How can I get free help with producing a businesss plan?
I'm involved in a not-for-profit organisation in the arts & music sector. I need a business plan but, as we make no profit, I can't pay for this. Does anyone know of business schools or colleges in London or the south east who allow students to take on such projects as part of a final year business project or thesis? Thanks.
3 Answers
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Hi Paul,
As a 3rd sector organisation there is quite a bit of help out there to assist you with your business model and strategy. However the plan is intimately bound to your business and the act of writing it is an important part of planning. I'd strongly suggest that, having sought all necessary advice, your business plan is something that you have to write yourself. You might find these links useful:
- http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/resources_for_social_enterprises
- http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/what_is_a_social_enterprise
- http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/nuts_and_bolts_of_business_plans
- http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk/content/purpose_of_business_plan
- http://timberry.bplans.com/2009/12/rant-about-ready-made-business-plan-products.html
Phin
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Hi Paul,
In addition to Phin's advice, I'd recommend contacting either your local Business Link or enterprise agency (in my neck of the woods in the North East, we have an agency that specialises in providing help to not-for-profite organisations), as they may have blank templates that you can use as a guide (and I'd emphasise, as a guide only, as there's no 'one size fits all'!) to help you produce your own plan. In particular, I'd ask if they have a cashflow forecast template, as most people struggle more with the financial projections than with the written section of their plan. An adviser should also be able to review your plan and suggest ways to improve it, but won't usually write it for you.
Good luck,
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Good day Paul
I have just started developing a brand new section on my website that provides a set of questions that will give you your Business Plan They are in the form of PDF downloads. As Lee mentioned you will get free help from your local Enterprise Agency (contact Business Link) This section on my website is what Thurrock Enterprise Agency went through with me over a 4 week course, one day a week. Please check the link Maybe a browse through or superficial attempt at answering these questions may save you time with your first meeting with your Enterprise?
http://www.cleoscat.co.uk/business/index.htm
I hope it helps. Any problems or helpful advice/criticisms would be appreciated.
Cheers
Prem
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