includes choirs, bands, sports teams and other groups which wear uniforms
that require sewing or alterations on a regular basis.
Weddings. In _____ [year], there were ___ marriages recorded in _______. The high number of weddings
provides an opportunity for substantial work in sewing and altering gowns and tuxedos for the wedding
parties.
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4.3 Competitors
[list the types of competitors, identify the strengths and weaknesses of each type, name some of the major
competitors in your area, and set out the market share these competitors currently own. Useful sources of
information can be your local Chamber of Commerce publications, business directories and the Yellow Pages.]
The Business’ main competition will come from two principal sources, dry cleaning shops and other
independent tailors / seamstresses. Some of the larger clothing outlets, such as ______________, also offer
these services, but only with purchases. They are therefore not being considered as competitors, as they
do not offer services to the general public.
[Describe your main competitors of both types, with strengths and weaknesses of each.]
The quality of work and the _______ years of experience that the Proprietor brings to the Business are the
cornerstones of the Business’ competitive edge. Speed is also an important factor, and the fact turnaround
that will be offered by the Business will set it apart from the competition.
The Business will put together a brochure outlining our services, for an initial mailout and distribution to
target customers along with an introductory cover letter, and print stationery and business cards
featuring our logo. The Business will also advertise in traditional print media, including newspapers,
local business publications and Yellow Pages advertising.
Several types of promotions will be used to reach the target markets, including offering discounts for
special events (Grand Opening specials, Christmas, graduations, etc.).
A powerful marketing tool for the Business will be word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.
This highlights the importance of consistently providing timely and high-quality service, and of
communicating effectively with our customers and ensuring that we meet their needs and expectations.
The Business will also utilize networking techniques to develop referrals and new customer leads.
Ultimately, our best marketing strategy will be in guaranteeing customer satisfaction.
The Business will use specific marketing approaches for the target markets we have identified.
Professionals. To reach this market, the Business will buy a [quarter/half/whole] page ad in the Yellow
Pages, and will also advertise in the Chamber of Commerce publication and __________ [list any other
local business publications]. We will pursue strategic relationships with clothing retailers who do not offer
alterations, who will refer their customers to us at the time of purchase, if alterations are required. We
will also offer promotional discounts to customers referred to us by these retailers, which will be
beneficial to both businesses.
Businesses. In working with other tailoring / alterations businesses, the Business will offer pick-up and
delivery service, as well as guaranteed turnaround. The primary means of promotion for this target
market will be discounts.
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Students. Promotions will be conducted in the schools, generally in the form of handouts or fliers
containing a discount coupon. The Business will also cultivate relationships with stores that sell formal
wear, in order to have customers recommended to us following purchase of evening wear.
Organizations. Marketing aimed at this target market will take the form of mailouts setting out our special
bulk rates, speedy turnaround times, and high quality service.
Weddings. Promotions for this market segment will consist of seasonal ads in the local newspapers,
beginning around Easter and continuing through the summer and early fall, in order to coincide with the
“wedding season”. We will also advertise at local trade shows which feature wedding apparel, and will
cultivate relationships with wedding planners, offering discounts to their clients in return for a
recommendation.
We will offer premium rates for guaranteed turnaround. For ___-day completion, the increased rate will
be ___% above the regular rate. For next day service, the increase will be ___% over the regular rate.
A more detailed breakdown of the pricing strategy is set out in Section VI.
4.7 Milestones
The Business has identified the following key implementation milestones. It is important to accomplish
each one on time and on budget.
Other
TOTAL: $
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At the outset, the Proprietor will perform most of the customer fittings, and will also handle the day-to-
day operations for the Business. Besides the Proprietor, the Business will employ ______ part-time sewing
staff, and will retain additional outside contractors as required.
As the Business expands, the other sewing staff will be employed on a full-time basis.
At the outset, the Proprietor will handle the day-to-day bookkeeping. At such time as the volume and
complexity of the Business operations warrants it, a part-time or full-time bookkeeper will be hired. The
accounting firm of ___________ will file quarterly income reports and year-end financial statements.
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The projections in this Section are based on certain general assumptions, as set out in the table below.
The Business will require a start-up loan in the amount of $__________, to cover the cost of equipment,
renovations, supplies and additional expenses, as set out in the table below.
START-UP EXPENSES
Legal costs $###.##
Stationery & office supplies
Renovations
Accounting fees
Insurance
Rent
Supplies
Equipment & furniture
Other
Total Start-Up Expenses
Start-Up Assets Required
Cash Balance on Starting Date
Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Long-term Assets
Total Assets
TOTAL REQUIREMENTS
FUNDING
Owner Investment
Other
Total Investment
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Current Borrowing
Other Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Long-term Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
LOSS AT START-UP
TOTAL CAPITAL
TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES
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Sales forecast figures are based on industry figures for the typical growth of a start-up tailoring /
seamstress business and reflect repeat business generated through meeting customer needs. The sales
forecast below shows projections for the first three years. All forecasts represent the Proprietor’s
estimated weekly volumes, with an estimate of 30 average weeks ($_______/week), 11 better than average
weeks (average plus __%), and 11 lower than average weeks (average less ___%).
Other
Total Sales
Direct Cost of Sales
Other
Total Direct Cost of Sales
OPERATING EXPENSES
Sales and Marketing and Other Expenses
Owner draw
Payroll
Depreciation
Leased Equipment
Utilities
Insurance
Rent
Payroll Taxes
Other
Total Operating Expenses
Profit before interest and taxes
Interest Expense
Taxes Incurred
Net Profit
Net Profit / Sales
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Tailoring:
[list items]
- 17 -
EXPENDITURES
Expenditures from Operations
Cash Spending
Payment of Accounts Payable
Subtotal Spent on Operations
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets
Accumulated Depreciation
Total Long-term Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
Long-term Liabilities
TOTAL LIABILITIES
CAPITAL
Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Earnings
TOTAL CAPITAL
APPENDIX “A”
[support documents]
(NOTE: Include such things as resumes of principals, financial statements, copy of the lease, press clippings, budgets,
market research, all other relevant documentation)